William F. Lyon
Entomophobia is an irrational fear of insects. Delusory Parasitosis is the illusion that your body is infested by bugs. Individuals may become terrified and complain of being irritated or bitten over various parts of their body. Sometimes they blame the problem on tiny, fast-moving insects (Mystery Bugs) that are difficult to see or collect. Some believe the specimens to be white, black, transparent or even able to change colors before jumping or burrowing into the person's skin, furniture, carpeting, walls or ceiling. Irritations range from pin-prick bites to red welts that itch and swell.
Most persons are only able to submit samples of skin fragments, lint, threads, wood splinters, dirt and other debris for identification. They feel frustrated and helpless and may sense that no one believes they have a problem. Many have treated the infestation several times and/or have employed pest control operators to make pesticide applications in hope of eliminating the problem. Some are desperate for results and continue to pay for residual and space treatments, even a fumigation in some cases, to solve the biting problem. Most have visited their medical doctors for advice and treatment and still suffer discomfort.
Sometimes, the problem occurs in a large office where one person will feel an itch and scratch vigorously. Soon others in the work group are involved itching and complaining of some type of unknown irritant, sometimes blaming the discomfort to paper mites, cable mites, sand fleas or other mythical beasts. They have often been the victim of misinformation. Individuals search intensely for specimens usually collecting a non-biting specimen (fruit flies, fungus gnats, midges, etc.) that accidentally invaded the premises attracted to night lights having nothing to do with the problem.
According to an Ohio survey conducted over 10 years ago, most persons who have Entomophobia are single, middle-aged to elderly, unemployed, educated, Caucasian, usually widows, nervous, have some knowledge of the medical field, over-bathe, have visited doctors and believe the problem to be caused by tiny bugs, lice, gnats, fleas or mites. Sometimes bachelors and older retired men complain of these problems.
Some persons' bodies overreact to a substance that has little or no effect on most people. That substance is known as an allergen, and the individual is said to have an allergy. Many substances cause allergic reactions, including house dust, animal hairs, laundry softeners, soaps (changing to a cheap detergent), cosmetics, wall paints, foods, pollens, medicines (antibiotic drugs), vitamins, perfumes, insect fragments and clothing. (Permapress clothing is often treated with formaldehyde.) Certain allergens can be inhaled, rubbed on the skin, taken by mouth or injected. An estimated 35 million Americans have allergies.
Rather than a single substance, house dust is a varied mixture of potentially allergenic materials. It may contain fibers from different types of fabrics, cotton liners, feathers and other stuffing materials, bacteria, mold and fungus spores, mildew bacteria, food particles, human and pet dandruff, bits of plants and insects, and pet hair. The breakdown of these materials from use and aging enhances the ability to sensitize susceptible persons.
One should listen patiently and sympathetically to the person involved since the symptoms are real, even though no pests may be found. Be understanding, patient, professional and advise the individual to consult a physician (dermatologist or allergy specialist) since it is a medical problem. Always stick to the facts and ask for specimens to be identified. Never recommend pesticide treatment when no pests are found.
Inspection equipment includes a powerful flashlight, 30X magnifier, small paint brushes and collection vials to sample for potential pests. To sample for potential pests, sticky insect glue board-traps can be placed near the bed, chairs, bathroom or any location or height where the victim is irritated. This is done to help establish the presence or absence of the causal organism. One can swab affected skin areas with cotton balls or cosmetic pads moistened with baby oil and then place contents in a vial of 70 percent alcohol (rubbing alcohol) for identification purposes.
Usually it is important to learn when the problem first started and if any changes were made in the home or office at that time. Many times when an overhead air vent is turned on, particles of dust, dirt and fibers are blown onto a person and this causes much itching and many little bites. Other people will itch at the neck, face, legs, back or arms, sometimes after one to two hours under the air vent. Tobacco smoke, static electricity, low humidity, ingested foods and formaldehyde have caused irritations. Applying aerosol 3-M Static Gard to carpet and clothing may help. Wear cotton clothing and neoprene shoe soles.
The ideal air control system (ventilation system) for an allergic person is one that centrally heats, humidifies, cools and filters the air in the home or office. A central humidifier, to add moisture to the air during the heating season, will reduce dryness and irritation of the nose, throat and skin membranes. Central air conditioning will filter out pollens, molds and dust when windows and doors are kept closed. Various types of air purifiers can be attached to the central air return to decrease irritants. Most standard filters remove 50 to 70 percent of material. HEPA filters will remove 99 percent of material.
In offices, paper dust from computer paper, handling self carbon paper, fibers from new carpets, draperies or new filters in heating/air-conditioning convectors cause itching. Taking off shoes and rubbing nylon hose on carpets can cause irritations. Too many persons working in small areas can be a problem. Other factors could be stress (family death, divorce, conflict, etc.), dermatitis, shingles, sunburn, poison ivy, etc.
Sometimes a strict sanitation program will solve the problem. Use of a strong suction vacuum cleaner that traps dust into a water pan rather than a dust bag prevents the finest particles of dust and allergens from being spewed back into the air. Use a strong detergent and hot water for dust removal; wet shampooing of the carpet; laundering bedding and clothing, bathing regularly with medicated soaps; and wearing proper clothing to fit the room temperature and relative humidity usually will provide some relief.
It is best to be honest with the person involved and not recommend insecticide spraying unless insect or mite specimens are found. The use of insecticides could result in a case of "chemophobia" with a possible later lawsuit. Remember usually the problem is of a medical nature and should be handled by a doctor.
Medical entomologists from the Ohio Department of Health, Vector-borne Disease Unit, 900 Freeway Drive North, Building 8, Columbus, Ohio 43229 Telephone 614-752-1029, have experiences dealing with Mystery Bugs. Sometimes a person mistakenly blames a nonexistent pest for real physical symptoms caused by environmental problems or a skin condition. Some practices that may be helpful include:
This publication contains pesticide recommendations that are subject to change at any time. These recommendations are provided only as a guide. It is always the pesticide applicator's responsibility, by law, to read and follow all current label directions for the specific pesticide being used. Due to constantly changing labels and product registration, some of the recommendations given in this writing may no longer be legal by the time you read them. If any information in these recommendations disagrees with the label, the recommendation must be disregarded. No endorsement is intended for products mentioned, nor is criticism meant for products not mentioned. The author, The Ohio State University and Ohio State University Extension assume no liability resulting from the use of these recommendations.
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Keith L. Smith, Associate Vice President for Ag. Adm. and Director, OSU Extension.
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