This is a remedy I used on Max for Berry Bugs in the summer, and it worked. Below is an excerpt from the site I found it on.
Harvest Mites
There are several mite species that may annoy animals and humans directly, especially during the late summer and autumn. They tend to be found in areas of grassland and cornfields.
Their larvae have various local names such as:
Harvest mites
Harvest bugs
Harvesters
Berry bugs
Bracken bugs
Chiggers
in Ireland, Orange-tawneys
the minute, reddish larvae, which are the size of a pin head, suck the lymph and blood of humans and other mammals.
They puncture the skin and inject a substance that dissolves the skin tissue to form a kind of feeding-tube. Their bites produce small spots that itch intensely and are often called 'heat-spots'.
Dogs may be considerably annoyed by these larvae, which attack them between the toes, on the tummy and the groin areas. The itching can last for days to weeks. Once fully developed the larvae turn into nymphs, which later become adult mites. Neither the nymphs nor the adults suck blood and both these more mature stages are quite harmless.
Treatment
Prevention is the best treatment for harvest mites, but if you can't keep your dog off grass then you could try making up some "Bug Oil". Add one drop each, of essential oils citronella, peppermint and lavender to a bowl of water. Dip your dog brush in this and brush through the coat. These oils help to repel parasites and keep your dog smelling fresh
Try shampooing your dog regularly with Dorwest "Pennyroyal Shampoo". The Pennyroyal plant has a strong minty aroma and has been used since Roman times to ward off insects and mites. In olden times people used to place it on their floor and on their beds to repel parasites. Dorwest have incorporated it in to a pleasant, gentle shampoo that can be use on all coat types and for puppies and kittens
Reduce the irritation and repel parasitic mites, Denes have prepared a natural "Mite Cream " containing the essential oils, Cedarwood and Sweet Flag. Cedarwood has soothing properties, and Sweetflag essential oil is used as an insect repellent and insecticide. It is also effective against houseflies and is said to repel mosquitoes.
We have found "Thornit" to be effective against mites. It is a remedy that we generally use for ear mites, but it also seems to be very effective for a variety of mites. Thornit is a powder that is based on Iodoform - an old fashioned dental product. The powder can be lightly dusted on to the itchy areas, or in to itchy ears. Relief usually comes within 2-5 days. In numerous situations where a dog has been suffering from continual skin itching or paw biting, anti-biotic and anti-inflammatory treatment has given only temporary relief. Thornit has been seen to be a much more effective long-term relief in many cases.
With the exception of the "Bug Oil" all of the products can be bought immediately and delivered to your door. Just click here to go to the section you need.
We hope your dogs aren't bugged, bitten or bothered by mites!
Please ring us if you have any questions, or see our website
Welcome to the Canine Therapy Centre
Carol Martin (AACC)
Edmiston House