RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
An update: I am having some success with adding an IGR [Nylar] to the poison I have been spraying each day. IGR's keep immature bugs from growing into reproducing adults. Because these things are so small, even though I think I am spraying everything, I probably am missing some here and there. However, it has cut them down considerably. I have repeated the Nylar twice w/i 2 wks. and it is better the second time. I am also spraying alcohol in which I have dissolved menthol crystals [1 tblsp/24 oz alcohol]. This seems to deter them. I spray the pillow cases and sheets and my clothing with the menthol. I was using DEET and this is a great improvement for me. Note that Menthol is very COLD but this goes away in 10 mins. or so.
Just as a reminder, all my clothes are in plastic bags and boxes, I wear them only once before washing and I wash my clothes within three days of wearing.
I also have been treating my car with the same stuff.
BTW - you can find flea preparations for carpet and furniture that has some Nylar in it. Not sure if it helps.
Menthol crystals and IGR products are available on line. I got the IGR from: http://www.cooperseeds.com/viewitem.php3?prod=2249 and the menthol from: https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/ but I am sure there are many places to buy.
You can also get sprays that contain 6 to 10% menthol in your local drugstore where you final medication for sore muscles. Read the labels.
Note that I had to mix the IGR directly in the poison to spray it [ceilings, walls floors, furniture]. Spraying anything contained in an added water mixture makes them reproduce!
BTW here is a site for mites, though I do not have mites, the above suggestions from this site have worked whereas others have not for me:
http://www.shanspirations.org/?p=112
Wishing you peace and good luck in your journey to buglessness in 2010. This is my 7th year of fighting.
Posted on 01/04/2010 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
I have suffered with these critters since June of 08. I bought a ozone machine and god knows how many poisons and put in my Kenworth truck. Nothing has worked for any length of time. I found that bombing and vacuuming is the only relief. But only a few moments ago I had one bite me on my back and I caught him alive! I have him sealed in a medicine bottle and am going to an entomologist asap! I will post the results. I am ready to trade a o9 truck in already just to get rid of them.
Posted on 12/22/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
I have these little SOB's bothering me as well. Mine fly, and I only see them if one races across my field of vision and the light hits it just right.
I have a shaved head. When they start bothering me, I feel like my eyebrows are crawling, and I can feel em graze my ears and nose as they are flying around at times too.
I really think "bharathyeju" is absolutely correct when he states that the bodies of those bothered by these critters are producing/excreting something which the bugs thrive on. I'm almost certain of this, and here's why: I do not suffer from these pests all the time. Under normal circumstances they don't bother me at all. But like everyone, I have a vice - my one particular recreational drug of choice - which I partake of maybe 3 or 4 times a month. Each time I do, I have the little flying fuxors bothering me for one, sometimes two days afterward. After that, they seem to go away.
I know what you're thinking..."Just quit using substance X and you'll be fine". I agree, and have decided to do exactly that. I just thought it would be relevant to share my experience in support of bharathyeju's conclusions about body toxins/wastes being the reason these bugs afflict an individual.
Posted on 10/27/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
nuitgoddess,
I believe I may be suffering the same thing as you. Can you elaborate more on what you can see? Do you find tiny grains of what feel like colorless sand on your bed, clothes, etc? Has anything made it better? Have you seen any more "experts" asking for help? I would appreciate any more info you can give. I have three young girls, they as yet don't seem to be bothered, but I have not slept in months due to the pain.
Posted on 10/05/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
I forgot to include this link, which has a lot of good information on demodex. Note that they sell sulfur cremes (which I bought before the dermatologist ), but they are really pricey.
http://www.demodexsolutions.com
And here is a link to sulfur creme that's priced more reasonably:
http://sulfurcream.com/
I also forgot to add that my dermatologist took samples by knocking one off of an eyebrow hair. There is a movie in the link above of a doctor taking samples to look under a microscope from a patient.
If you have symptoms like mine, i.e., needle like bites, crawling sensations, itching, red swelling bites, or acne or rosacea in combination ( or not ) with the above, then it may pay you to research this and go to a dermatologist with the information on how to take samples to look at under a microscope. A lot of dermatologists won't know about this.
Good luck to you!
Posted on 09/30/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
Nuitgoddess:
I also occasionally see tiny flying gnat like things, and also have thought I've seen tiny white flying things, but I don't think that's what is biting/crawling on me. It took me a long time to come to this conclusion, I could never catch anything, no matter what I did. Even the samples I captured were mostly just skin particles, but I would also see something every now and then that looked like a demodex mite, but I couldn't be sure. These mites are not well known, even among the doctors treating you. If you stop and think about it, it makes sense.
These things are so tiny, they can crawl into the pore that your body hair is growing out of. It's been my experience that they will congregate in the corner of where your eyelids close, because it's warm and moist there mostly. There are theories out now that they are the cause of Acne and Rosecea. They also love to come out of where your nostril just begins and crawl up your nose, again because of moisture and warmth ( they'll make you sneeze a lot ).
I also contracted these things originally by sleeping on a couch that must have had eggs or something, and it took several days for me to notice them crawling on me. Since then, I can't get rid of them. Anyway, I'm saying here that you might want to rethink this. Good luck to you in any event !
Posted on 09/29/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
fgleich:
Interesting, I have heard of those types of skin mites. So happy for you that you have found the cause and a solution. Even though the solution is not easy, your problem can be solved.
My problem insects flies and lives on skin, fabrics, and paper. As far as I know, mites do not fly at all. I am still no closer to finding out what mine are and how to get rid of them. Bless you and good luck. Thanks for all your reports. Perhaps they will help others.
Posted on 09/29/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
OK, here is my latest. I ended up going to a dermatologist, and I told him that I thought I had demodex mites. These are mites that live in your pores and eat the sebum ( the stuff the glands exhude for the hair ). Sometimes they will bite you ( I'm guessing here that there is not enough food to go around for all of them in there), and it will feel like a tiny pin prick. Of course, you can't do anything about it, since they are inside the pore. Anyway, the dermatologist took a sample, and observed them under a microscope. He prescribed a sulfur creme containing 10 % sodium sulfacetamide and 5 % sulfur. The brand name of this is Perrigo and it comes in a 30 gram tube. It says on the tube it's by Rx only. You can buy other sulfur cremes online for a reasonable price, or check with the pharmacy you frequent.
Now, I would study the life cycle of the demodex mite species, because this is a difficult pest to eradicate, according to everything I've read, and also my experience. It will take MONTHS ( with this type of treatment ) to knock down the numbers of mites on you ( because they live in your pores ).
There is, however, evidence of other ways to fight this, and that would involve heating up their living environment to uncomfortable levels, so they come out of the pores, so you can kill them ( when they come out of the pores, it itches like crazy ). I have seen at least one website where someone has done this, Here is a link to a website where this person describes the method he uses.
http://www.stopskinmites.com/index.html
It involves a number of techniques, but he/she talks about using a sauna. Another way might be to use a heat pad and to do a part of the body at a time, having someone to help you with your back, etc. And maybe the easiest way would be to have a supply of sticky lint rollers handy to roll them off your body, or a tub of alcohol to bathe in ( might not work for sensitive areas and skin ) or some other means.
Anyway, there it is. Oh, one other thing, a clue that you might also have these is to check your eyebrow hair at night when they are active, and you might see tiny white dust like things sticking to the individual hairs. I've seen that a lot on myself.
good luck !
Posted on 09/29/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
And as crazy as this may sound. Apple Cider Vinegar, ice cubes, Children's Vicks Vapor Rub, Rubbing Alcohol, Tea tree oil...etc. are all things I've used on my skin to draw things out. Perhaps you can get a better sample than with a skin scraping. With a skin scraping they would need to be at the surface, whereas this can penetrate your skin and since many mites breathe through their skin you are suffocating them and they come to the surface. I also bought an EyeClops...a microscope that you can connect to your TV (its a kids toy actually) and you can see all kinds of things on your skin.
I think I may end up in the crazy house before I solve the problem. I am literally going nuts looking at everything and anything under a microscope, constantly showering and am about ready to get rid of everything in my home (except the people and pets of course). I have all symptoms of Morgellon's Disease and I am completely exhausted trying to find some sort of cure. I am determined to beat this, but pray I don't lose my sanity before then!
Posted on 09/01/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
I think I have springtails in my house but am not sure. Found two on my skin that I know were springtails, but I am finding something which is either their molted skin or something that doesn't completely convince me it is definitely springtails infesting my home. I have been all over looking at different bug sites.
Sounds like some of you have one problems and others another bug problem. The ones that like paper and look like rice etc. may be book lice. They claim they don't bite, but they also say springtails don't and I can say that they do. They love paper and stored food.
About them: http://www.bugspray.com/article/psocids.html
Pictures to help you identify: http://www.entomology.wisc.edu/insectid/insect_info.php?42
There are also bird mites which can be colorless (but become darker after they eat blood to a brown on blackish color). I've seen them and they look just like the picture someone above posted (the clear circle like mite) and they can also appear as black dots to the naked eye.
All about bird mites: http://www.birdmites.org/mites.html
Many of these house dwelling mites love humid damp conditions, mold and fungus. The key is to dry everything out. Once the weather gets cooler I plan on raising the heat in my house and leaving for a few days, I hope to cook the little bastards. Unfortunately my house has a mold problem, is damp and this summer made everything worse considering it rained at least 4 days a week. I wish I knew the humid condition when I bought the house three years ago. Had I known I never would have bought it. Needless to say, it has been a freaking nightmare.
Posted on 09/01/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
This mostly in response to jerijo's post. I'm posting it for all because it may be some info that others may be able to use. I feel you on all those noseeum bugs that you described. They are also known as biting midges. I'm allergic to them too. Since May I have been getting ate up by these hum hum hum hum things . . . noseeums; but it seem that for me the one that causes a bad allergic reaction are the black ones. They are so small you'd think they were grains of black pepper.
Oh and these fly too. The tan ones and the rice like ones; I believe are sand fleas. They love moisture Like right after a rain; these creeps come out at night. Literally. I have been getting them in my hair; they love to fly up my nose, crawl around my mouth and actually go into my ears. At my job the roof has a leak which is quite obvious to me since there are large water stains on the corner ceiling tiles that were once white. A couple of times when it rained hard I heard and saw water gliding down the wall. But the entertainment and feast that was not for me but it was me came shortly after it stopped raining on those nights.
Those umm umm little tan noseeums and the white rice like noseeums had me going absolutely nuts for a couple of weeks when I worked nights. Now of course there are people that try to make you feel stupid or ignorant. Oh let me see, uh that would be the most extremely all knowing maintenance staff at my job. Because I was the only one that reported being attacked by biting midges. I even specifically described these creatures. The response I'd get was: "there's nothing we can do" in a very patronizing tone.
So I did the Walmart and Home Depot search and buying of pesticides because after less than a month I started getting bit by these midges at home now. Nothing I bought worked. I researched so much on line and in books that I felt like I was back in College. Did I mention that my Bachelor's Degree is in Biology and Chemistry? I guess I should have told maintenance that too. Anyway to protect me from getting bitten and having to go to the doctor only to be prescribed Prednisone; I tried every insect repellent, even 'skin so soft' which did nothing for me. But a lotion base was close to what I needed. I found on a website for the many uses of Eucalytus that Eucalytus oil mixed with Conola oil keeps the pest away from me more than anything. I like what fgleich suggests about squirting the cedarcide oil in the ear.
I've started using Eucalyptus oil in my ear and on my hair as well as continuing to keep it on my skin; it seems to help a lot. And it's been easy for me get the midges out of my ear that had gotten in my ears last week. The only pesticide that I have found that works of which I finally went to a wholesale/retail sale store for professional Exterminators and I purchased Precor 2000 plus premise spray per the owner's suggestion.
It works so long as you don't bring anymore midges home with you when you leave and return home, like I have been doing. Them midges are hoping in my book bags and purse and going home with me as I was informed would happen by the owner of the pesticide store. So I spray at least once a month inside and I purchased an environmentally/animal friendly spray for outside. I hope these suggestions help you or someone here. Let me know. I'm still doing research.
I've included pics of the white rice like milky midges that I have been coming out of my ears because I have been drowning them with my Eucalytus oil mix.
Posted on 08/20/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
Have you found out what these are? And if so, what would remedy the infestation. I have the same bugs and I need help! I think I've spread it to my friend.
Posted on 08/07/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
I have been going CRAZY with these same pests for months. The exterminators think I am crazy, and my apartment exterminators think there is no problem. I have 100's of scotch tape pices with tiny white things, tan things, rice-like things, and black things. I keep telling everyone that I have actually put my finger down on my arm (or whatever) as soon as I feel something, and the white "sugar" is directly beneath it. I have bites that range from pin-pricks to mosquito-like bites, and I am now confident, after 2 treatments, that I do not have bed bugs.
Please help. I have MS, am allergic and haven't had a decent night's sleep in months. Help!
Posted on 07/08/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
This is one of them on my arm. It is magnified by the computer. I would like to hear from some of you and tell me if this looks like the same culprit you guys are seeing.
Posted on 07/07/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
I have these suckers in my new kenworth truck. They are driving my wife and I crazy. I ordered a ozone generator and will have it tomorrow. I plan to run it all day and night starting tomorrow. I hope this works because pesticides do not help for very long. Installed ozone generator this afternoon. Will let it run until tomorrow. Will post results. Got my fingers crossed. XXXX
Ran the ozone generator for about 22 hrs. I think this is the trick. Problem is it needs to run much longer. Did have ONE day of relief that's why I think the little suckers don't like ozone much!! We are going to kick them around some more today.
Posted on 06/30/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
OMG I am sorry my computer froze I posted that long story too many Times! I have noticed one thing about these bugs they do move fast if I am looking trough my hair and see one it acts as if it falls away. I too have found peachy orange, black, and reddish colored oval or circular specs possibly relating to the bites. Whatever this is needs to be publicized and taken some action. I can think of many ways they got on y apartment ranging from clothing gifts sent to us all the way from Nigeria, Africa. A pair of pants I bought at a clothing store that I tried on before washing and was immediatly itching and felt something biting me. At this point xanax clonipin and benaryl work for sanity. I put away my magnifying glass and gave up on the docs. Take lots of showers and wash a ton of laundry. And another thing they get very active at night and late afternoon out of control at night. Last night I changed into 3 different sets of pjs and then changed my sheets and pillowcases. Still I dealt with it and slept!
Posted on 06/26/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
Here is more info for you. I have taken a couple pictures of this mite or whatever it is. After measuring it, it's about 1/2 or less of 1/64th inch, so that makes it about 1/128th of an inch ( I used a machinist's scale ). This thing is from scraping my skin where I could feel the thing biting me. I used a single edged razor blade, and every time I scrape, it's the same, these tiny white oval shaped things are there. Anyway, here are the pics, they were taken with my camera phone, so the quality is very low, but it shows the general size and shape of this pest. I have edited the picture and have drawn a red circle around it. Also notice that it's out of focus, and the actual bug's size is 1/2 the size in the picture.
I have some glass slides and inexpensive microscopes on order from Edmund, and will mount a specimen and then obtain an enlarged picture of it.
I notice that someone has posted info about morgellons, however, this doesn't even FAINTLY resemble morgellons. Please get a clue here. OK, bye for now !
Posted on 06/17/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
morgellonspgpr.files.wordpress.com
www.morgellons-disease-research.com
morgellonswatch.com
www.morgellonsresearchfoundation.com
Posted on 06/15/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
Morgellons.org
Posted on 06/15/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
Here is some more info on this issue: Here in New Mexico it's a state law that if one wishes to fumigate, one MUST identify the pest first ( here I'm talking about a business doing the fumigation for you for profit). This means that if you want a pest control company to tent your infested item, you have to capture and take a sample to some agency or bug person that can identify the pest.
So far, I've had a county extension agent in sierra county that told me he couldn't help me ( after taking a number of lint roller sheets to him ), and another county extension agent in Albuquerque who couldn't find anything on glue boards AND lint roller sheets.
Right now, I am collecting samples by waiting til I feel them biting, then using a single edge razor blade to scrape the thing off my face/head/extremity/area where I'm getting bitten, then using another razor blade to scrape the residue off into a plastic pill-like container, which gets sent to an entymologist for examination.
I've sent two samples in, collected by some different means, which showed nothing, so I've switched to actually scraping the skin with the razor blade, so I can get some results ( maybe ).
One thing I've noticed is that, consistently, I'm seeing tiny (1 mm or less) sized oval white shaped things that don't appear to be part of my skin or body being scraped off. I've had cataract surgery on both eyes, so I'm unable to focus them close up, but must use reading glasses to see these things. They are extremely tiny.
Make sure to keep this collection container in the freezer in between scrapings and/or sending to the identifying agency. If these things are flying into your ears, get a rubber squeeze bulb and wash out your ears as soon as they fly in. Then, if they are really fierce, put some 'skin so soft' or 'cedarcide oil' in the bulb and squirt a little into the ear, then put in some cotton ball to block them. Or you can put in some noxema creme or bengay, then cotton ball (I've used kleenex also).
OK, Now I'd like to hear from Nuitgoddess about this Ozone generator and how successful it is. I'm thinking here that I could build/buy one, and if it works, then send it to someone ( having them sign a hold harmless legal agreement, of course ) to use, with the stipulation that after the bugs are gone, they send it to another person, ad infinitum. I'll have to think about that though.
OK, this is all for now, bye
Posted on 06/14/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
Thanks fgleich for the resources. I bought my ozone generators from Ozotech in Yreka CA but I did not do research on this company or any others.
Don't forget that you have to ozone your car too. Some web sites say that ozone affects rubber and some types of clear plastic both in home and car. I did not have any problems except with a rubber band.
Not sure how well the ozone penetrates fabrics. I have not been able to afford to leave the house for several days so I do not know. Of course open cabinets etc. to allow as much penetration as possible.
I have thrown away most of my clothes and blankets. You may have to do so too. Shoes -- like tennis shoes are also a problem. Good luck to all.
Posted on 05/04/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
Oh, and in the meantime, I've heard and read that the Avon product, Skin so soft, is supposed to help deter them. I've not tried it, but intend to. What I do right now is to go to Walmart, and buy those lint rollers, and the sticky paper takes them off my body. I've shaved my head and use a lint roller on that too. put cotton balls in your ears to keep them out. I've had these insidious pests for over a year now, with little relief.
Posted on 04/26/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
Here's a link to a commercial ozone producing unit that looks pretty good, scroll down to the 'shock treatment' part and see that they claim it kills dust mites, bed bugs, etc. Also, it does make sense, since normal oxygen is being replaced by activated oxygen at really high levels. I've also seen other types of treatments, including tenting the place and filling it with Vikane gas for some period of time or tenting the place and raising the temperature to 150F for 3 or 4 days. This probably is expensive, so ozone generation seems to be the way to go.
http://www.air-purifiers-superstore ... zone_generator_commercial_grade.html
also, for plans on how to build your own, just google or see this:
http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/Lobby/5805/ozone.htm
or this one: http://www.bigclive.com/ozone.htm
Here, I'm talking about the part that shows the copper screen mesh. You'll want to be sure to put out a powerful stream of ozone, and plan to vacate the premises for 2 or 3 days, and just let this unit replace ALL the oxygen with ozone while you're away. Then, make sure to turn off the unit before you go inside ( pull the plug outside or kill the power ) and have some method of airing out the place before you set foot inside.
Don't despair, these things can be beat!
Posted on 04/26/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
OZONE generator! A strong one. NOT an ionizer. Not an air purifier. Check the web or rentals.
Spendy. It blessedly works.
Posted on 03/23/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
In the Post By Nuit (Guest Post) (08/17/2008) that provides the link to the customer story is exactly right. These flying parasites are like no-see-ums but not no-see-ums, like a new foreign species of them. They love to attach to skin folds, creases of clothing, hair and scalp. I used lice killer to get them out of my scalp then applied it all over my body. You have to de-louse yourself before you move to another place and NOT TAKE ANYTHING including your auto, with you from the infested house.
I was at a local chain department store and saw an uphostered chair just like one I bought and threw out, it had these white specs like dust all over it and noted that only that chair had these things mostly in creases and seams and on the floor and mirror next to it. The other chairs did not. The chair I had kept on spewing out this dust and when I would vacuum it more would come out. At first I thought it was the stuffing but I opened the cushion and saw the tiny white things in the fiber stuffing. And the chair itched when I sat on it so I covered it with a bed sheet and when cleaning noticed that more of the white specs under the sheet on the cushions and the side pockets.
Afraid of what it was I threw it out, but unaware that these pests had invaded already. Not long after, everytime I went into that room I would get bit by something mostly on the back while sitting in another chair, the pest had infested the cushions of this chair. I do believe this is what started the whole infestation that spread through the house. Next I noticed it in the closet where I kept the vacuum. These like warm places too like the inside of lamps and are attracted to light and computer screens. I was looking for clothes at a dollar store and saw the same on some clothing and decided to not buy it and got out of the store. Having to deal with these pests I want nothing to do with anything that even resembles any of it. I wish that the officials, entomologists and exterminators would accept what is happening and DO SOMETHING.
Posted on 03/08/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
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By jilleibean (Guest Post)
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http://www.undercurrent.org/UCnow/articles/NoCM200001.shtml and here I found an article on some tiny pests called no see ums. My heart goes out, jillei
Posted on 02/14/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
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By jilleibean (Guest Post)
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Hello, I feel for you. Hope you have had some luck by now with the things you are describing. Being that this post was made a few months back. Try google demodex and see what you think. I'm in the same boat and am sick of this business. Let me know if you discovered a remedy please. I hope your feeling better soon.
Posted on 02/14/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
Whatever is infesting my house is much smaller than thrips or springtails and prefer cloth and paper to live. I am wondering if ladybugs will find them delicious.
I have had it with these pests and am just about ready to throw away all my clothes, linens, anything paper, not sure how I am going to do all this but I am miserable.
Posted on 02/11/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
I am wondering if maybe you guys are experiencing thrip infestations. I have gardenias but they infest a number of flowering plants like that. They will get into you home, take a nip out of you and leave. Check them out on the web. I think I spelled it right. Thrips.
Posted on 02/09/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
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By bharathyeju (Guest Post)
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Hi,
After going through the above cases,the following few points emerge and are presented here for further discussions and analysis:
1. There is a definite indication that the sufferers are affected by some kind of microscopic insects which are sensitive to light. On observing many small insects it is found that most of them move very fast in a helical path and always try to hide away from light into darker background. They hide below any thin material like news papers, curtain folds and so on. Some times to avoid visibility, they even jump to the prints on a news paper.
2. From a study of various internet sites, it appears that it is possible, at least occasionally, for bird mites/ticks to infest humans. From the above account it appears that some microscopic organisms are using human body in their life cycle. That is why any kind of cleaning of the environment does not help to cure the problem. For a permanent solution. we have to look inside our body first.
3. In nature insects live in a place where they get abundance of food. From this point of view it appears that the body of persons who suffer from this problem may be producing some kind of biological wates and these little insects are probably only natural cleaners who help to cleanse the body off such wastes, and may be beneficial in that sense.
For instance bodies of persons who have dry skins or some kind of skin problems, will produce a lot of dead skins and it is quite natural that some insects may come and live in the body to eat the dead skins.
To some extent, every person is exposed to such insects, but the natural salinity and humidity of the skin must be keeping the insects at bay. Lack of perspiration may be another cause for dry skin. Microscopic insects are also seen in abundance during dry seasons and floating pollen and charged particles in the air help them to camouflage.
It is also found that some kind of liver malfunctioning can increase the possibility of increased biological waste in the body.
Since only selected person in a family is experiencing this problem, it is also better to do a proper medical checkup for any possible liver or skin related problem and solve it first, if any.
4. Catching these organisms should be very easy using a thin polythene cover or sheet. Since they are light weight insects, they can easily be trapped using the electrostatic property of polythene sheet. Just partly cover the body part having maximum insect activity in darkness, using a thin clear polythene sheet for a few minutes, then carefully take away the sheet and immediately fold it once to preserve the trapped insect. Due to the static charge on the sheet, the little flies will get stuck and will not be able to move.
Now, if the folded sheet is viewed against a bright light you should be able to observe the intruding flies using an ordinary lens and more clearly using a microscope . Since the plythene prevents natural breathing of the skin, do not use to cover the body part for long period and during sleep.
By the way, electrostatic screens provide an effective means to control such micro insects, as well as allergy creating pollens and other chemical dust particles and it may be worth while to experiment with such screens in the bedrooms and living rooms to keep off such micro particles. Using nylon window screens should also help to partly keep small particles from entering the living area.
Hope you will find the above comments helpful.
With regards,
for Bharathieju,
http://bharathyeju.blogspot.com
Posted on 01/19/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
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By Ctarol from San Diego Ca (Guest Post)
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I have them too! They are in everything I own.I put on a brand new blouse, and they are in it before I even get it all the way on! I just moved, and although I did my best to make sure they weren't in anything, here they are biting me! Please help!
Posted on 01/16/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
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By Donna from Arverne, NY (Guest Post)
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I too have a serious infestation in my house, car, hair and skin, carpets, clothes, linen, sofa, and other furniture. I've called quite a few exterminators, and one identified some bedbugs in my mattresses. So I threw away my mattress and my daughter's as well. These things are extremely annoying and frighten me literally out of my home many times. Two other pest control specialists found nothing and another suggested that I see a dermatologist.
I went into the er at my neighborhood hospital, and the md's said there was nothing medically in my hair or skin, and placed me in the psych evaluation unit overnight even. Well, I was immediately released, and terribly shaken up from that experience.
At first, it was thought to be lice, and I was given permethrin to rid them. That was only temporary relief, for they returned and became resistant seemingly.
They have thoroughly invaded my computer area, and my carpets are loaded with them. Yet no one seems to be able to is them. They look reddish-brown, sometimes are clear or milky white. They seem to grow long, looking like rice maybe, although the coloring differs and ranges from that brownish color to almost black. They bury themselves in carpeting and look like stains or even holes or cigarette burns. But, when vigorously swept, these 'stains' begin to disappear. W/o shampoo solutions of any kind.
I
am so disgusted with remedies that don't work, like bedbug sprays, flea sprays and the like. They also are found in cracks of floor tiles, walls, and leave red stains everywhere. Why can't anyone id them and present a remedy? I am literally in tears. Incidentally, my hands are numb when i wake up or at night, awake me from the pain, as well. It may be a result of carpal tunnel syndrome from typing these letters so often on the computer. But then again, who knows?
Posted on 01/08/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
Hello again, it is a few months later (December) and the problem is still here! We just received a foot and a half of snow and I still feel these things on me! They love hanging out in between my eyebrows, and in my hair, everywhere! My best guess now is "Walking Dandruff" either from my dog, my parents animals, or the woman upstairs! It is getting really bad, someone has to know what I can do!
Posted on 12/21/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
I have hopefully found something that contains the pests to send samples to a state agricultural agent. Will post the results.
Have found "insect aspirators" on the Web. Am wondering if these can be used to vacuum up some of these pests. Problem is since they are almost impossible to see so when do you know you have them?
Collection is imperative for identification and then steps towards eradication as none of our remedies kill them. Ideas anyone?
Posted on 12/12/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
I have had the same problem as well. It is something from another country and started in 2005, my guess. I also think the government knows about it, but won't fess up.
Posted on 12/10/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
We have these in SF. I am from the south; these are not no-see-ems. Two Pest Control folks, a vet, dermatologist, no answers. I also feel like none of these folks (except the vet for cats) looked at us or our house well. I suspect bird mites, or, as some have said, an unidentified new pest. I don't think ours fly, but they seem to stay in clothing washed and dried for 40 minutes after completely dry, even when stored in plastic bags. If it was bed bugs we wouldn't feel them. Not so many bites, it's the crawling that keeps us from sleep!
The thing is, I have found millions of posts going back 3 years on this, but not one person ever returns to the site to say they got rid of them. Folks on some sites sound crazy, but I am beginning to sound crazy to my friends, too.
Please return here if you catch one, or get a solution. PLEASE
Posted on 12/05/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
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By nuitgoddess (Guest Post)
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My car was infested with the tiny flying pests and i is now costing THOUSANDS of dollars to get it cleaned with most of the interior replaced.
Note that Mites do not fly but they do travel on air currents. If you have mites, there seems to be a consensus that says they can be gotten rid of.
As far as the flying &^%*#s, I have still not found a solution. Just like the last post, I cannot get anyone to identify them. I can just barely see them, I fee them bite, the bites show on my skin, but all deny anthing is there.
My last huge project was to but Cedarcide and a cold fogger -- very expensive. This worked for about 2 weeks if I did it morning and night. But as usual, these things adjust to the poison du jour and pick up again.
One of the most difficult problems is never having a ground zero -- bug free point to go to or exist or whatever. Whatever you do, you are continually infecting clothing, purses, shoes, car, bedding, hair, watches/jewelry, etc.
I find that spraying bedding and clothes with alcohol seems to help. I add essential oils to the alcohol just to make the smell bearable. Essential oils work to keep them away for an hour or so but I think the alcohol kills what it touches. Steaming the clothing or ironing the bedclothes has some lastlng benefit.
I have also been tot a Shaman and an energy healer with some benefit. They are still here in the masses crawlign all over me but there is less biting. Go figure.
I also wash my clothes twice with double Boraxo, extra laundry detergent and ammonia. I use extra softener too plus dryer sheets. I kee my clothes in Rubbermaid tubs out side of th ehouse so I do not contaminate the containers when opened.
I have used dozens of different soaps and creams etc. One thing I have found that works faily well is lanolin creme. It is cheap, I put it on at night as my skin is so dry from all the showers. It seems to last longer than petroleum based gels and is great for the skin.
In response to the posting about diabetes - no I do not have that or anything else I know about.
I have found some relief with spraying with a cinnamon-based natural flying insect killer [sorry, I do not have a can here to impart the company name] purchased in Albertsons. I spray everything in the house including the ceiling and use a swifter sprayed with it to wipe down the walls and ceiling. I keep rotating with that and it is great. Of course I treat everyday with something.
Nothing seems to really kill these things and there are millions of them.
Posted on 11/25/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
People are talking about two different kinds of bugs on here. The little buggers I'm having trouble with don't fly. They are like small, white, cotton pieces that you can barely see. I've been to several doctors and my dermatologist and no one can see anything. My dermatologist took a skin scraping and it came back negative. He did not refill my prescription of permitherin. These things do bite and my house is infested. I turned up my water temperature for laundry and it does nothing for linen or clothes. I'm at a loss! Someone, please help!
Posted on 11/25/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
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By wondering (Guest Post)
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Hi, I'm reading all these posts and have a friend with exactly the same problem. Can all of you tell me if you have been diagnosed with diabetes? OR if you've never been diagnosed with diabetes? OR if you have never been evaluated for diabetes? I'd really appreciate it, there seems to be a link between diabetes and getting these "invincible" bugs.
Posted on 10/26/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
Hello everyone, I have been battling this invasion for a few too many months now. I live in a condo in Mass, on the Freetown line, right next door to the Freetown Forest! There is salt water a couple blocks away, but no standing still water, so I don't no if those no- see-um's could come from there. The things that are biting me are leaving holes in my skin, small lesions that are hard as a rock and don't go away for months. They also itch for months. I always feel like I have bugs crawling all over me, and these things absolutely love my hair! I can feel them crawling all over my scalp, and they are leaving more bumps on my head, and no it is not lice! When these things fly by, they look like little flashes of light. I know that I am not seeing things, because I have watched them turn from a flash, to a brownish color, to disappearing above my head, to feeling them in my hair. I have these weird bumps all over my scalp, and body, hard bumps that feel like they are under my skin. At night, they come by the thousands, around two or three in the morning, someone has to be able to help me, I have tried everything, from the oils, to the insecticides, pesticides, and miticides. The only treatment that seems to help is the miticides, but only for a short time, they sometimes come back that same night, why?
Posted on 10/19/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
So what's the solution? What exactly are these things? Please. No more speculation. They are not No-see-ums. Somebody must have been able to capture one and send it off for examination. Please share, thank you!
Posted on 10/17/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
I lived in a hotel for a few months before and had the same problem. They are usually white and tiny and look like lint. I tried every kind of insecticide, moth balls, insect repellant on my skin, professional exterminators but nothing worked. I even got rid of my bed and carpets, bought an inflatable bed but the bugs still stayed. There were thousands of them, though I couldn't always see them, I felt them, they stuck to my clothes everywhere I went (they felt like little wiggling worms) and would stick to my skin even after I take my clothes off. Then when I moved, I left everything I owned and had all my clothes picked-up by a laundrymat that "treats" clothes for bugs. Then they delivered it to my new home. It worked. I was bug-free for three and a half months. A few days ago I started feeling the same sensations on my skin again, and now they are back. There's tons of them, and the new furniture I have acquired after moving are infested again. I can't even sleep at night, they won't stop squirming on my skin. I shower and bath twice a day and change clothes at least twice a day but to no use. I bought Raid and sprayed everywhere but no use. I think when the laundrymat treated my clothes, they got rid of the adults but not the unhatched eggs. Now they have hatched. So today, I called the laundrymat and asked them if they sold the treatment they use for clothes. They said yes and I bought it (cost me more than $50) It's called "Kleen-Free Naturally" www.ecoginesis.com and I sprayed my couches with it, and am now currently washing my blankets with it. I hope it works. This problem is SO HORRIBLE, I don't know what else to do. If you have anymore information, please post and help out. Thanks!
Posted on 09/22/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
I also have these bugs so if you find a way to get rid of them, please post,
Posted on 09/07/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
Thanks for all the advice but dryer sheets do nothing. Permathrin holds them at bay for a few hours. I have used RAID sprays for fleas and for flying insects. I have used bug bombs of all types -- using twice as many as recommended -- and sometimes the pests are back the very same day! I have even used a leaf blower in the house to blow out as many as possible along with fans, removing and cleaning as much furniture as possible. I have cleaned the ceilings, walls, washed the carpets, all clothing in closets, sprayed in closets and bedding.
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I do spray myself with DEET before going out anywhere to prohibit spreading these anywhere.
I have called two pest companies but because they cannot "capture" any samples (they are so hard to see) they could DO NOTHING. I had one company spray anyway but it did relatively nothing.
Some folks have recommended mitacide products but in my research, there are no mites with wings. I do not think this particular type of pest has been named yet. This is very discouraging.
Nuit
Posted on 08/23/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
Call a pest control specialist for such a large infestation. Permathrin is a spray on clothing insect repellent. Anything that touches it dies. Our hunting clothes are sprayed with this to reduce tick and chiggar problems. FOLLOW THE CAN DIRECTIONS. One spraying will last 3 to 5 washings. The product is found in sporting goods section.
Use Bounce dryer sheets in the dryer and they can also be tucked around in the car or clothes.My insect description book suggested using soap bubbles then let them dry for some types of mites. This could be lice, mites or midges you are dealing with. Also, see the first post for the cloth parasites.
Posted on 08/23/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
I finally found a web site that exactly describes these pests and they are called parasites on this site.
They originate in foreign countries brought in on cloth and clothing imports. Apparently there is no test in place to prohibit import of them.
If you know of anyone who has this problem, please forward them this web site, I am hoping the related web site product will work to rid my home of this pest. It is a 24/7 horror beyond belief.
http://naturalginesis.com/info_parasites.html
Posted on 08/17/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
Just wanted to share this tip, since they are so tiny you may want to spray your screens with the repellant also. I use Avon skin so soft mixed with half vanilla. As the SSS is so strong smelling the vanilla tones it down and helps for nats.
Posted on 08/13/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
Have you tried your county agricultural extension office? They are a local office in each county. Clay county out of Jacksonville has 1. I called them and they were very helpful.
Posted on 08/09/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
I don't think that they are no see-ums because they have invaded and are living in carpeting, furniture, and clothing in addition to the car interior. They are the size of dust particles which is too small for no see-ums. Unfortunately no bug bombs or less drastic chemicals kill them. RAID seems to deter them for a short while. Spraying them with alcohol deters them for a brief time especially if tea tree or other essential oil is included. I have never heard of no see-ums living inside a house and cannot find any postings on the internet where anyone has had them living in the house. It is horrible to have to spray oneself with repellents every single day, all day and night!
Posted on 08/09/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
Everyone is right. They are called that but the technical name is "biting midges". I thought someone had left out the "t" but nope, they are not misspellings. I googled them and got this and many other great websites to help. I used to live in AK, and they would swarm around lamps at night. Luckily, the summers were always light and didn't have lights on, so we knew to stay away from water. If you have any kind of standing water close, you have no see ums and always will. When you see a swarm, the sites all say to leave. They won't follow you far. The females are the biters, to nourish their eggs. They are technically flies. Check out google and put in "no see ums" and you will find lots of info, including this one.
http://pelotes.jea.com/AnimalFact/Arthropod/NOSEEUM.htm
Posted on 08/08/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
No-see -um's. I also am from florida, born and raised to be exact, and I have dealt w/ these little suckers all my life. Trust me, I know what Im talking about.
Posted on 08/06/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
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By Rhonda Haslam (Guest Post)
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If these are what I think they are, in SC we call them no see'ums for obvious reasons. The best deterrent for them is Avon's Skin So Soft. They don't like the odor.
Posted on 08/06/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
Sorry, I don't know what your bugs are, but there's this great nontoxic new bug spray that's safe to use around kids, pets & food. It's called "ORANGE GUARD". (because it's made from oranges)
HERE'S MORE INFO:
http://www.orangeguard.com/
Posted on 08/06/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Tiny, Colorless Bugs That Bite
It's possible that you are talking about No-See-'Ums, seriously, this is actually their name. They are tiny, tiny, little boogers that bite, and the itch lasts for days! Awful little beasts. You might try to bomb your house to get rid of them, and make sure the way that they are getting in is blocked, (screens in place, doors closed, etc.) I've heard that you can get mosquitoes out of your house by turning off all the lights, and placing a light-source close to the exit to draw the mosquitoes out.
Covering your skin, and using insect repellent will prevent them from biting. I can't recommend an insect repellent just now, I am experimenting with trying several, to try to find the most organic one (that works), that I can. Hopefully, when I find one, I will be able to pass the tip along. Right now, the best thing that I have found is Avon Bug Guard. It is sunblock and insect repellent all in the same bottle, and it is about the only thing that works for me.You can find this product on Avon's web-site.
I have tried many, many mosquito repellents, and this is about the only one that works for me. Bounce fabric-softener sheets tied to your belt DO NOT WORK! Neither does Avon Skin-So-Soft bath oil, vanilla flavoring, mentholated rub, all kinds of sprays. These solutions may work for others, but when I try them, it's like sending out an invitation to all biting insects it the vicinity. Sprays with DEET work best, but DEET is toxic, and I have had allergic reactions from using it. (hives). If they bite you, you can paint the bites with clear fingernail polish, this is supposed to alleviate the itch; also, apply witch hazel to the bites, it helps to relieve the itch as well. Good luck!
Posted on 08/06/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse
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