Question
Please help. I'm having problems getting rid of tiny black/dark brown mites in the kitchen area. Everyday I find them behind the microwave, toaster oven and canisters. Sometimes near the kitchen sink. I've tried exterminating, washing the areas with hot vinegar soapy water but after a day or so they keep coming back in the same spot. At first I thought it was just crumbs/specks but when I try to clean it up they move ever so slowly. I'm sorry I don't have an image to show you. What can I do to get rid of them?

Thanks

Answer
Pam,

Normally the mites found in kitchens are white or tan in color (mold mites; see http://www.livingwithbugs.com/mold_mites.html), not the dark coloration you are describing. I'd suggest collecting a few of these and take them to your local Cooperative Extension office (http://www.extension.org) for an id. Use a damp Q-tip to pick them up into a vial of alcohol. Once you get an id post a follow up and we can discuss the next step.

Jack DeAngelis