A commonly known nemesis of the soak seeker, the Red Spider Mite (RSM) inhabits a few natural hot springs. Barely visible to the naked eye, these tiny crimson mites scurry about on top of warm rocks and hot water in and around select hot springs throughout the Northwest.

The Red Spider Mite Effect

Red Spider Mites typically cling to the body (including clothing/towels in proximity of 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 scratching 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 after a few days or so.

Note: Scratching bites during the first few days proceeding contact with RSMs can result in additional bites. It seems that agitating the skin in-turn agitates the RSMs.

RSM Precautionary Measures

Keep your towel and gear far away from the hot springs pools and surrounding rocks. Hang your pack, clothes and towel off a tree limb and make a dash for it. At least this way they won’t be waiting for you on your towel and clothes post soak.

Use bug juice, ideally of the natural and lotion assortment, but only after your soak – no need to pollute the water with that junk. Plus, RSMs usually wait to dig-in until their host has dry skin, applying bug juice after soaking should reduce your chances of receiving bites.

RSM Treatment

Once bitten by RSMs (trust me, you’ll know), treatment involves copious amounts of anti-itch cream, as itching the bites early on can set recovery back significantly and may result in additional bites. Take it easy, sleep, stay hydrated, eat and don’t forget the itch cream!

Listing of Hot Springs with Reported Red Spider Mites

California Hot Springs with Red Spider Mites

Benton Hot Springs

Confirmed by hot springers – multiple confirmations

RSM Activity Level – Moderate

Eagleville Hot Springs

Confirmed by hot springers – multiple confirmations

RSM Activity Level – Moderate

Ecotopia (Ojai) Hot Springs

Confirmed by hot springers – single confirmation

RSM Activity Level – Moderate

Fort Bidwell Hot Springs

Confirmed by hot springers – multiple confirmations

RSM Activity Level – Moderate

Travertine Hot Springs

Confirmed by hot springers – multiple confirmations

RSM Activity Level: High

Tecopa Hot Springs

Confirmed by hot springers – multiple confirmations

RSM Activity Level – Moderate

Idaho Hot Springs with Red Spider Mites

Atlanta Hot Springs

Confirmed by guide book and hot springers – multiple confirmations

RSM Activity Level: High

Bear Valley Hot Springs

Confirmed by self and hot springers – multiple confirmations

RSM Activity Level: High

Boiling Springs Hot Springs

Confirmed by hot springer – couple confirmations

RSM Activity Level – Moderate

Buckhorn Hot Springs

Confirmed by self and hot springers – multiple confirmations

RSM Activity Level: Low

Burgdorf Hot Springs

Confirmed by hot springers – multiple confirmations

RSM Activity Level: High

Chattanooga Hot Springs

Confirmed by hot springers – multiple confirmations

RSM Activity Level: High

Granite Creek Hot Springs

Confirmed by hot springer – couple confirmations

RSM Activity Level: Low

Hot Springs Campground

Confirmed by self and hot springer – multiple confirmations

RSM Activity Level: Low-Moderate

Kirkham Hot Springs

Confirmed by hot springers – multiple confirmations

Upper Pools RSM Activity Level: High

Lower Pools RSM Activity Level: Low-None

Notes: I have soaked at the lower pools many MANY times without a single bite

Loftus Hot Springs

Confirmed by hot springer – single confirmation

RSM Activity Level: High

Molly’s Hot Spring

Confirmed by self and hot springers – multiple confirmations

RSM Activity Level: Moderate

Prince Albert Hot Springs

Confirmed by hot springer – couple confirmations

RSM Activity Level: High

Rocky Canyon Hot Springs

Confirmed by hot springers – multiple confirmations

RSM Activity Level: Moderate-High

Secesh Hot Springs

Confirmed by self and hot springers – multiple confirmations

RSM Activity Level: Low

Sheepeater Hot Springs

Confirmed by hot springers – multiple confirmations

RSM Activity Level: High

Vulcan Hot Springs

Confirmed by hot springers – multiple confirmations

RSM Activity Level: Moderate

Note: There is a possibility that RSMs are being confused with ‘Chiggers’

Whitey Cox Hot Springs

Confirmed by hot springers – multiple confirmations

RSM Activity Level: High

Willow Creek Hot Springs

Confirmed by self and hot springers – multiple confirmations

RSM Activity Level: Low

Worswick Hot Springs

Confirmed by hot springers – multiple confirmations

RSM Activity Level: Moderate-High

Nevada Hot Springs with Red Spider Mites

Bog Hot Springs

Confirmed by self and hot springers – multiple confirmations

RSM Activity Level: Moderate

Ruby (Valley) Lake Hot Springs

Confirmed by hot springers – multiple confirmations

RSM Activity Level: High

Soldier Meadows Hot Springs

Confirmed by hot springers – multiple confirmations

RSM Activity Level: Moderate

Oregon Hot Springs with Red Spider Mites

Bagby Hot Springs

Confirmed by hot springers – 2 confirmations

RSM Activity Level – Moderate

Greeley Bar Hot Springs (Lower Owyhee River)

Confirmed by hot springers – single confirmation

RSM Activity Level – Moderate

Hart Mountain Hot Springs

Confirmed by hot springers – multiple confirmations

RSM Activity Level: Moderate

Three Forks Warm Springs

Confirmed by hot springers – multiple confirmations

RSM Activity Level: Moderate

Report Red Spider Mites

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