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The tiny, 0.2 mm (1/125 inch) long mite is barely visible to the naked eye. The larvae hides out in rolled edges of the leaves. Its bite causes a raised, red area with a small, centralized blister that is itchy and painful when scratched. Bites appear 10 to 16 hours after exposure when they start to itch. It’s impossible to control oak leaf itch mites in the environment, and using insect repellents to ward off the mites have not been reported to be effective. The most reliable preventative measure is to limit outdoor activities in the vicinity of infested oak trees. Shower and wash clothes immediately after raking leaves.  Bites can be treated with over-the-counter products such as cortisone creams or calamine lotion.