Mite invasion in my aging box!

[Alan]

So I opened my aging box to find tiny mites on my tomme! How do I get rid of them without ruining the cheese?? Any help is appreciated. thanks

 

[marcop0lo]

I’ve heard brushing or lightly vacuuming can help, but I wasn’t sure if that risks damaging the rind. Do you usually keep your tomme uncovered in the box, or do you wrap it in cloth? I wonder if airflow or humidity settings make a big difference in keeping mites away.

 

[SherylG]

Have you tried food grade DE (Diatomaceous Earth)? I would sprinkle it all over the inside of the box. It should kill the mites without harming the cheese. It's not a chemical, its very finely ground up, powdered shells of diatoms. You can eat it. Just don't breath it in. Most farm stores carry it, as does Amazon.