Guide to Northwest
Hot Springs and Red Spider Mites
Magnified view of the
infamous Red Spider Mite
Ahh yes, a natural nemesis of the
hot springer, the Red Spider Mite (RSM) is known to inhabit a
few hot springs. Barley visible to the naked eye, these tiny
crimson mites scurry about on rocks and the top of water in and
around select hot springs in Idaho and the Northwest.
They cling to the body (including
clothing left next to the pools) and proceed to bite the skin in
an unsuccessful attempt to lay eggs. The bites leave itchy red
sores behind that usually heal completely after a couple weeks.
It is highly advisable to use itch relief cream and avoid
itching the bites. The human immune system kills off the eggs
before they can hatch and eventually builds up enough immunity
to kill off the mites themselves.
Precautionary Measures
- Avoid the hot, dry rocks
near and next to hot springs as the majority of RSMs inhabit
this area.
- Use bug juice, but only
after your soak - RSMs usually wait to dig-in until their
host has dry skin, applying bug juice after soaking should
reduce your chances of receiving bites.
The complete list of hot springs
in the northwest with reported and/or confirmed Red Spider Mite
inhabitants:
Atlanta Hot Springs (ID)
Confirmed by guide book and hot springers - multiple
confirmations
RSM Activity Level: High
Bear Valley Hot Springs (ID)
Confirmed by self and hot springers - multiple confirmations
RSM Activity Level: High
Bogg Hot Springs (NV)
Confirmed by self and hot springers - multiple confirmations
RSM Activity Level: Moderate
Buckhorn Hot Springs (ID)
Confirmed by self and hot springers - multiple confirmations
RSM Activity Level: Light
Chattanooga Hot
Springs (ID)
Confirmed by hot springers - multiple confirmations
RSM Activity Level: High
Granite Creek Hot Springs (ID)
Confirmed by hot springer - single confirmation
RSM Activity Level: Light
Kirkham Hot Springs (ID)
Confirmed by hot springer - single confirmation
RSM Activity Level: Low - Moderate
Loftus Hot Springs (ID)
Confirmed by hot springer - single confirmation
RSM Activity Level: High
Prince Albert Hot Springs (ID)
Confirmed by hot springer - single confirmation
RSM Activity Level: High
Secesh Hot Springs (ID)
Confirmed by self and hot springers - multiple confirmations
RSM Activity Level: Low
Soldier Meadows Hot Springs (NV)
Confirmed by hot springer - single confirmation
RSM Activity Level: Moderate
Vulcan Hot Springs (ID)
Confirmed by hot springers - multiple confirmations
RSM Activity Level: High
Note: There is a possibility that RSMs are being confused with
'Chiggers'
Whitey Cox Hot Springs (ID)
Confirmed by hot springers - multiple confirmations
RSM Activity Level: High
Willow Creek Hot Springs (ID)
Confirmed by self and hot springers - multiple confirmations
RSM Activity Level: Low
Know of a hot springs in the
Northwest with RSMs not on the above list?
Talk about Red Spider Mites in the Forums
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