Bug Bites: A Bug Bite Is Not Always a Bug Bite

Occasionally, the Yard & Garden Clinic receives inquiries about unknown ‘insects’ that infest the skin. People may describe these mystery insects as having many legs, the ability to change color and when captured, the ability to disappear. They claim that they infest clothing and furniture and that they attack from above, jumping from the ceiling onto the victim. They also say they must be rare, because pest control companies cannot find them although they seem to be everywhere.

These Creatures Do Not Exist

People tend to blame every unexplained itch or bump on an insect or arthropod; it is easy to incorrectly identify insects as the cause of bite-like symptoms. Sometimes the belief that insects are the cause can be very powerful, to the extent that information from an entomologist or pest control technician fails to change the client’s mind. They may be so convinced of an insect infestation that they avoid family and friends for fear of contaminating others and they may sell their homes and move away in order to escape the imaginary insects. Furthermore, even though clients are sure that insects are responsible, the samples submitted to the Yard & Garden Clinic contain only lint, scabs and other miscellaneous debris often captured on tape or in sticky traps. Sometimes non-biting insects are received but all are harmless to people.

While this behavior may seem strange to people not suffering from these unknown itches, it is very real and frustrating to the individual. Delusory parasitosis is a psychological condition characterized by the unshakeable belief that insects are attacking or living under the skin even though professionals have ruled out any possibility of insects. The individual may have sores from scratching and trying to remove the imaginary creatures from the skin. It is important to understand that the symptoms in these cases are real even though the pests are not.

What Can Cause Unexplained Skin Irritations?
It is possible that some insects can bite so it is extremely important to positively identify biting insects before treating the problem. Never use pesticides to treat a home unless an entomologist or pest control company has positively identified biting insects. Pesticides can actually make the itch worse and are toxic to people and pets. In the winter, there are only a few insect/arthropods that may be responsible for bites.

Bed bugs. Bed bugs are about 3/16 inch long, round, reddish brown and wingless. Bed bugs leave tiny bloodspots on sheets and blankets and they molt as they grow, leave a light colored ‘skin’ around furniture. Although bed bugs hide, their presence is usually detected within a short amount of time.

Fleas can leave bites especially on the lower legs and waist and jump off before you notice what bit you. One way to test if fleas are present is to walk across the carpet in white socks. The dark brown fleas will be very noticeable on the white background of the socks as they jump to a person to take a blood meal.

Bird mites occasionally attack people, but normally are just a summertime pest. These mites can bite people when they are away from their host. They do not live on humans and cannot reproduce without feeding on their host. Rodent mites less frequently attack people making them very rare pests. However, if mice or rats are present, it is possible that they could be the cause.

Identify Environmental Causes
Once you have ruled out the possibility of insects causing an irritation, look for other sources. The low humidity associated with winter causes two types of irritation that may be mistaken for insects. Low humidity causes dry skin, which can be very itchy and feel similar to an insect bite. Low humidity also results in increased static electricity that causes small particles from paper, fabric or carpeting to become attracted to the skin. These particles can create the sensation of ‘bugs’ crawling on the skin.

Other sources of irritation that might be mistaken for bug bites include:

• cosmetics, soaps and detergents
• skin sensitivity to household products
• clothing (especially wool)
• new furnace filters can release small fibers that may irritate the skin
• indoor air pollution
• the sap of some houseplants such as Ficus, Poinsettia, Pothos, Caladium and Philodendron

Identify Medical Causes
Medical conditions often cause skin irritations that may be mistaken for insect bites.

These include:

• medical conditions such as pregnancy, liver or kidney disease and herpes
• side effects from prescription and over the counter medication
• allergic reactions to household products
• hay fever or pollen, mold or dust allergies
• stress

Consider Consulting a Professional

A dermatologist or other medical professional may be able to help identify sources of irritation that may have been overlooked.

For more information please read the publications from the University of Nebraska Lincoln Extension: http://lancaster.unl.edu/enviro/pest/factsheets/009-95.htm and the University of California http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7443.html

Source: University of Minnesota

Spring 2003
Hort Shorts | Hort Tips | Crabgrass: A Weed’s Weed! | Health & Household Tips | Perennial Plant of the Year 2003 | Mulch Reminder | Using Organic Fungicides | Bug Bites: A Bug Bite is Not Always a Bug Bite | Lawn Care Calendar | Cybergarden Sites | Pondering Early Planting? Think Lettuce | Eggology | Soup for Supper | Protein-Rich Diets and Weight Loss

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