into the skin, causing irritation. Humans can be hosts.

Trombiculidae live in forests and grasslands and are often found in the vegetation of low, damp areas such as berry bushes, orchards, along lakes and streams, as well as drier places where vegetation is low, such as lawns, golf courses, and parks. They are most numerous in early summer when grass, weeds, and other vegetation is heaviest. They are relatives of ticks and are nearly microscopic, measuring 400 um (1/60 of an inch) and have a chrome-orange