Bugs in wheat straw..WTF..?!?

[1Slayer]

I picked up a bale of wheat straw from my local ACE store. I had to leave it in my trunk because it rained all day. So the following morning, not only did I discover a mouse...who is now living in my car.... but tons of teeny/ tiny brown bugs... What are they!?
I'm not going to put the hay in the coop...hubby is going to burn it. But now I'm freaking out, because I buy fresh bales about 2 a month...and I'm worried that I just never noticed the pests...and could they hurt my hens.
Thanks for any help --

 

[nuthatched]

Pictures? Chickens eat bugs, you know. I wouldn't worry too much unless you can tell the straw was wet.

 

[1Slayer]

I dont have have pictures, but I looked online .. could be straw mites, which are kinda beneficial because they eat other bugs... But I can't get past the idea of " mites" being in my run/ coop.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I'd burn it too if you are seeing the straw itch mites.
They can't live on humans, but they do bite and can leave you with an itchy rash. I assume they could be an irritant to the hens too depending on how bad the straw is infested.

Hope you catch that mouse!.

 

[1Slayer]

I'd burn it too if you are seeing the straw itch mites.
They can't live on humans, but they do bite and can leave you with an itchy rash. I assume they could be an irritant to the hens too depending on how bad the straw is infested.

Hope you catch that mouse!.

Thank you--

 

[allenw]

Little brown bugs don't know what you're dealing with the ones I have dealt with will come to light and drive you nuts when baling at night.

 

[Eggcessive]

I have heard others say that mites can be introduced by bringing in bales of straw. This person said to always shake the bale on white paper to check for them. I prefer to use pine shavings or sand for bedding.

 

[1Slayer]

Lesson learned, only pine shavings from now on