Tiny white mites.

[Rickpad]

I've recently had my kitchen & living room modernised and have had the fireplace left open & in stone. Since then I've noticed these little white (what look like mites) scurrying around on the floor of the fireplace and mainly on the stone. Also if I leave a pair of shoes near the fireplace for a time and then pick them up, on the sole - there they are again.

They seem to be attracted to the rubber soles. Can anyone suggest what these things are - but more importantly, how to get rid of the dammed things.

Thanks to all who can help.

[JeniPeni]

I had these in my old kitchen - they're called flour mites (like the wee mites once found in bags of flour). They seem to like damp/moist places - but unfortunately I had to call out environmental health through the council and they gave me a spray to use. Its not something that you have done wrong they appear naturally.

[darcydark]

Had them 10 years ago, beside a stone wall in my house. Are they about 12mm long, wingless insects, maybe Silver Fish, they like warm, damp areas. Small household infestations are common, insectisides will get rid of them, though don`t actually know the name of the one to use. Probably Google might.

[Rickpad]

Thanks to you both, I think that what they are is flour mites. They're not any where near 12mm big - more like 0.5mm big so they are really small. I've got some stuff of a place I found on google which they assure me "mite" do the job so here's hoping.

Thanks again.

Rick.