We live close to several farmer's fields and have gotten overwhelmed by some type of grain mite. As of yet, no one has been able to identify which specific type. Have tried many different sprays along w/ the exterminators advice. Anyone know how to get rid of these things. We have lost a couch and recliner along w/ our mattresses and window coverings because they live off the cotton, etc... This has cost us several thousand dollars and it's almost the time of year that this began last year. We need any advice you can offer. Thanks!

KLW, I am so sorry for the problems you are having. Once there is an infestation, it is so hard to get rid of any kind of bug. Since it is cyclical and seems to be overwhelming, there is not a lot you can do if an exterminator can't really help you.

Once they get in, you can try bug bombs but you will have to leave the house for a couple of days and if the infiltration is a season long one, they will come back until the season is over.

If you have a veterinarian nearby, there is a spray can of pesticide they sell for fleas and other pests that you can spray on rugs and furniture. I can't remember the name of it but it is a large white spray can. I have found it to be very effective. It is not cheap but seems to do the trick to get rid of all small insects on contact. You need to make sure that all pets and children are out of the room when you are spraying. But, it might be able to help keep that bug population under control and not have to throw away furniture. Of course, the problem will be that you will have to buy a lot of cans and keep using the spray throughout the season. The other alternative, is other sprays that are recommended by the exterminators and you just have to keep reapplying every couple of days.

The bottom line is, there is no sure fire way to get rid of them in one shot. You have to keep reapplying the chemicals throughout the house during the season. You and your family should wear bug repellant at all times when you are outside. As soon as you get inside, you should remove clothes and wash them. Mites and other small insects will just come into the house as passengers and you need to find a way to keep them at a minimum.

Here are a couple of web sites that have products that supposedly keep them in check. I cannot vouch for them because I have never used them but I am trying to help you as much as I can:

Mite: Biting Mites That Can Bite or Annoy Humans (http://www.pestproducts.com/pests/bitingmites.htm)

http://www.naturalginesis.com/mysterious_biting_mite_infesting_homes_and_people_ .htm

Another suggestion is to check with your state and see if they have a Cooperative Extension. This is an educational arm of the state that deals with pests among other things. They very well might know which bug it is that is infiltrating the house and have some suggestions on how to get rid of them or control them.

Good Luck!

Hi - I have the same problem. Someone just told me to try eucalyptus oil - wash stuff inn it, spray it (diluted) onto furniture, bedding, etc - if you Google "eucalyptus oil mites" it sounds promising. Then I found this site Method for killing house dust mites in clothing and other soft materials - Patent 20020022043 (http://www.freepatentsonline.com/20020022043.html) that lists a whole bunch of essential oils that kill mites quite effectively. I just found this stuff out tonight, so I haven't tried it yet - but you can bet I'm going out in the morning to find some and give it a try!!

Thanks so much for the suggestions. I'll sure look into the sites. As for our county extension they won't even speak w/ us and have said that there is nothing from any of the field and that we're imagining things.

I battled this for months. It infests all things cloth/carpet/bed/upholstery. After cleaning like crazy for months, the ONLY thing that worked was a product called "Bifen." It is a poison pest control and some states require you have a license to use it but mine didn't-- I just bought it at the Co-op and mixed it with water and sprayed everywhere (I don't have kids or pets to worry about though.) I still had a problem with it in the carpet so I mixed the Bifen in my steam cleaner and ran in and it totally killed them in the carpet. As for my clothes, I didn't want the Bifen near my skin and washing/drying my clothes wasn't killing them, so I bought a deep freeze and did a rotation-- putting my clothes in a week at a time and then keeping them in garbage bags until I got the rest of my house rid of the mites. Also, change your vaccuum bag after each use (go outside to change it and immediately put a plastic bag and seal the used vaccuum bag before throwing away so they don't get out.) You have to treat these things like a bio-hazard. I haven't found anybody (doctors included) who can tell me what they are, but they are invisible and feel like pin-pricks and have left tiny red dots across my chest, belly, and upper arms that never went away (3 years later.) I used the measures above which are what worked after months of pulling my hair out! Good luck!!

I have this problem of a series of stinging bites with no bug to be seen. I have concluded that it is due to a biting mite from the description and photos of other cases on the internet. Fortunately my problem (frequency of bites) is a lot less than others who have written and told their stories on the internet. My invisible bugs usually bite once a year and for a duration of about a week. However in the past 3 years they are biting more and doing it over a longer period. My 3 or 4 bites in a week over a yearly period have increased to 15-20 bites over 3 weeks. Fortunately, they still only do this once or twice a year. I really don't mind a stinging bit if it would just go away like a mosquito bite but my body's reaction to what they inject is the problem. It takes 3 weeks for the welt from the bite to dry up and stop scabbing and oozing. I have tried Rx steroid cream on the bites but it doesn’t seem to do much good. The bite is worse than a black fly bite and comparable to a chigger bite. I live in the dry west at 7000 ft. and we don't have chiggers here. We do have a lot of birds, mice, packrats that live & nest near our house though.

Judging from what has been said on the internet, it looks pretty hopeless to try to get rid of the mystery bugs (especially if you can't see them). So my approach is to make myself a non target. By the way, they don't bit my husband so I just need to somehow be like him--not a tasty meal.

I found one person’s story on the internet of how he got relief. He took garlic supplements. He advised 3000 mg per day (that is 6 pills a day of the most potent brand of garlic: Nature Made with 500mg per tablet, 1250mg garlic bulb equivalent). I have tried this and each time I have taken it the bites have stopped. Eventually they stop on their own accord so I can't be 100% sure it is the garlic. However, this last biting episode I got a little better confirmation that the garlic might be working. I got the usual series of bites and started the garlic supplements. In a couple of days the bites stopped. I continued the garlic for a week then tapered off it. In about another 3 days the bites started again. I started the garlic again and in 3 days the bites stopped. I will now stay on the garlic for another 3 weeks before I try to wean off it again. I also eat about 2 cloves of fresh garlic per day for an extra boost. They are pretty tasty if you slice them thin and mico them 1 min in balsamic vinegar with a little garlic salt. I feel like I’m keeping the Vampire at bay with this concoction.
Loesch 7/30/08

hi - i have the same problem. someone just told me to try eucalyptus oil - wash stuff inn it, spray it (diluted) onto furniture, bedding, etc - if you google "eucalyptus oil mites" it sounds promising. then i found this site Method for killing house dust mites in clothing and other soft materials - Patent 20020022043 (http://www.freepatentsonline.com/20020022043.html) that lists a whole bunch of essential oils that kill mites quite effectively. i just found this stuff out tonight, so i haven't tried it yet - but you can bet i'm going out in the morning to find some and give it a try!!!!

Did the oils work?

I too have spent thousands and threw away shoes, coats, furniture. Incredible and understand your demise and sheer terror from this problem I have sat and cried wondering as I have tried all types of pesticides. I read that bifen is a good solution. I haven't tried it but I ordered it. I will write back with results. Here is a site to purchase it.

Bifen IT - Free Shipping (http://www.domyownpestcontrol.com/bifen-it-p-226.html?osCsid=fdf4a405d195295c02abe7dad859b7bc)

I have this problem of a series of stinging bites with no bug to be seen. I have concluded that it is due to a biting mite from the description and photos of other cases on the internet. Fortunately my problem (frequency of bites) is a lot less than others who have written and told their stories on the internet. My invisible bugs usually bite once a year and for a duration of about a week. However in the past 3 years they are biting more and doing it over a longer period. My 3 or 4 bites in a week over a yearly period have increased to 15-20 bites over 3 weeks. Fortunately, they still only do this once or twice a year. I really don't mind a stinging bit if it would just go away like a mosquito bite but my body's reaction to what they inject is the problem. It takes 3 weeks for the welt from the bite to dry up and stop scabbing and oozing. I have tried Rx steroid cream on the bites but it doesn’t seem to do much good. The bite is worse than a black fly bite and comparable to a chigger bite. I live in the dry west at 7000 ft. and we don't have chiggers here. We do have a lot of birds, mice, packrats that live & nest near our house though.

Judging from what has been said on the internet, it looks pretty hopeless to try to get rid of the mystery bugs (especially if you can't see them). So my approach is to make myself a non target. By the way, they don't bit my husband so I just need to somehow be like him--not a tasty meal.

I found one person’s story on the internet of how he got relief. He took garlic supplements. He advised 3000 mg per day (that is 6 pills a day of the most potent brand of garlic: Nature Made with 500mg per tablet, 1250mg garlic bulb equivalent). I have tried this and each time I have taken it the bites have stopped. Eventually they stop on their own accord so I can't be 100% sure it is the garlic. However, this last biting episode I got a little better confirmation that the garlic might be working. I got the usual series of bites and started the garlic supplements. In a couple of days the bites stopped. I continued the garlic for a week then tapered off it. In about another 3 days the bites started again. I started the garlic again and in 3 days the bites stopped. I will now stay on the garlic for another 3 weeks before I try to wean off of it again. I also eat about 2 cloves of fresh garlic per day for an extra boost. They are pretty tasty if you slice them thin and mico them 1 min in balsamic vinegar with a little garlic salt. I feel like I’m keeping the Vampire at bay with this concoction.
Loesch 7/30/08

Did the garlic work? Did you run out of time finding a conclusion before the end of this years cycle?

I too have spent thousands and threw away shoes, coats, furniture. Incredible and understand your demise and sheer terror from this problem I have sat and cried wondering as I have tried all types of pesticides. I read that bifen is a good solution. I haven't tried it but I ordered it. I will write back with results. Here is a site to purchase it.

Bifen IT - Free Shipping (http://www.domyownpestcontrol.com/bifen-it-p-226.html?osCsid=fdf4a405d195295c02abe7dad859b7bc)

I've read that Bifen might work as well; I'm resisting using anymore pesticides as they have made me ill from my past attempts, yet if it really works...

Dental Toxicities Parasitology Center Inc. parasite testing parasitology Dr. Omar Amin, Neuro-cutaneous Syndrome (NCS) (http://www.parasitetesting.com/)
Digestive health starts in the mouth: For many patients, dental and digestive health seem to go hand in hand. Currently there are a multitiude of procedures and materials that have been developed by the dental industry to promote dental health, not to mention to ward off infections and improve oral hygiene. Manufacturers of dental materials spare no effort to provide dentists with the widest array of amalgams, composites, sealants, varnishes, cements, adhesives, pastes, etc. We all know about mercury and heavy metal toxicity; see for example, Ziff (2002). What we did not know about is the involvement of dental sealants (liners in the causation of a newly discovered disorder called neurocutaneous syndrom (NCS) (Amin, 2003, 2004).
NCS is a disorder that degrades the skin (cutaneous tissue) and neurological system of patients who have been treated with sealants during filling or root canal procedures. Patients sensitive to sulfa are especially susceptible to experiencing the neurological and dermatological toxicity symptoms of NCS. Neurological symptoms include but are not limitited to pinprick and/or creeping, painful, and irritating movement sensations, often interpreted as loss of memory, and light sensitivity may also be experienced. The cutaneous aspects include the development of small itchy sores or inflamed, elevated, pimples that may eventually evolve into painful open lesions with a tendency to spread. General symptoms include compromised immune system, fatigue, and psychological trauma.
A complete description of NCS symptoms, the syndrome, compounding factors, and the toxic sealants, with case histories and treatment protocols, is given by Amin (2003, 2004) Dental practitioners should be aware of the adverse effects of using sealants, and employ this knowledge to safeguard the well being of their patiesnt.




SOURCES:
Amin, O.M. "On the diagnosis and management of Neurocutaneous Syndrome (NCS), a toxicity disorder from dental sealants." Explore, vol. 13, no. 1 (2003): pp 21-25.
Amin, O.M. "Dental sealant toxicity: Neurocutaneous Syndrome (NCS), a dermatological and neurological disorder." Holistic Dental Association Journal, no. 1 (2004): pp. 1-15
Ziff, S. Silver Dental Fillings: The Toxic Time Bomb. Santa Fe, Aurora Press, 2002.

Dental Toxicities Parasitology Center Inc. parasite testing parasitology Dr. Omar Amin, Neuro-cutaneous Syndrome (NCS) (http://www.parasitetesting.com/)
Digestive health starts in the mouth: For many patients, dental and digestive health seem to go hand in hand. Currently there are a multitiude of procedures and materials that have been developed by the dental industry to promote dental health, not to mention to ward off infections and improve oral hygiene. Manufacturers of dental materials spare no effort to provide dentists with the widest array of amalgams, composites, sealants, varnishes, cements, adhesives, pastes, etc. We all know about mercury and heavy metal toxicity; see for example, Ziff (2002). What we did not know about is the involvement of dental sealants (liners in the causation of a newly discovered disorder called neurocutaneous syndrom (NCS) (Amin, 2003, 2004).
NCS is a disorder that degrades the skin (cutaneous tissue) and neurological system of patients who have been treated with sealants during filling or root canal procedures. Patients sensitive to sulfa are especially susceptible to experiencing the neurological and dermatological toxicity symptoms of NCS. Neurological symptoms include but are not limitited to pinprick and/or creeping, painful, and irritating movement sensations, often interpreted as loss of memory, and light sensitivity may also be experienced. The cutaneous aspects include the development of small itchy sores or inflamed, elevated, pimples that may eventually evolve into painful open lesions with a tendency to spread. General symptoms include compromised immune system, fatigue, and psychological trauma.
A complete description of NCS symptoms, the syndrome, compounding factors, and the toxic sealants, with case histories and treatment protocols, is given by Amin (2003, 2004) Dental practitioners should be aware of the adverse effects of using sealants, and employ this knowledge to safeguard the well being of their patiesnt.




SOURCES:
Amin, O.M. "On the diagnosis and management of Neurocutaneous Syndrome (NCS), a toxicity disorder from dental sealants." Explore, vol., 13, no. 1 (2003): pp 21-25.
Amin, O.M. "Dental sealant toxicity: Neurocutaneous Syndrome (NCS), a dermatological and neurological disorder." Holistic Dental Association Journal, no. 1 (2004): pp. 1-15
Ziff, S. Silver Dental Fillings: The Toxic Time Bomb. Santa Fe, Aurora Press, 2002.

This may not apply to me at all such that I've no dental work done, ever. At present I do need to have a couple of cavities taken care of, and possibly a mild? Case of Gingivitius, otherwise, it doesn't add up. Thank you though for your time and effort.

RST

This answer is not only for you but for anyone else who is having problems that has had dental work done.

My comment didn't exclude others, just me.

This answer is not only for you but for anyone else who is having problems that has had dental work done.

And thank you again... I can not say thank you enough.
Leslie:)

Also look into Demodex mites

Demodex Solutions heals itching, acne, rosacea, swollen nose and other demodex related skin deseases (http://www.demodexsolutions.com/default.asp?all_about_demodex.asp~mainFrame)

This stuff works. I've been using it with great results.

Hi,
Thank you for the link. I ordered some to try.
This has been a nightmare. Tea tree essential oil
Is the only thing I have found that has given me any
Relief so far. 10 drops in bath water and then after bath apply
A dab of the oil on each bite. Apply dabs of oil 3 times per day.
I went to the dentist and we looked up the components of
What he used in my fillings and he had not used any of those
Components like what was on the Dr. Amir's website;
He also did an exray to see if any of the old dental work
Was leaking and we found nothing. So then I went
To the skin doctor where she said she agreed with
My family doctor;that it looked like scabbies, but
Did not understand why the scabbie cream they had given me
Did not work. Going to do skin scape tests next Tues.
Anyway... thank you so for the post and try the tea tree
Essential oil... if you'd like for yourself. I ordered
It off eBay. Have a good day.
Sincerely,
Leslie

We live close to several farmer's fields and have gotten overwhelmed by some type of grain mite. As of yet, no one has been able to identify which specific type. Have tried many different sprays along w/ the exterminators advice. Anyone know how to get rid of these things. We have lost a couch and recliner along w/ our mattresses and window coverings because they live off of the cotton, etc.... This has cost us several thousand dollars and it's almost the time of year that this began last year. We need any advice you can offer. Thanks!

Hi,
Maybe that is what I have. Have these things been biting you? The doctors
Can not figure out what has been biting me, they thought it was scabbies at
First and of course I was floored because I am a clean normal person,
Never thinking I would get scabbies. I am single and don't sleep around either, don't
Have time for that. Anyway, the cream they gave didn't work and
So they are sort of at a lost. But
They will be doing skin testing on me next week. I know these things are in my mattress
Too, but my exterminator came over about 4 weeks ago and looked for bed bugs and said there weren't any bed bugs in my mattress but sprayed the matress anyway. But the darn things came back about 3 weeks later and I was on the couch again. I do have a cat and I took him to the vet to be tested for scabbies, cat HIV and he was fine. They even gave Albert a shot for mange just to be sure. If you gather anymore information on this please share. Thank you.

I've been using the stuff for demodex mites only for 11 days. I have the bar soap, the lotion, shampoo, and the XFML cream. It takes at least 10 days after you order to receive this stuff so make sure you order well before you run out. Actually right now I look worse my face and body is all broken out with itchy red dots, however, they say your skin will break out, on their website and to keep using the product, so I've been. Nothing has even remotely bothered these things and this stuff is sending them in a panic. You also have to use it for at least 4 months to make sure you kill everything, and then use it afterwards not as much, to maintain. I also let everything sit on in the shower for about 5-7 minutes to make sure it's well in my skin. I use less water to get a good lather and just keep rubbing it all over, and then put the lotion on after I dry off on every crevice of my body. I use the lotion 3 times a day. The XFML cream will burn your face, but you'll live.

I threw out everything I owed and I moved at least 5 times trying to get away from this stuff, which also cost me thousands of dollars. I finally reached the conclusion that the common factor in all this is ME. I don't believe its really in the furniture or so much the clothes as much as the mites are deep in my skin and that is why I stopped moving and throwing stuff out and started completely focusing on the demodex mites solution listed above. I'm not saying it can't infest a couch or bed and if you are worried about that I would get a hot iron and run it over your furniture that will kill anything. Put a sheet on first if the fabric will be ruined.

When you moved to a new place did you take furniture and clothing with you? Did you move with the same automobile?

The Bifen worked well on the hard wood floor and dipped all nick nacks and cloth flowers, baskets and the devils hate it and stay away from these items. Alas I cleaned these again and packed them away, bagged the plastic bins and the bugs stayed away from these items. Washed curtains and drapes in Bifen and packed them away. Will put in carpet steamer. And yes they hate vinegar like DEET. Salt kills them, dessicates them but you can't salt and vinegar your entire house as it does damage fabrics and furniture.

Texas:
It's me newt (leslie)... I was just wondering how you are doing? I have been busy lately but I have been thinking about you and wondering if you are doing better. I have been trying some new things that seem to be helping me, I had those new fillings removed too. I want to tell you what has been working for me so that maybe you could try them and they might help you too. Anyway... I'm not very good at working this blog stuff but if you're still out there in cyber land I have some hopeful information I'd like to share with you. Just let me know if you are still using this site. I have no other way of reaching you otherwise. I'll never forget your post. I would have never put those two things together, oh and when the new dentist took out the fillings that Dr Walker did in November she finds that not only did Dr Walker use a cheap sealant but he left the old mercury that he was suppose to take out, sitting on top of decay and then just covered it up with white cheap sealant... it's no wonder I almost died and I did too... ended up in the emergency room one night. But after the new dentist went in and fixed everything I have been getting better... slowly tough. But for sure improvements. But like I said I have been wondering if you are doing OK. Ok... hope to talk to you again.
Sincerely,
Newt




Dental Toxicities Parasitology Center Inc. parasite testing parasitology Dr. Omar Amin, Neuro-cutaneous Syndrome (NCS) (http://www.parasitetesting.com/)
Digestive health starts in the mouth: For many patients, dental and digestive health seem to go hand in hand. Currently there are a multitiude of procedures and materials that have been developed by the dental industry to promote dental health, not to mention to ward off infections and improve oral hygiene. Manufacturers of dental materials spare no effort to provide dentists with the widest array of amalgams, composites, sealants, varnishes, cements, adhesives, pastes, etc. We all know about mercury and heavy metal toxicity; see for example, Ziff (2002). What we did not know about is the involvement of dental sealants (liners in the causation of a newly discovered disorder called neurocutaneous syndrom (NCS) (Amin, 2003, 2004).
NCS is a disorder that degrades the skin (cutaneous tissue) and neurological system of patients who have been treated with sealants during filling or root canal procedures. Patients sensitive to sulfa are especially susceptible to experiencing the neurological and dermatological toxicity symptoms of NCS. Neurological symptoms include but are not limitited to pinprick and/or creeping, painful, and irritating movement sensations, often interpreted as loss of memory, and light sensitivity may also be experienced. The cutaneous aspects include the development of small itchy sores or inflamed, elevated, pimples that may eventually evolve into painful open lesions with a tendency to spread. General symptoms include compromised immune system, fatigue, and psychological trauma.
A complete description of NCS symptoms, the syndrome, compounding factors, and the toxic sealants, with case histories and treatment protocols, is given by Amin (2003, 2004) Dental practitioners should be aware of the adverse effects of using sealants, and employ this knowledge to safeguard the well being of their patiesnt.




SOURCES:
Amin, O.M. "On the diagnosis and management of Neurocutaneous Syndrome (NCS), a toxicity disorder from dental sealants." Explore, vol., 13, no. 1 (2003): pp 21-25.
Amin, O.M. "Dental sealant toxicity: Neurocutaneous Syndrome (NCS), a dermatological and neurological disorder." Holistic Dental Association Journal, no. 1 (2004): pp. 1-15
Ziff, S. Silver Dental Fillings: The Toxic Time Bomb. Santa Fe, Aurora Press, 2002.

Leslie!
I was just thinking about you last night and wondering if that worked out for you. I'm not big on the posting or blogging thing either. I found information on that NCS and just started posting it EVERYWHERE I could think of, I figured it would benefit someone. God works in mysterious ways. I guess he knew you needed that information. :)
I think what I have is demodex mites. I was going nuts with these biting crawling symptoms for over 2 years and FINALLY found this demodex mite site. Demodexsolutions.com. Right after I found that NCS site. I've been using their products with Fantastic results. I was thinking that if having your filling removed didn't work... I was hoping you would find the information I previously posted about the demodex mites. The stuff is expensive!! I've been spending $120 a week on it and then I broke out in what looked like a thousand red ant bites on my back, my stomach, my chest... and they itched like crazy but I just kept using their products and now it is clearing up and 75% of the crawling and biting has gone away. I plan on using their stuff for at least the next year. I have no idea how I contracted this. All I know it was after I left my windows open while living in Las Vegas in April 06. I had an exterminator out and they thought I was nuts because they couldn't find anything either but since using the demodex solutions stuff my clothes don't feel like they are alive and crawling on my body.
:)I'm so happy things are getting better for you!!

Just a side note ***** The CDC (Center for Disease Control) is utterly USELESS!!

Leslie,

Since you have some down time with your recovery... Go find yourself a shiny new attorney and look into sueing that dentist who did that to you. You deserve to be compensated for your pain and suffering also you will help protect others who he may do or did that to.

Hi Texas,
I am so happy to hear you are getting better. Yes.. God does work in mysteriou ways. And yes I know what you mean about the CDC, but they did answer me back after I forwarded a link to the NCS website to them. It was very brief saying they will look at it.
I suppose its hard for others to understand how something like this can effect your whole life. But it looks like we now have some angels looking over us and helping us get better. So this is a good thing. Take care and best wishes to you always.
Leslie




Leslie!
I was just thinking about you last night and wondering if that worked out for you. I'm not big on the posting or blogging thing either. I found information on that NCS and just started posting it EVERYWHERE I could think of, I figured it would benefit someone. God works in mysterious ways. I guess he knew you needed that information. :)
I think what I have is demodex mites. I was going nuts with these biting crawling symptoms for over 2 years and FINALLY found this demodex mite site. Demodexsolutions.com. Right after I found that NCS site. I've been using their products with Fantastic results. I was thinking that if having your filling removed didn't work... I was hoping you would find the infomation I previously posted about the demodex mites. The stuff is expensive!!! I've been spending $120 a week on it and then I broke out in what looked like a thousand red ant bites on my back, my stomach, my chest... and they itched like crazy but I just kept using their products and now it is clearing up and 75% of the crawling and biting has gone away. I plan on using their stuff for at least the next year. I have no idea how I contracted this. All I know it was after I left my windows open while living in Las Vegas in April 06. I had an exterminator out and they thought I was nuts because they couldn't find anything either but since using the demodex solutions stuff my clothes don't feel like they are alive and crawling on my body.
:)I'm so happy things are getting better for you!!!

Just a side note ***** The CDC (Center for Disease Control) is utterly USELESS!!!

I want to pose this to those that have had the invisible mite or insect biting problem that exterminators and doctors can't solve:
I know that the problem is a type of tiny biting midge. Now consider a cat or dog found that is infested with mites. It happens as the mites multiply feeding off the animal. Why then can't that be considered to humans. Just like lice the biting mites find homes in the scalp and skin and under the nails of humans. Unless all nesting sites including in human beings are irradicated then the problem continues. We have all heard of persons taking months to irradicate head lice because either some are still in the scalp or clothing, bedding, etc. Why is that doctors and exterminators don't believe this as they do about bed bugs and fleas.

It's DEMODEX MITES.

Demodex Solutions heals itching, acne, rosacea, swollen nose and other demodex related skin deseases (http://www.demodexsolutions.com)

God Bless YOU too, Leslie! :)

Very interesting thread... We exterminators can be a hard-headed lot, and we do deal with cases of electrostatic and hysterical dermatitis so much that we can mistake mites for those, as can doctors. If your local exterminators and physicians cannot provide you any relief you may have to contact your state University's biology department. Usually the county extension offices are more focused on agriculture than pest control, but they can be a conduit into the local entomology community. DON'T stop trying because you run into a stubborn ignoramus.

Also look into Demodex mites

Demodex Solutions heals itching, acne, rosacea, swollen nose and other demodex related skin deseases (http://www.demodexsolutions.com/default.asp?all_about_demodex.asp~mainFrame)

This stuff works. I've been using it with great results.
TexasTexas,
I am interested in hearing more about demodex and your experience with it. Please can you tell us more. How long did it take for you to feel a difference?

hi,
thank you for the link. I ordered some to try.
This has been a nightmare. Tea tree essential oil
is the only thing I have found that has given me any
relief so far. 10 drops in bath water and then after bath apply
a dab of the oil on each bite. Apply dabs of oil 3 times per day.
I went to the dentist and we looked up the components of
what he used in my fillings and he had not used any of those
components like what was on the Dr. Amir's website;
he also did an exray to see if any of the old dental work
was leaking and we found nothing. So then I went
to the skin doctor where she said she agreed with
my family doctor;that it looked like scabbies, but
did not understand why the scabbie cream they had given me
did not work. Going to do skin scape tests next Tues.
Anyway ...thank you so for the post and try the tea tree
essential oil....if you'd like for yourself. I ordered
it off of ebay. Have a good day.
Sincerely,
Leslie

Hi Leslie,
I was hoping you may be able to share the results of your skin scrape? I am having the same problem:( I am really at my wits end . I know mentally I can't take much more of this. Maybe, they will be able to tell you how to get rid of this crap. I have been through a lot in my life, but this has really almost done me in. Please help if you can.
mmarsha

Yep, scabies is the same thing doctor told me and treatment didn't work for me either.
I tried washing my clothes in an antifungal cleaner called Pro Force at Sam's club and it helps but takes hottest water and soak for at least an hour. The county co-op identified these as midges. No one believes me that they bite, I have been taking pictures of my bites as proof.
I am over the edge, I am angry and tired of my life being wasted away with this garbage. Where are the "experts," seems to be a dead silence. I am sure there must be some entomologists reading these posts.

I threw out everything I owed and I moved at least 5 times trying to get away from this stuff, which also cost me thousands of dollars. I finally reached the conclusion that the common factor in all this is ME. I don't believe its really in the furniture or so much the clothes as much as the mites are deep in my skin and that is why I stopped moving and throwing stuff out and started completely focusing on the demodex mites solution listed above. I'm not saying it can't infest a couch or bed and if you are worried about that I would get a hot iron and run it over your furniture that will kill anything. Put a sheet on first if the fabric will be ruined.

I can't run an iron over my car.

Where are the "experts," seems to be a dead silence. I am sure there must be some entomologists reading these posts.


Which one do you have, findit?

Image Search Results (http://www.goodsearch.com/SearchImage.aspx?Keywords=Biting+midges)

Image Search Results (http://www.goodsearch.com/SearchImage.aspx?Keywords=collembola)

Image Search Results (http://www.goodsearch.com/SearchImage.aspx?Keywords=book+lice+psocids)

Image Search Results (http://www.goodsearch.com/SearchImage.aspx?Keywords=springtails)

Image Search Results (http://www.goodsearch.com/SearchImage.aspx?Keywords=scabies)

Image Search Results (http://www.goodsearch.com/SearchImage.aspx?Keywords=morgellons)


Sorry, there is no quick, simple answer. These are only from the pics I've already searched trying to help people identify what they're suffering from.

First Image Result.
Image Search Results (http://www.goodsearch.com/SearchImage.aspx?Keywords=Biting+midges)

Gross progres... s sand
375 X 500 - 122.3kB

attacked
500 X 382 - 105.1kB

Mating biting... dges 2
500 X 333 - 48.2kB
(more of a white/grey or tan color)

Biting midges have to have standing water to lay eggs in. Any leak problems? Wet basement? Ponds outside? If you can find their source, there are larvacides you can put in the water (one brand is called Mosquito Dunks, there are other brands) to break up the breeding cycle. If you cannot get access to the source, the local Public Health Department can.

Home repair/humidity issues can be resolved by a local contractor, either by waterproofing or dehumidifying the affected area. That isn't cheap, but it needs to be done properly.

Been there, done that, this breed/species doesn't need a pond or standing water, just blood bait to multiply. My auto doesn't have a moisture problem.

I threw out everything I owed and I moved at least 5 times trying to get away from this stuff, which also cost me thousands of dollars. I finally reached the conclusion that the common factor in all this is ME. I don't believe its really in the furniture or so much the clothes as much as the mites are deep in my skin and that is why I stopped moving and throwing stuff out and started completely focusing on the demodex mites solution listed above. I'm not saying it can't infest a couch or bed and if you are worried about that I would get a hot iron and run it over your furniture that will kill anything. Put a sheet on first if the fabric will be ruined.

TexasTexas,
I agree, because I too have thrown almost everything away and have had professional pest service and I can't get rid of this crap. Texas, I am at my last nerve ending. I don't know how much more I can take. During your going through all this have you ever smelled any strange odors? Last night there was this terrible smell in my house. Like a sick smell?? I have read that bed bugs give off a sick sweet odor but my house has been inspected for b.bugs and they all say I don't have them. I am going back to the doctor and get nerve pills, I feel like I am losing it, "ya know" I think for some reason they are becoming more active. My face and neck are red and burnt from using so much crap on it and I have always been very careful to take extra good care of my skin and now I'm ruining it.

Very interesting thread... We exterminators can be a hard-headed lot, and we do deal with cases of electrostatic and hysterical dermatitis so much that we can mistake mites for those, as can doctors. If your local exterminators and physicians cannot provide you any relief you may have to contact your state University's biology department. Usually the county extension offices are more focused on agriculture than pest control, but they can be a conduit into the local entomology community. DON'T stop trying because you run into a stubborn ignoramus.
Catsmine,
My own brother who owns his own pest control business doesn't believe that I have a problem. He thinks that I have lost it. I did get some more samples down to the co-op and they have sent it off. I wanted to tell you about after I read TexasTexas's post I decided to try this sulfur stuff that I got at Mizes and I couldn't believe it, After I tried that stuff I realize that she is right. I think it is demodex mites. I use to work at veterinarians and I know that I have been exposed to them several times but when all this first started I thought that I had scabies and used lindane it seemed to work better than anything else that I had done but it did not kill them all. Isn't there something that will kill this s_ _ t immediately because I don't think I can take the thousand red bumps and the itching that Texas was talking after using demodex. I would have to get myself on some heavy duty medication. I am not far now from a nervous breakdown. This crap has taken over my life. It's all I think about and every day I go through hell. Day after day after day. You know we all have our breaking point and mine is getting closer and closer. If you have any suggestions, please I'm all ears.
mmarsha

It's DEMODEX MITES.

Demodex Solutions heals itching, acne, rosacea, swollen nose and other demodex related skin deseases (http://www.demodexsolutions.com)

TexasTexas,
I forgot to ask how long have you been doing demodex and how long did you have to deal with those itching bumps?

been there, done that, this breed/species doesn't need a pond or standing water, just blood bait to multiply. My auto doesn't have a moisture problem.

Have you talked to the Health Department? A car's interior would be a very strange place for any insects to set up shop. Them getting in the vents as you drive through their habitat and surviving the days you don't drive would seem a more logical course of events, particularly since you get rid of them and they come back.

Isn't there something that will kill this s_ _ t immediately because I don't think I can take the thousand red bumps and the itching that Texas was talking after using demodex.

If lindane won't do it then you can take the skin off or go through a course of treatment. How many Dermatologists have you seen? A doctor with some knowledge of parasites might be able to help, rather than one knowledgeable in acne.

I am now on blood pressure medication because of the stress of this problem. Soon as I have to plan a trip in the car, my blood pressure goes up from the anxiety of knowing that I have to run all my errands at once. I can't wear any of my dressy clothes, just old junk as I can't afford to waste anymore clothes to the trash. Wear a sweater and the pests get into every weave of yarn and can't wash out. After a car trip be ready to go straight to the shower and disinfect myself I know I am breathing these things into my lungs. I cough and sneeze intensly after a car trip. Breathing these in can't be good for anyone. I think I should change my screen name to "over the edge"

If lindane won't do it then you can take the skin off or go through a course of treatment. How many Dermatologists have you seen? A doctor with some knowledge of parasites might be able to help, rather than one knowledgeable in acne.
He thinks I am imaging things and gave me cortisone cream that soothes the bites but does nothing to repel them from me.

Have you talked to the Health Department? A car's interior would be a very strange place for any insects to set up shop. Them getting in the vents as you drive through their habitat and surviving the days you don't drive would seem a more logical course of events, particularly since you get rid of them and they come back.

Sure they come back because the eggs hatch. These things have metamorphed themselves to survive (pesticide resistant). These female pests are desperate for food which is me. Whatever, they got in there and now they won't leave and are even more aggressive searching for a host. These pests don't know how to get out and then more eggs hatch and the cycle starts over. Tried the cycling for the larva-pupa... etc. with pesticides and no relief. Even ran the car with insecticide and the heat cranked up for a couple hours on a hot day, kept windows closed to contain heat hoping to bake them to death. But then more eggs hatch.

He thinks I am imaging things and gave me cortisone cream that soothes the bites but does nothing to repel them from me.

Like I said, try a doctor with some knowledge of parasites. Shop around. As far as your super-midges go, you should contact your nearest university entomology department to have them study this species of midge that defies all the literature that all the experts here can find.

He thinks I am imaging things and gave me cortisone cream that soothes the bites but does nothing to repel them from me.

Findit,
I am so sorry to hear that. I too have been going through the same thing. I am out of money and half crazy. I started school back today and I am so scared that I am going to infect my class or that someone will see a bug on me. I am trying so hard not to completely shut down. Last night I seen a midge for sure.Biting midges... 02 jpg
400 X 290 - 12.4kBme
sonsofsamhorn.net It looked just like this and it was on my bed. It is the first one that I have seen that big?? I finally got my landlord to fix my water leaking in basement? Maybe the big ones are coming upstairs since the water isn't leaking. Catsmine, if you are reading ,what is your take on that. Findit I hope that you find some relief and I am going to try and pray for us all who are suffering these killer mites. I say that I am going to try because it is getting harder and harder. I feel like I am on the edge of the cliff and I already have one foot off and I say killer mites because they are killing my spirit slowly more and more everyday. If there are any christians out there reading this pray we find the solution.
mmarsha

Have you talked to the Health Department? A car's interior would be a very strange place for any insects to set up shop. Them getting in the vents as you drive through their habitat and surviving the days you don't drive would seem a more logical course of events, particularly since you get rid of them and they come back.

They are in my car too.
mmarsha

mmarsha, I have been reading your posts and my husband and I are experiencing these biting mites also. It has only been about a month for us so I can only imagine how you feel. My heart goes out to you because I can truly say I've never been so afraid of anything like I am now. These mites are a really bad nightmare and we have tried different things but to no avail so far. We have 4 children and are afraid they will get them also. I am a Christian and God knows what kind of trial this is for me and my family. He said that he'll never leave me or forsake me and I am looking to him to take these things away. I've read stories online where people prayed and eventually Jesus took the mites away. Maybe I have the mites to help other people deal with it also. I'm crying right now because this upsets me so much. Please keep in touch because there's not a lot of people who can understand or know what this is like. I'm praying for you mmarsha.

Biting midges...02 jpg
400 X 290 - 12.4kBme
sonsofsamhorn.net It looked just like this and it was on my bed. It is the first one that I have seen that big???? I finally got my landlord to fix my water leaking in basement? maybe the big ones are coming upstairs since the water isn't leaking.

Sorry, the links didn't work

If the water problem is now fixed, get things dried out as much as possible and then one dose of an insecticide fogger should take care of the midges.

There are moisture absorbing products at the hardware stores. Brand names escape me right now. They're packs or canisters of gel beads that absorb humidity from the air.

mmarsha, I have been reading your posts and my husband and I are experiencing these biting mites also. It has only been about a month for us so I can only imagine how you feel. My heart goes out to you because I can truly say I've never been so afraid of anything like I am now. These mites are a really bad nightmare and we have tried different things but to no avail so far. We have 4 children and are afraid they will get them also.

mmarsha has been dealing with what I think are midges coming from a wet basement. Hopefully that is in the process of being solved. If you are having trouble with mites, which are different, check this link for pictures that may help you narrow the specific type down

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/pest-control/invisible-biting-stinging-bugs-72514-2.html

mmarsha, I have been reading your posts and my husband and I are experiencing these biting mites also. It has only been about a month for us so I can only imagine how you feel. My heart goes out to you because I can truly say I've never been so afraid of anything like I am now. These mites are a really bad nightmare and we have tried different things but to no avail so far. We have 4 children and are afraid they will get them also. I am a Christian and God knows what kind of trial this is for me and my family. He said that he'll never leave me or forsake me and I am looking to him to take these things away. I've read stories online where people prayed and eventually Jesus took the mites away. Maybe I have the mites to help other people deal with it also. I'm crying right now because this upsets me so much. Please keep in touch because there's not a lot of people who can understand or know what this is like. I'm praying for you mmarsha.

NatalieR,
I am so sorry to hear that you are suffering too. I cried when I read your post. I agree that the Lord can make this go away or help us to find the solution to eradicate it. I keep hearing in my head the verse that say's He will never put more on us than we can bear with out leaving us a way of escape. I can understand your fear Natalie and encourage you to try your best to be brave and keep trusting God. I know that during all this, somewhere I forgot that God is Almighty and All knowing and He did say that He would never leave us or forsake us. Thank you for reminding me. It encouraged me in the Lord and for that I am grateful. I hope you are having a good day. I have stopped trying to think about next week or tomorrow and focus on just getting through today. Some days seem to be better than others?? Thank you for praying for me.
mmarsha

mmarsha has been dealing with what I think are midges coming from a wet basement. Hopefully that is in the process of being solved. If you are having trouble with mites, which are different, check this link for pictures that may help you narrow the specific type down

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/pest-control/invisible-biting-stinging-bugs-72514-2.html
Catsmine,
Thank you for the info about midges. Can they infest people? I mean like can they get in your hair and skin? Because if not then I believe that I must have both midges and mites. Can they make your skin itch and feel like its crawling?
mmarsha

mmarsha, I have been reading your posts and my husband and I are experiencing these biting mites also. It has only been about a month for us so I can only imagine how you feel. My heart goes out to you because I can truly say I've never been so afraid of anything like I am now. These mites are a really bad nightmare and we have tried different things but to no avail so far. We have 4 children and are afraid they will get them also. I am a Christian and God knows what kind of trial this is for me and my family. He said that he'll never leave me or forsake me and I am looking to him to take these things away. I've read stories online where people prayed and eventually Jesus took the mites away. Maybe I have the mites to help other people deal with it also. I'm crying right now because this upsets me so much. Please keep in touch because there's not a lot of people who can understand or know what this is like. I'm praying for you mmarsha.
Natalie,
Here is something I thought you should see. Maybe this is a super mite?? I am sitting here with mayo all over my face and hair.:) I just found this Super Lice Not A Myth - CBS News Video (http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4438830n) It is about super lice and how they are resistant to pesticides. I thought it was pretty interesting as mites and lice seem to be a lot alike, hope this helps.
mmarsha

Catsmine,
Thankyou for the info about midges. Can they infest people? I mean like can they get in your hair and skin? Because if not then I believe that I must have both midges and mites. Can they make your skin itch and feel like its crawling?
mmarsha

It is entirely possible and most likely one of the reasons so many people are having so much trouble. They get rid of one and the others continue to attack, giving the first ones time to re-establish themselves, like a week or two if conditions aren't changed. So sufferers go back and forth, not realizing that they have two or more infestations and thinking that nothing works.

That's why I am so adamant on finding breeding sites and changing the environment. Pesticides will not be the only thing necessary to solve these problems.

It is entirely possible and most likely one of the reasons so many people are having so much trouble. They get rid of one and the others continue to attack, giving the first ones time to re-establish themselves, like a week or two if conditions aren't changed. So sufferers go back and forth, not realizing that they have two or more infestations and thinking that nothing works.

That's why I am so adamant on finding breeding sites and changing the environment. Pesticides will not be the only thing necessary to solve these problems.
Thank you once again Catsmine.:) To update about the mayo, it definitely works.I just put it on my hair and face and neck last night because that is were I feel the most creeping at. I do have some kind of mite in or on my skin because after I left it on the recommended
2 - 4 hours, I left it on 2, There were what appeared to be lots of eggs and some very small bugs? I did not recognize them as a lice bug or a scabies bug? But I took my fine tooth comb and gently racked them of my neck and face. My neck has been like kind of red and really kind of hurting and immediately after I got that crap off my neck and washed it with soap and water I noticed that the redness was gone and it didn't bother me at all last night. So tonight I am doing my whole body. Who would have ever thought that mayo could kill lice and mites. It works as well or better than lindane in my opinion. Just some food for thought. Have a Great Day Catsmine.
mmarsha

Thank you once again Catsmine.:) To update about the mayo, it definitely works.I just put it on my hair and face and neck last night because that is were I feel the most creeping at. I do have some kind of mite in or on my skin because after I left it on the recommended
2 - 4 hours, I left it on 2, There were what appeared to be lots of eggs and some very small bugs? I did not recognize them as a lice bug or a scabies bug? but I took my fine tooth comb and gently racked them of my neck and face. My neck has been like kind of red and really kind of hurting and immediately after I got that crap off my neck and washed it with soap and water I noticed that the redness was gone and it didn't bother me at all last night. So tonight I am doing my whole body. Who would of ever thought that mayo could kill lice and mites. It works as well or better than lindane in my opinion. Just some food for thought. Have a Great Day Catsmine.
mmarsha

Be careful, mmarsha. The mayo is a colloid suspension, similar to Compound W@ for warts. I don't really know dermatology, but it seems like the mode of action for drawing them out would be suffocation, in that they cannot get air with a couple millimeters of colloid on top of the skin, so they come "to the surface" and the egg in the mayo convinces them they're still "in" a natural environment.

If this surmise is correct, a whole body treatment could be dangerous by interfering with normal skin respiration. Maybe top half, groom, then legs, for safety's sake?

Catsmine is correct. The action of mayo is suffocation. It is inadvisable to use in on your entire body.

Mmarsha,

I asked J_9 to double check me on the safety of the mayo treatment. She did point out that we really should be directing this thread into one of your very own, since the original question was asked a year ago and the questioner never came back. I'm closing this one. Please let me know about the mayo in your own thread, I've opened one called skin mites just for you.