I don't think I've thought of any of these ideas on my own, but I've read them in a number of places, including the yahoo group birdmitesorg where people discuss methods of controlling biting mite infestations. Since I've heard so many of them, I thought it would be good to put in one place. Many thanks to those who have tried these things!
1) Spread Borax/Diatomacious Earth on the carpet where you sit, lay it on thick. One person said she uses the whole box on the seat back, seat, and carpet in front of the seat. Leave the powder there while you drive. One person uses towls to protect her clothing from the powder, changing a clean towel every time. I use a bag (see 4).
2) If it's winter, don't turn the heat on, leave your coat on and keep it closed tightly. The mites are less likely to make it on you if it's subzero temperatures.
3) Put a 50 gallon black garbage bag over the seat, if you treated the seat with Borax, leave the Borax there, this will also protect your clothing from the white powder. When you enter the car, you can spray down the bag with alcohol and wipe it to make sure there are no mites on the bag when you sit. A similar idea I read is to put a shower cap on the head rest. A combination may be needed if the seat is too big.
4) If you're being infested from the steering wheel, use latex gloves.
5) Have your car detail cleaned/steam cleaned
6) Use free car-wash car vacuums to vacuum the inside of your car.
7) If you're tracking mites in your car on your shoes, wipe the bottoms with Windex, Ammonia, or Alcohol.
8) Spray your shoes, socks, feet, legs and pant legs with an insect repellant such as Lemon Eucalyptus or Picardin repellants (available from Repel, Cutter, and Off).
9) Spray your car with a mixture of epsom salt and water, the epsom salt should be quite concentrated, you can wipe plastic areas clean with a wet rag to avoid residue.
10) Make sure there are no rodents living in your car. In Texas, Michigan, and the East Coast, there have been numerous reports of mice, rats, and squirrels making nests or living in cars that are not used on a daily basis. These rodents will often seek shelter in the car during winter months and may be the source of a continued mite infestation.
While rodent mites generally infest rodents, even bird mites can maintain an infestation on a rodent. If the rodents are in your cabin, you can use snap traps (or if your desperate, poison--although it might rot in your car).
You can also take rodent control measures around your car, putting poison or traps in the garage etc. Some people have used Fox urine or ground Irish Spring soap in little cups to keep rodents at bay. Don't put anything flamable or meltable in the engine compartment. If you have a nest in your car, take the necessary protective measures to remove the nesting material (gloves, breathing protection etc.)
11) Treat the car with an ozone generator. More than an hour of running a generator should expose the mites thoroughly enough. Beware that high concentrations of ozone can be lethal to breath.
12) Fog the car with Cedarcide for some 10 to 15 minutes. Move "through the car" when you fog and make sure each crevice, nook, and cranny is fogged thoroughly. The trijet fogger sold by Cedarcide has the habbit of not reaching areas "in the shadows"--that is, not directly exposed to the stream coming from the fogger. The mist also moves from up to down, so you will need to make special attention to fog under seats and hard to get places.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Cucumber Cream.
Someone wrote this:
"Put cucumber peels in food procssor. Mix cucumber past with a nice body balm, or use straight from the blender after moisturizing skin. Spread all over your body, especially feet and legs where the buggers congregate. Don't miss a spot -- they will find it! Works immediately to stop crawling sensation, bites. Lasts for hours. Ahhhh... Sleep.... Finally... My accidental discovery, kudos to my pal Syndey for suggesting pest control aspect of cucumbers."
"Put cucumber peels in food procssor. Mix cucumber past with a nice body balm, or use straight from the blender after moisturizing skin. Spread all over your body, especially feet and legs where the buggers congregate. Don't miss a spot -- they will find it! Works immediately to stop crawling sensation, bites. Lasts for hours. Ahhhh... Sleep.... Finally... My accidental discovery, kudos to my pal Syndey for suggesting pest control aspect of cucumbers."
New Map
I created a new map for case reports of biting mites that I know of (Link here). Since I've been collecting the links to bird and rodent mite infestations around the world and also reviewing scientific literature about the mite species, I thought it would be instructive to place all of these infestations on a map to see what pattern would emerge. Some trends that have been recognized are that tropical rat mites are moving north along the West Coast of North America to Washington, Oregon, and British Colombia. Tropical rat mites have generally been quite abundant in California and Texas. Alameda County, California, has had a large number of incident reports as has the area around Seattle, Washington.
I know of four incidents that appear to be rodent mites (possibly tropical rat mites) in the Washington, DC area. For some reason there have been a number of infestations in Illinois by either bird or rodent mites. It is possible that mice are abundant in an area known for growing corn. Bird mites from Pigeons appear to be common in urban settings with a number of reports from New York City.
From the small sampling of Internet reports of these infestations, the largest concentration appears to be in the Eastern half of the United States and along the West Coast, while the prairies and Southwest have few cases, although there are cases nonetheless.
Chicken mites appear to be abundant in the Middle East and likely peak in the winter months as they do in Florida, the mites are able to reproduce more rapidly in cooler temperatures while the summer heat in these areas limits their numbers. A number of Tropical Rat Mite reports emanate from Germany, while bird mites are also found in Southern European cities and countryside.
In any case, bird and rodent mites are found throughout the temperate regions of the Americas and Europe, with rodent mite infestation reports coming from as far north as Scandinavia.
I know of four incidents that appear to be rodent mites (possibly tropical rat mites) in the Washington, DC area. For some reason there have been a number of infestations in Illinois by either bird or rodent mites. It is possible that mice are abundant in an area known for growing corn. Bird mites from Pigeons appear to be common in urban settings with a number of reports from New York City.
From the small sampling of Internet reports of these infestations, the largest concentration appears to be in the Eastern half of the United States and along the West Coast, while the prairies and Southwest have few cases, although there are cases nonetheless.
Chicken mites appear to be abundant in the Middle East and likely peak in the winter months as they do in Florida, the mites are able to reproduce more rapidly in cooler temperatures while the summer heat in these areas limits their numbers. A number of Tropical Rat Mite reports emanate from Germany, while bird mites are also found in Southern European cities and countryside.
In any case, bird and rodent mites are found throughout the temperate regions of the Americas and Europe, with rodent mite infestation reports coming from as far north as Scandinavia.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Mites an Emerging Zoonosis?
A new study published in the magazine/journal, Nature, indicates that 71% of all emerging diseases are zoonic in source. This means that humans contract the previously less common or even entirely non-human disease from animals. Also, Dr. Lonnie King said in a 2004 JAVMA article that "80% of bioterrorist agents are zoonic" in origin, adding that "We are just as likely to find these new diseases in our clinics or veterinary diagnostic laboratories, as we are to find them in a human hospital" (JAVMA). The disturbing increase in Bird and Rodent Mite infestations appears to fit perfectly into the definition of an emerging zoonosis.
What puzzles me is that doctors and entomologysts are often incredulous when faced with an emergent ectoparasistosis. Their days are often full of the routine of common diseases and common bugs. The only place where the two, diseases and bugs, are believed to meet is in scabies or perhaps a disease passed on to humans by bugs, such as fleas and the plague. Unfortunately the world we live in is far more complex than this.
The mathematical realities of medical and entomological textbooks are bent in the real world. To quote Hammond from Michael Crichton's Jurrassic Park, "Life will find a way." When mites, collembola, and other such pathogenic creatures are faced with either death or a new host, they will most certainly choose the new host and in some cases they will find a way to infest that new host for long periods of time.
The rat mites contracted in a house where the rat has died will not feel obligated to stay in that house or stay in that city or state--as though they could read textbooks or the laws of nature concerning climate or range imposed on them by an academic sitting in his office. These mites will feed on the humans and if possible hitch a ride to a new rodentine host, perhaps many state lines away in a different city only to wait until their new productive rat has been expired and then on to find new hosts.
What is causing this? One factor might be climate change. Another might be farming practices. In the case of bird mites, poultry farms are often infested with bird mites and attempts to erradicate the mites with pesticides not only fail, but create super-resistent mites that can then be swapped with wild birds and then passed on to human living environments. Transportation in an increasingly interconnected world (globalization) also playes a part.
Whatever the reason, one could create a graph of all the mite infestation data available--perhaps one indicator might be the reports found on the net--and then see in what form these infestations appear on the graph. It would appear that we are on a severe upward spike.
After contracting my mite infestation, I have found out that a good friend of mine struggled with a long term infestation of the same kind just a year ago. About a month into my struggle, another friend had his apartment invaded by mites from a pigeon. What is strange about this is that growing up I never hear of mites from animals attacking humans. Now, not only is the web riddled with mite suffering people, people in my close social group are being attacked by mites unrelated to those plaguing the others.
In addition, another friend informed me that there are two family's in my county whose property has been infested by mites and are struggling with them as I write. How many people and families need to suffer for scientists to finally take note and for doctors and entomologists to find lasting solutions?
The WHO's definition for Emerging Zoonosis, a perfect fit for bird and rodent mite infestations.
"Contrary to 'lingering' zoonoses, public awareness of 'emerging' zoonoses is very high. The WHO/FAO/OIE joint consultation on emerging zoonotic diseases held in Geneva, 3-5 May 2004, defined an emerging zoonosis as 'a zoonosis that is newly recognized or newly evolved, or that has occurred previously but shows an increase in incidence or expansion in geographical, host or vector range'. Emerging zoonotic diseases have potentially serious human health and economic impacts and their current upwards trends are likely to continue.
"Many factors lead to the emergence of zoonotic diseases. Environmental changes, human and animal demography, pathogen changes and changes in farming practice are a few of them. Social and cultural factors such as food habits and religious beliefs play a role too" (WHO: Emerging Zoonosis)
February 2008: BBC on the Map of Emerging Diseases
What puzzles me is that doctors and entomologysts are often incredulous when faced with an emergent ectoparasistosis. Their days are often full of the routine of common diseases and common bugs. The only place where the two, diseases and bugs, are believed to meet is in scabies or perhaps a disease passed on to humans by bugs, such as fleas and the plague. Unfortunately the world we live in is far more complex than this.
The mathematical realities of medical and entomological textbooks are bent in the real world. To quote Hammond from Michael Crichton's Jurrassic Park, "Life will find a way." When mites, collembola, and other such pathogenic creatures are faced with either death or a new host, they will most certainly choose the new host and in some cases they will find a way to infest that new host for long periods of time.
The rat mites contracted in a house where the rat has died will not feel obligated to stay in that house or stay in that city or state--as though they could read textbooks or the laws of nature concerning climate or range imposed on them by an academic sitting in his office. These mites will feed on the humans and if possible hitch a ride to a new rodentine host, perhaps many state lines away in a different city only to wait until their new productive rat has been expired and then on to find new hosts.
What is causing this? One factor might be climate change. Another might be farming practices. In the case of bird mites, poultry farms are often infested with bird mites and attempts to erradicate the mites with pesticides not only fail, but create super-resistent mites that can then be swapped with wild birds and then passed on to human living environments. Transportation in an increasingly interconnected world (globalization) also playes a part.
Whatever the reason, one could create a graph of all the mite infestation data available--perhaps one indicator might be the reports found on the net--and then see in what form these infestations appear on the graph. It would appear that we are on a severe upward spike.
After contracting my mite infestation, I have found out that a good friend of mine struggled with a long term infestation of the same kind just a year ago. About a month into my struggle, another friend had his apartment invaded by mites from a pigeon. What is strange about this is that growing up I never hear of mites from animals attacking humans. Now, not only is the web riddled with mite suffering people, people in my close social group are being attacked by mites unrelated to those plaguing the others.
In addition, another friend informed me that there are two family's in my county whose property has been infested by mites and are struggling with them as I write. How many people and families need to suffer for scientists to finally take note and for doctors and entomologists to find lasting solutions?
The WHO's definition for Emerging Zoonosis, a perfect fit for bird and rodent mite infestations.
"Contrary to 'lingering' zoonoses, public awareness of 'emerging' zoonoses is very high. The WHO/FAO/OIE joint consultation on emerging zoonotic diseases held in Geneva, 3-5 May 2004, defined an emerging zoonosis as 'a zoonosis that is newly recognized or newly evolved, or that has occurred previously but shows an increase in incidence or expansion in geographical, host or vector range'. Emerging zoonotic diseases have potentially serious human health and economic impacts and their current upwards trends are likely to continue.
"Many factors lead to the emergence of zoonotic diseases. Environmental changes, human and animal demography, pathogen changes and changes in farming practice are a few of them. Social and cultural factors such as food habits and religious beliefs play a role too" (WHO: Emerging Zoonosis)
February 2008: BBC on the Map of Emerging Diseases
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Bring Back DDT!
The article on Tropical Rat Mites by Theodore Olsen in the list of Tropical Rat Mite sources showed that their experiments with various pesticides proved that DDT was extremely toxic to the mites (unlike any pesticide that is available today). Most likely this is the case for both Rodent and Bird Mites. These months, even years of agony and suffering could be over within hours if DDT could be used. We all acknowledge that temperatures are rising globally and this may well be the reason for the spread and rise of these blood feeding mites. Perhaps our climate was keeping them in check, but now the warmth does not allow such a control.
Recent reports have shown that rat populations are exploding in Washington, DC and Detroit (Rodent Reports Increase In DC and Vermin Complaints Soar In Metro Detroit) due to the mild winter. In Detroit, the mild weather combines with the halting of a highway-side rat baiting program that had held the problem in check for years, it was halted due to legal liability concerns--yet another instance of the weakening of our defences against pests and parasites. Some in DC are banding together to make war on rats and try to get something done about it (Washingtonians Against Rats). New York is also fighting its rats out of control (Rats Rampage At KFC and New York Tackles Its Gnawing Rat Problem) as is Seattle (Chilly Rats Want a Cozy Home).
The increase in rats can be expected everywhere, and with them will come the Rat Mites. In the 1950s, these mites were known to mainly infest rats and people in the Southern States (see Pratt in my post "Academic Research on Tropical Rat Mites"), but now they are making their way up to Oregon, Washington State, and British Colombia (Reports of Rat Mites on the Rise, Seatle)--and most likely in many other places that have not yet realized what hit them.
(I actually wonder if many of the cases of mite infestation in the last two years might not be this increase of rats and spread of rat mites due to mild weather or perhaps the weather has a similar effect on pigeons and bird mites.)
Also, Bed Bug infestations have risen exponentially in all 50 states and they are more resistant than ever. Just between 2000 and 2005 pest control companies saw a 71% increase in bed bug complaints (Bed Bugs Bounce Back: Outbreaks in All 50 States). Some scientists are not only pointing out that people in Third World countries die from Malaria because DDT is not used, but that Malaria and the mosquitos that spread them will spread into Europe and the United States, killing thousands (Bring Back DDT: Overspraying Made DDT Look Worse Than It Deserved).
If I may say so, it is time that a movement starts to build up to stop this insanity. DDT wiped out bed bugs once, it can do it again. It wiped out malaria once, it can do it again. And it can help all those who struggle day after day with the loneliness and distress of mite infestations that destroy lives and waste fortunes.
While our safety procedures and technology have improved, our pesticides have weakened (see Bed Bug article above). It is time to combine modern safety with the strongest pesticide known to humankind, DDT. This could be extended to other pesticides as well. Why create regulations for Malathion and other pesticides that have recently been targeted for either bans or too tight restrictions?
Inform the users/clients of the risks, take the necessary precautions and allow them to take responsibility for themselves. The stress and loss from these long term and traumatic pest infestations (Acariasis is a disease) may already be shortening our lives--it has definately affected our quality and dignity of life--shouldn't we weigh this in the risk consideration?
FrontPageMag 2005: Bring Back DDT-Congressional Hearing
EcoWorld 2004: Bring Back DDT: Overspraying Made DDT Look Worse Than It Deserved
21st Century Science and Technology 2002: Bring Back DDT and Science With It
Spiked Science 2001: Without DDT, Malaria Bites Back
Fox News 2002: DDT Could Thwart West Nile Virus
The Hindu 2006: Banned DDT Back to Fight Dengue (An Indian state lifts ban to save lives.)
Gus van Horn 2007: So Bring Back DDT Already!
Recent reports have shown that rat populations are exploding in Washington, DC and Detroit (Rodent Reports Increase In DC and Vermin Complaints Soar In Metro Detroit) due to the mild winter. In Detroit, the mild weather combines with the halting of a highway-side rat baiting program that had held the problem in check for years, it was halted due to legal liability concerns--yet another instance of the weakening of our defences against pests and parasites. Some in DC are banding together to make war on rats and try to get something done about it (Washingtonians Against Rats). New York is also fighting its rats out of control (Rats Rampage At KFC and New York Tackles Its Gnawing Rat Problem) as is Seattle (Chilly Rats Want a Cozy Home).
The increase in rats can be expected everywhere, and with them will come the Rat Mites. In the 1950s, these mites were known to mainly infest rats and people in the Southern States (see Pratt in my post "Academic Research on Tropical Rat Mites"), but now they are making their way up to Oregon, Washington State, and British Colombia (Reports of Rat Mites on the Rise, Seatle)--and most likely in many other places that have not yet realized what hit them.
(I actually wonder if many of the cases of mite infestation in the last two years might not be this increase of rats and spread of rat mites due to mild weather or perhaps the weather has a similar effect on pigeons and bird mites.)
Also, Bed Bug infestations have risen exponentially in all 50 states and they are more resistant than ever. Just between 2000 and 2005 pest control companies saw a 71% increase in bed bug complaints (Bed Bugs Bounce Back: Outbreaks in All 50 States). Some scientists are not only pointing out that people in Third World countries die from Malaria because DDT is not used, but that Malaria and the mosquitos that spread them will spread into Europe and the United States, killing thousands (Bring Back DDT: Overspraying Made DDT Look Worse Than It Deserved).
If I may say so, it is time that a movement starts to build up to stop this insanity. DDT wiped out bed bugs once, it can do it again. It wiped out malaria once, it can do it again. And it can help all those who struggle day after day with the loneliness and distress of mite infestations that destroy lives and waste fortunes.
While our safety procedures and technology have improved, our pesticides have weakened (see Bed Bug article above). It is time to combine modern safety with the strongest pesticide known to humankind, DDT. This could be extended to other pesticides as well. Why create regulations for Malathion and other pesticides that have recently been targeted for either bans or too tight restrictions?
Inform the users/clients of the risks, take the necessary precautions and allow them to take responsibility for themselves. The stress and loss from these long term and traumatic pest infestations (Acariasis is a disease) may already be shortening our lives--it has definately affected our quality and dignity of life--shouldn't we weigh this in the risk consideration?
Further Reading
FrontPageMag 2005: Bring Back DDT-Congressional Hearing
EcoWorld 2004: Bring Back DDT: Overspraying Made DDT Look Worse Than It Deserved
21st Century Science and Technology 2002: Bring Back DDT and Science With It
Spiked Science 2001: Without DDT, Malaria Bites Back
Fox News 2002: DDT Could Thwart West Nile Virus
The Hindu 2006: Banned DDT Back to Fight Dengue (An Indian state lifts ban to save lives.)
Gus van Horn 2007: So Bring Back DDT Already!
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Cedarcide
The following was posted to me on the yahoo group birdmitesorg. If you suffer from mites, I recommend joining this community of over 60 people who discuss methods of solving this problem.
"Hi Loviatar. We got rid of our bird mites (I think) after using CedarCide Spray/Fogger throughout the house on everything and by spraying it on us before doing any outside work. There were 2 or 3 others who tried it but I have not seen anything on this site from either lately. We have had no activity for at least 6 weeks. Just thought I might mention that and it is also safe for dogs and cats. Dr, Ben Oldag confirmed our pest was a bird mite although I am not sure what kind. I suspect the same type FritoLay pictured on one of her last posts. J."
Another responded:
"Only recently have some of us discovered that 1 to 2 cups of Epsom salt mixed with water placed in a one pint container poured on to the skin and dried on the skin with a hair drier will kill what ever is on the skin. This treatment has made sleeping much easier for a lot of people. This seems to work much better than oils for some. R."
We also tried Cedarcide, but for some reason the mites would only hold off for a day. Maybe they were still coming in from an original host or their eggs were hatching daily, I'm not sure. We thought it was only suppressing them. I'm glad it worked for somebody and I hope it works for more people! I was glad for the success story, I needed the encouragement that some people have been able to get rid of this!
"Hi Loviatar. We got rid of our bird mites (I think) after using CedarCide Spray/Fogger throughout the house on everything and by spraying it on us before doing any outside work. There were 2 or 3 others who tried it but I have not seen anything on this site from either lately. We have had no activity for at least 6 weeks. Just thought I might mention that and it is also safe for dogs and cats. Dr, Ben Oldag confirmed our pest was a bird mite although I am not sure what kind. I suspect the same type FritoLay pictured on one of her last posts. J."
Another responded:
"Only recently have some of us discovered that 1 to 2 cups of Epsom salt mixed with water placed in a one pint container poured on to the skin and dried on the skin with a hair drier will kill what ever is on the skin. This treatment has made sleeping much easier for a lot of people. This seems to work much better than oils for some. R."
We also tried Cedarcide, but for some reason the mites would only hold off for a day. Maybe they were still coming in from an original host or their eggs were hatching daily, I'm not sure. We thought it was only suppressing them. I'm glad it worked for somebody and I hope it works for more people! I was glad for the success story, I needed the encouragement that some people have been able to get rid of this!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
A Partial Guide to Essential Oils Used In Mite Control
Although primary host eradication may be key to the elimination of blood feeding mites, essential oils (EO) have proven to have anti-ectoparasitic properties and can be helpful in the battle against mites--particularly considering how well they survive through normal pesticides, soaps, shampoos, and any other number of measures.
These oils include Anise, Balsam, Basil, Bay, Birch, Cajeput, Camphor, Caraway, Cedar, Cinnamon, Clove, Coriander, Dill, Fennell, Fir, Garlic, Hemp, Lavender, Lavendin, Lemongrass, Marjoram, Nutmeg, Orange, Peppermint, Pine, Rosemary, Rue, Sage, Spearmint, Tea Tree, Thuja, Thyme, Wintergreen and Ylang-Ylang. You can purchase these oils in their pure forms from herbal or vitamin shops such as GNC, Vitamin Shoppe, or even locally owned natural remedy shops. Tea Tree Oil, one of the most popular, can be readily purchased at most pharmacies and even some grocery stores.
Realize that even though essential oils are sold expensively in small quantities in their pure form, you will probably not be using them in their pure form. Never put pure EOs on the skin. It must always be diluted. Also, never allow EOs to contact the eyes even in diluted form--if you get EO in your eyes, rinse your eyes for a few minutes with water. Also, never ingest EOs, if you accidentally ingest an EO, call a poison control hotline and/or go to an emergency room.
Most uses in mite control either involve using essential oils in diluted products or in small quantities. You can save on cost by purchasing these oils in larger quantities, for example a 500 ml bottle of eucalypus oil. If you buy essential oils, make sure that you first research quality standards and active ingredients. For example, not all Tea Tree Oils are equal as some do not have the right amounts of the active ingredient terpinen.
If you plan to use EOs for mite control, make sure you are using them only as a part of a much larger plan. Find and eradicate the original host and its nest. You will still need to do vacuuming, putting mattresses and pillows in mite covers, keeping clothing in bags etc. etc. I recommend contacting a professional pest control service, such as Oreckman and consulting a doctor, preferrably a dermatologist. This may be difficult due to lack of knowledge in these fields concerning biting mites.
For information on mite control in Honeybees through the use of essential oils, see the following links. It may provide insights into how essential oils function when controlling mites. Mite Control in Honey Bees With Essential Oils and Control of Varroa Mites Through the Systematic Application of Essential Oils in a Liquid Honeybee Diet and USDA Bee Lab Teams Pursue Mite Controls.
You can also add Tea Tree Oil (TTO) in the washing stage, add half a tea spoon (or if you want a whole one) into the wash. It might be a good idea to dilute it in a cup of water before putting it in among the clothes. Or, you can buy already produced TTO laundry additives such as De-Mite (Link) or other already mixed detergents. It is a good idea to still use Borax, vinegar, or ammonium in laundry. I am not sure how well TTO works in laundry, but it might be worth a try. Be aware that some detergents may be labeled as lavendar or other scents that are common in EOs. This does not necessarily mean that the product contains EOs, it may simply be chemically scented to smell like something. Make sure to read the label and affirm that it actually has EOs. This goes for lotions and bath products as well.
One recent study in Australia found that 5% TTO killed a resistent strain of crusted scabies mites (Baker, Laurence "Tea Tree Oil May Be Used to Treat Scabies." Archives of Dermatology 140 (2004): 563-566 Link). Although scabies is a more fragile species of mite than blood feeding mites, a scabies like treatment can be used both to kill mites on the body and to act as a preventative measure. The difference is that when you should only use Lindane at most once a month and permetherin once a week, you can use EO shampoos and soaps on a daily basis (or twice daily or more) with the same level of effect as one treatment of permetherin (I say this only concerning house infesting biting mites, not scabies--scabies has a different treatment with TTO which I will not discuss here).
As a last exercise in the shower (perhaps after washing with Dial antibacterial bar soap or Dawn antibacterial dish soap), the person suffering from biting mites can turn off the shower, lather the entire body and hair with tea tree shampoo, leave it on for two to fifteen minutes, and then lightly rinse it off. This will both kill the mites and may leave sufficient amounts of TTO in the skin to discourage further bites. TTO shampoos usually have around 2 or 3% TTO.
Be aware, however, that TTO can cause redness and inflamation of the skin and may even have side effects such as nausea and drowsiness. If you notice these symptoms, immediately wash the oil off. It is possible that you can still use TTO in this way in a more diluted form or for a shorter period of time. You can dilute it with Olive Oil (not an EO) or by adding a non-EO normal shampoo to the Tea Tree Oil shampoo.
TTO shampoos come from many different brands. You can find these at herbal shops, bath shops, some pharmacies, and beauty salons. You can also make TTO shampoo by simply adding a few drops to normal shampoo in your hand or by adding a somewhat larger quantity (tea spoon or two) to a bottle of normal shampoo. This shampoo will also kill lice.
You can also use other EO soaps and washes to the same effect. One line of such soaps is Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps which can be purchased on line (Link) or from most health-herb-vitamin shops. Be aware that even though these soaps are already diluted, they may still be too harsh. You can add some of Dr. Bronner's soap in a diluted TTO shampoo to add strength to it, or take other measures to dilute the soap.
Head and Shoulders (which in itself can be used as an anti-mite body wash) has come out with a product with Peppermint Oil already added to it and Dawn antibacterial dish soap (which also can be used by itself as an anti-mite body wash) has come out with a line that uses orange extract (Orange Oil?).
If you plan to try to eradicate biting mites from a house with this product, purchase the trijet fogger and several gallons of Cedarcide. Also, buy at least one quart sized spray bottle to use under furniture and places that the trijet does not contact. The mist will fall from up to down and any surface with something on it (chair, piece of paper) will not be exposed. (Cedarcide Industries take on mite infestations link).
These oils include Anise, Balsam, Basil, Bay, Birch, Cajeput, Camphor, Caraway, Cedar, Cinnamon, Clove, Coriander, Dill, Fennell, Fir, Garlic, Hemp, Lavender, Lavendin, Lemongrass, Marjoram, Nutmeg, Orange, Peppermint, Pine, Rosemary, Rue, Sage, Spearmint, Tea Tree, Thuja, Thyme, Wintergreen and Ylang-Ylang. You can purchase these oils in their pure forms from herbal or vitamin shops such as GNC, Vitamin Shoppe, or even locally owned natural remedy shops. Tea Tree Oil, one of the most popular, can be readily purchased at most pharmacies and even some grocery stores.
Realize that even though essential oils are sold expensively in small quantities in their pure form, you will probably not be using them in their pure form. Never put pure EOs on the skin. It must always be diluted. Also, never allow EOs to contact the eyes even in diluted form--if you get EO in your eyes, rinse your eyes for a few minutes with water. Also, never ingest EOs, if you accidentally ingest an EO, call a poison control hotline and/or go to an emergency room.
Most uses in mite control either involve using essential oils in diluted products or in small quantities. You can save on cost by purchasing these oils in larger quantities, for example a 500 ml bottle of eucalypus oil. If you buy essential oils, make sure that you first research quality standards and active ingredients. For example, not all Tea Tree Oils are equal as some do not have the right amounts of the active ingredient terpinen.
If you plan to use EOs for mite control, make sure you are using them only as a part of a much larger plan. Find and eradicate the original host and its nest. You will still need to do vacuuming, putting mattresses and pillows in mite covers, keeping clothing in bags etc. etc. I recommend contacting a professional pest control service, such as Oreckman and consulting a doctor, preferrably a dermatologist. This may be difficult due to lack of knowledge in these fields concerning biting mites.
For information on mite control in Honeybees through the use of essential oils, see the following links. It may provide insights into how essential oils function when controlling mites. Mite Control in Honey Bees With Essential Oils and Control of Varroa Mites Through the Systematic Application of Essential Oils in a Liquid Honeybee Diet and USDA Bee Lab Teams Pursue Mite Controls.
EO Use in Laundry
These oils that are derived from aromatic plants have been shown to kill certain mites when the oil is added to the dryer. This can be done by simply adding 25 drops of an essential oil (such as Eucalyptus Oil or Lavendar Oil) or you can purchase Arm and Hammer Essentials dryer sheets labeled Lavander (Link). If you are attempting to eradicate mites with the dryer sheets, I recommend putting at least four sheets into one dryer load and running the dryer on the hottest setting. I use the Arm and Hammer sheets in conjunction with Bounce dryer sheets (three bounce sheets) to combine the effects of both of them.
You can also add Tea Tree Oil (TTO) in the washing stage, add half a tea spoon (or if you want a whole one) into the wash. It might be a good idea to dilute it in a cup of water before putting it in among the clothes. Or, you can buy already produced TTO laundry additives such as De-Mite (Link) or other already mixed detergents. It is a good idea to still use Borax, vinegar, or ammonium in laundry. I am not sure how well TTO works in laundry, but it might be worth a try. Be aware that some detergents may be labeled as lavendar or other scents that are common in EOs. This does not necessarily mean that the product contains EOs, it may simply be chemically scented to smell like something. Make sure to read the label and affirm that it actually has EOs. This goes for lotions and bath products as well.
House Dust Mites can apparently die from clothing and soft objects even from simple exposure to the fumes of essential oils in a tightly enclosed space. I am not sure whether or not this would kill blood feeding mites, but it might be worth a try, see this patent explanation: Method for Killing House Dust Mites in Clothing and Other Soft Materials Link.
EO Shampoos and Soaps
One recent study in Australia found that 5% TTO killed a resistent strain of crusted scabies mites (Baker, Laurence "Tea Tree Oil May Be Used to Treat Scabies." Archives of Dermatology 140 (2004): 563-566 Link). Although scabies is a more fragile species of mite than blood feeding mites, a scabies like treatment can be used both to kill mites on the body and to act as a preventative measure. The difference is that when you should only use Lindane at most once a month and permetherin once a week, you can use EO shampoos and soaps on a daily basis (or twice daily or more) with the same level of effect as one treatment of permetherin (I say this only concerning house infesting biting mites, not scabies--scabies has a different treatment with TTO which I will not discuss here).
As a last exercise in the shower (perhaps after washing with Dial antibacterial bar soap or Dawn antibacterial dish soap), the person suffering from biting mites can turn off the shower, lather the entire body and hair with tea tree shampoo, leave it on for two to fifteen minutes, and then lightly rinse it off. This will both kill the mites and may leave sufficient amounts of TTO in the skin to discourage further bites. TTO shampoos usually have around 2 or 3% TTO.
Be aware, however, that TTO can cause redness and inflamation of the skin and may even have side effects such as nausea and drowsiness. If you notice these symptoms, immediately wash the oil off. It is possible that you can still use TTO in this way in a more diluted form or for a shorter period of time. You can dilute it with Olive Oil (not an EO) or by adding a non-EO normal shampoo to the Tea Tree Oil shampoo.
TTO shampoos come from many different brands. You can find these at herbal shops, bath shops, some pharmacies, and beauty salons. You can also make TTO shampoo by simply adding a few drops to normal shampoo in your hand or by adding a somewhat larger quantity (tea spoon or two) to a bottle of normal shampoo. This shampoo will also kill lice.
You can also use other EO soaps and washes to the same effect. One line of such soaps is Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps which can be purchased on line (Link) or from most health-herb-vitamin shops. Be aware that even though these soaps are already diluted, they may still be too harsh. You can add some of Dr. Bronner's soap in a diluted TTO shampoo to add strength to it, or take other measures to dilute the soap.
Head and Shoulders (which in itself can be used as an anti-mite body wash) has come out with a product with Peppermint Oil already added to it and Dawn antibacterial dish soap (which also can be used by itself as an anti-mite body wash) has come out with a line that uses orange extract (Orange Oil?).
Cedarcide: Cedar Oil As a Pesticide
Other studies have been conducted by Cedarcide industries who add 10% Cedar Oil to a saline solution and thus use it to eradicate mites from homes, pets, poultry houses, livestock, and even orchards. Some people who have experienced distress from blood sucking mites have found relief from Cedarcide, but in some cases it has apparently only suppressed the mite population and required a daily application with a trijet fogger for the temporary relief. It appears effective only as a contact killer for the mites. It can also be sprayed on oneself when you feel crawling and may have some repellant qualities when it is on the skin.
If you plan to try to eradicate biting mites from a house with this product, purchase the trijet fogger and several gallons of Cedarcide. Also, buy at least one quart sized spray bottle to use under furniture and places that the trijet does not contact. The mist will fall from up to down and any surface with something on it (chair, piece of paper) will not be exposed. (Cedarcide Industries take on mite infestations link).
Other Sprays and Concoctions
Some people have had luck in mite control by spraying Orange Oil cleaners. These cleaners contain Orange Oil, usually to get rid of grime. You can find it in most stores that sell bathroom and kitchen cleaners. Others have used EOs in concoctions with a number of other ingredients (one example is "Spray Concoction that Helps" on the birdmites.org Forum near the top Link). I have experimented with a similar concoction that contains Witch Hazel, a teaspoon of TTO, and about 20-30 drops of eucalyptus or lavendar oil in a small spray bottle. I usually don't spray this on myself, but I've sprayed my bedding with it right before going to sleep. It is my hope that it will kill any mites that are there and repel them till morning.
Lemon Eucalyptus EO has also emerged as an insect repellant line from Cutter and Repel. Cutter includes 30% Lemon Eucalyptus Oil and both have a label repellant time of six hours. Since you should only use this product no more than twice a day, I like to alternate it with a Picardin containing repellant (which also should be used only once a day) so I do not overexpose myself (Picardin is not an EO, I'm just sharing this info FYI).
There are a lot of other products and uses out there for EOs. Trial and error must be used in seeing how well these work. Notice that some products, such as lotions, may have such small quantities of EOs that they do not repel mite bites.
Florinated Silica Aerogel Dust as an Effective Mite Control Agent
This explanation of how to control blood sucking mites (Tropical Rat Mite, House Mouse Mite, Chicken Mite, and Northern Fowl Mite) is one of the best I have run into. It may be difficult to find someone who uses this method to control mites, but if you find a pest control service that does, let me know. This portion is excerpted from Walter Ebeling's Urban Entomology Chapter 9 Part 3 (Link here):
"Within some households certain individuals are affected while others are not. Sometimes, much time and money will be spent on ineffective medication and it is usually difficult for the infested person to obtain a correct diagnosis. This acariasis cannot be distinguished from flea bites, and is sometimes misidentified as scabies.
"The complete control of rats would, of course, eventually result in the elimination of tropical rat mites from infested premises. However, rat control often proves to be difficult, and "ratproofing" an attic may also be difficult and very expensive. It should also be borne in mind that trapping or otherwise killing rats may increase the attacks on the inhabitants of the house for a time because of the suddenly increased number of mites that leave the bodies of the dead rats. Unfed protonymphs have been observed to survive for as long a period as 43 days without food (Sudd, 1952).
"Acaricides that depend on toxic action lose their toxicity too rapidly, particularly in the high summer temperatures of an attic. Reinfestation may then occur. HCN gas fumigation has been used successfully, but it is expensive and leaves no residue.
"The successful results of a fluorinated silica aerogel dust, blown into attics for the prevention of drywood termites (Incisitermes minor) suggested a similar use of this material for the control of the tropical rat mite (Ebeling, 1960). In 5 infested houses and 1 2-story apartment house, in each of which 1 or more inhabitants had been attacked by rat mites for prolonged periods, the silica aerogel Dri-die 67 was blown into the attic at the rate of 1 lb to 1,000 sq ft (0.45 kg to 93 sq m) of attic area. For 4 of the houses, the dust was also blown into the crawl space under the house at the same rate (for floor space) as that for the attic area. An electric duster with a 1-gal (4-L) hopper was used to apply the dust. In the attic, the dust was applied entirely from the crawl hole, and under the house, from 1 or 2 crawl holes or a larger number of foundation vents. Since in all cases the mites were already distributed throughout the dwelling, some dust was applied with a small bellows hand duster under mattresses, on the spring supports of beds, along the edges and in the 4 corners of bed frames, into the junctures of seats and back or arm rests and under the pillows of sofas and lounges, under furniture and other out-of-the way places, and in a few spots along the floor boards and ceiling moldings.
"The decision to make use of Dri-die 67 dust was made in an effort to bring about the immediate cessation of mite attacks. Principal reliance was placed on the dusting of the attic for longterm control.
"Rat mites may live as long as 63 days with no food (Scott, 1949), so those not coming into contact with the dust may continue to infest the inhabitants of a house. In all the buildings treated, severe infestations had been experienced up to the date of treatment, but ceased immediately afterward, and were never resumed except in 1 house where the housewife received a few more bites after treatment. In this instance, she applied more dust behind the electric outlet plates and various other areas that had not been covered the first time. Control was soon obtained, and no reinfestation occurred. Conventional liquid acaricides could have been applied in the living spaces of the treated houses, for people usually try to avoid leaving an unsightly residue. However, dusting is appropriate in attics, wall voids, and other inconspicuous areas. The dusting should be done before rat control is attempted, so that mites leaving the bodies of dead rats will contact the dust and will not be able to reach the living space and infest its occupants. "
"Within some households certain individuals are affected while others are not. Sometimes, much time and money will be spent on ineffective medication and it is usually difficult for the infested person to obtain a correct diagnosis. This acariasis cannot be distinguished from flea bites, and is sometimes misidentified as scabies.
"The complete control of rats would, of course, eventually result in the elimination of tropical rat mites from infested premises. However, rat control often proves to be difficult, and "ratproofing" an attic may also be difficult and very expensive. It should also be borne in mind that trapping or otherwise killing rats may increase the attacks on the inhabitants of the house for a time because of the suddenly increased number of mites that leave the bodies of the dead rats. Unfed protonymphs have been observed to survive for as long a period as 43 days without food (Sudd, 1952).
"Acaricides that depend on toxic action lose their toxicity too rapidly, particularly in the high summer temperatures of an attic. Reinfestation may then occur. HCN gas fumigation has been used successfully, but it is expensive and leaves no residue.
"The successful results of a fluorinated silica aerogel dust, blown into attics for the prevention of drywood termites (Incisitermes minor) suggested a similar use of this material for the control of the tropical rat mite (Ebeling, 1960). In 5 infested houses and 1 2-story apartment house, in each of which 1 or more inhabitants had been attacked by rat mites for prolonged periods, the silica aerogel Dri-die 67 was blown into the attic at the rate of 1 lb to 1,000 sq ft (0.45 kg to 93 sq m) of attic area. For 4 of the houses, the dust was also blown into the crawl space under the house at the same rate (for floor space) as that for the attic area. An electric duster with a 1-gal (4-L) hopper was used to apply the dust. In the attic, the dust was applied entirely from the crawl hole, and under the house, from 1 or 2 crawl holes or a larger number of foundation vents. Since in all cases the mites were already distributed throughout the dwelling, some dust was applied with a small bellows hand duster under mattresses, on the spring supports of beds, along the edges and in the 4 corners of bed frames, into the junctures of seats and back or arm rests and under the pillows of sofas and lounges, under furniture and other out-of-the way places, and in a few spots along the floor boards and ceiling moldings.
"The decision to make use of Dri-die 67 dust was made in an effort to bring about the immediate cessation of mite attacks. Principal reliance was placed on the dusting of the attic for longterm control.
"Rat mites may live as long as 63 days with no food (Scott, 1949), so those not coming into contact with the dust may continue to infest the inhabitants of a house. In all the buildings treated, severe infestations had been experienced up to the date of treatment, but ceased immediately afterward, and were never resumed except in 1 house where the housewife received a few more bites after treatment. In this instance, she applied more dust behind the electric outlet plates and various other areas that had not been covered the first time. Control was soon obtained, and no reinfestation occurred. Conventional liquid acaricides could have been applied in the living spaces of the treated houses, for people usually try to avoid leaving an unsightly residue. However, dusting is appropriate in attics, wall voids, and other inconspicuous areas. The dusting should be done before rat control is attempted, so that mites leaving the bodies of dead rats will contact the dust and will not be able to reach the living space and infest its occupants. "
Elimination of All Potential Hosts and Nesting Material May be Key
Solid advice from Bob the Bugman:
"The first (and most important) step in eliminating biting mites from your home is to eliminate all possible sources. If you know exactly which mite has infested your home, the task would be simple. Identifying the pest is the real trick. This arachnids (who are related to spiders more than than insects) are so small that either a hands lends or microscope must be used in identification. Even with proper viewing device, a professional or entomologist is usually required to make a correct identification.
"For the average person, identification of a particular mite is too difficult. Instead of squinting through a hands lens at a bug that is as small as a speck of dust or as large as a tiny tick, your time is better spent looking for possible sources of the infestation. In many cases this task is simple because certain animals have been seen in the area. Common sources of biting mites are birds, raccoons, rats, mice or other animals that nest in, below or very near the home. Other annoying mites have plants as natural hosts.
"Once an animal dies or leaves its nest, the mites left behind in the nesting material (or immediate area) will begin to move about as they search for another host. Many of the biting mites can live for a couple of weeks without a blood meal, which makes it easier for them to migrate to another warm blooded host. Ridding your home of rodent infestations and cleaning up or destroying all possible nesting materials will go a long way in reducing the mite populations. Inspect beneath eaves and other over hangs, window ledges, fireplaces, chimneys, attics and crawl spaces. You might be surprised to find evidence of birds, rodents or other wildlife."
"The first (and most important) step in eliminating biting mites from your home is to eliminate all possible sources. If you know exactly which mite has infested your home, the task would be simple. Identifying the pest is the real trick. This arachnids (who are related to spiders more than than insects) are so small that either a hands lends or microscope must be used in identification. Even with proper viewing device, a professional or entomologist is usually required to make a correct identification.
"For the average person, identification of a particular mite is too difficult. Instead of squinting through a hands lens at a bug that is as small as a speck of dust or as large as a tiny tick, your time is better spent looking for possible sources of the infestation. In many cases this task is simple because certain animals have been seen in the area. Common sources of biting mites are birds, raccoons, rats, mice or other animals that nest in, below or very near the home. Other annoying mites have plants as natural hosts.
"Once an animal dies or leaves its nest, the mites left behind in the nesting material (or immediate area) will begin to move about as they search for another host. Many of the biting mites can live for a couple of weeks without a blood meal, which makes it easier for them to migrate to another warm blooded host. Ridding your home of rodent infestations and cleaning up or destroying all possible nesting materials will go a long way in reducing the mite populations. Inspect beneath eaves and other over hangs, window ledges, fireplaces, chimneys, attics and crawl spaces. You might be surprised to find evidence of birds, rodents or other wildlife."
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Collembola Infestations May Have Similar Invisible Characteristics as Mite Infestations
Mites are tiny arachnids as they all have eight legs in the adult stage, collembola (springtails) are a species of nearly microscopic insects that have been identified as infesting humans and their environment with nearly identitical symptoms to those experienced with bird and rodent mites.
The National Pediculosis Association (NPA) is conducting research, and surveys concerning collembola infestations (link here). A research project that they sponsored found that 18 out of 20 people who had been diagnosed with Delusory Parasitosis (DOP) were actually infested with collembola (link to research article). Research is continuing.
Medscape news article on these findings.
Survey of reports on synanthropic Collembola living in close association with man. This article discusses infestations and orders reports according to the type of association with humankind and ranks each source by authority.
Collembola References. This blog gives a survey of long ignored scientific literature which points to the unified conclusion that collembola can in fact infest humans.
The National Pediculosis Association (NPA) is conducting research, and surveys concerning collembola infestations (link here). A research project that they sponsored found that 18 out of 20 people who had been diagnosed with Delusory Parasitosis (DOP) were actually infested with collembola (link to research article). Research is continuing.
Medscape news article on these findings.
Authoritative resources concerning this condition
Survey of reports on synanthropic Collembola living in close association with man. This article discusses infestations and orders reports according to the type of association with humankind and ranks each source by authority.
Collembola References. This blog gives a survey of long ignored scientific literature which points to the unified conclusion that collembola can in fact infest humans.
Academic Research on Tropical Rat Mites
A lot of enomologysts, doctors, and pest control operators assume a variety of things about biting mites. Some false assumptions include: they can be seen on the patient; they will take a long time to reproduce to such levels that create discomfort; the original host must be dead for the mites to attack humans; mites will leave the host (human or animal) once it has bitten; humans cannot act as fomites (taking the mites to a new household or environment); you only need to apply insect repellant at night; if only one person is bothered in a household of many people, a non-anthropod cause must be found; mites can only survive a few days or weeks at the most without their original host .
The following research articles indicate that Tropical Rat Mites will readily attack humans even when its original host is present (Fox, Hill, Olson, Pratt); they can live for more than two months without a blood meal (Scott); a rat will carry sufficient numbers of mites on its person to build an entirely new colony of mites (thus a dead rat, exposed pet, or human can act as a fomite for a non-infested rat population) (Williams); when humans are attacked by Tropical Rat Mites, these mites may remain on the person and in their clothes as they go about their business continuing to crawl, bite, and cause discomfort (Angel);
Tropical Rat Mites can reproduce at incredible rates if the conditions are appropriate-to 1000 specimens in one week on one rat (Williams)-or as in the cases of the transgenic mice and the animal house in Texas in which large populations of rodents were swarmed by tens of thousands if not millions of mites leading to the death of a number of rodents from exsanguination (loss of blood) and great discomfort for laboratory personnel (Olson, Hill); Tropical Rat Mites can be selective of their host even among rats, by extension they can be selective of human hosts sometimes only bothering one person in a household (Olson); and in most academically reported cases, the mites were not readily visible to either the doctor or patient and it took additional investigation to assertain that Tropical Rat Mites were indeed present and the rats and mites needed to be eradicated-often this involved finding the original host rather than finding mites (Baumstark, Beck, etc.).
- Angel, Tiffany A. , James Nigro, and Moise L. Levy. "Infestations in the Pediatric Patient." Pediatric Clinics of North America 47 (2000).
This article discusses various skin infestations of human children, including the chicken mites, northern fowl mites, and tropical rat mites. Excerpt from article: "Treatment for infestation with all members of the Gamasidae family is the same. Because some of these mites may remain on clothing or the skin, the human host should be treated with one application of 1% lindane lotion or 5% permethrin cream, and all clothing and linens should be washed in hot water. Topical corticosteroids and oral antihistamines provide symptomatic relief. The source of the infestation should be located and treated, eliminated, or avoided." Link.
- Baumstark, J., W. Beck, H. Hofmann. "Outbreak of Tropical Rat Mite (Ornithonyssus bacoti) Dermatitis in a Home for Disabled Persons" Dermatology 215 (2007): 66-68.
Five mentally handicapped individuals living in a home for disabled persons in Southern Germany were seen in our outpatient department with pruritic, red papules predominantly located in groups on the upper extremities, neck, upper trunk and face. Over several weeks 40 inhabitants and 5 caretakers were affected by the same rash. Inspection of their home and the sheds nearby disclosed infestation with rat populations and mites. Finally the diagnosis of tropical rat mite dermatitis was made by the identification of the arthropod Ornithonyssus bacoti or so-called tropical rat mite. The patients were treated with topical corticosteroids and antihistamines. After elimination of the rats and disinfection of the rooms by a professional exterminator no new cases of rat mite dermatitis occurred. The tropical rat mite is an external parasite occurring on rats, mice, gerbils, hamstersand various other small mammals. When the principal animal host is not available, human beings can become the victim of mite infestation. (Abstract not mine.) Link.
- Beck, W. and Pfister, K. "Occurrence of a house-infesting tropical rat mite (Ornithonyssus bacoti) on murids and human beings in Munich: 3 case reports." Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift 116 (2004): 65-68.
In Germany there is little information available concerning the distribution of the tropical rat mite (Ornithonyssus bacoti) in rodents. A few case reports show that this haematophagous mite may also cause dermatitis in man. All developmental stages are exclusively blood feeders. Three children (4, 11 and 15 years old) from the same family, a 23-year-old medical student and a 17-year-old dental technician were attacked by the tropical rat mite. The patients' conditions had previously been diagnosed as allergic dermatitis and treated by several antiphlogistic agents without success. The conclusive diagnosis of tropical rat mite dermatitis was based on the identification of O. bacoti in the flats of the patients (associated with gerbil husbandry) and in the dental practice. The diagnosis of rat mite dermatitis requires the detection of the parasite, which is more likely to be found in the environment of its host than on the host's skin. (Abstract not mine.) Link.
- Charlesworth, E. N. and R. W. Clegern "Tropical rat mite dermatitis" Archives of Dermatology 113 (1977).
We had a patient with dermatitis caused by the bite of Ornighonyssus bascoti (Hirst), commonly referred to as the tropical rat mite. The bite of this mite resulted in a severely pruritic papular dermatitis in our patient. Accurate identification of the mite indicated the presence of rat infestation. Link. (Abstract not mine.) Link.
- Chung, Sang Lip. "Report: Outbreak of Tropical Rat Mite Dermatitis in Medical Students" International Journal of Dermatology 37 (1998): 591-594.
Background The tropical rat mite, Ornithonyssus bacoti (O. bacoti), is an ectoparasite on many rodents, but when the rodent is not available, humans may become the victim of the mite’s bite. The bite induces a nonspecific dermatitis; therefore, it is not easy to diagnose rat mite dermatitis unless the parasites are found.
Materials and methods: Ten cases of rat mite dermatitis were found in medical students who had studied in the same room of the library. Their nonspecific dermatitis consisted of small papules, and parasites were found in the skin or in the environment. The mites were collected and identified as O. bacoti, female. Histopathologic studies showed moderate perivascular lymphohistiocytic infiltrations intermingled with some eosinophils. The presence of rodents in or around the room was confirmed by the students, but there had been no preceding rodent eradication. Although the rats were not captured in the library, insecticides were sprayed, and no further problem with either mites or dermatitis developed during the follow-up period.
Conclusions: Rat mite dermatitis can occur in clusters that involve a common source of exposure to the rat mite epidemiologically. Prompt identification of rat mites and the eradication of mites and rodents from the environment can prevent further spreading of the disease. Link.
- Engel, P.M., J. Welzel, M. Maass, U. Schramm, H. H. Wolff. "Tropical rat mite dermatitis: case report and review." Clinical Infectious Diseases 27 (1998): 1465-9.
Six medical students inhabiting a centuries-old, rat-infested house in Lübeck, in northern Germany, were suffering from itching papules and seropapules. Prior to these patients' visit to our institute, their conditions had been diagnosed as pediculosis, scabies, or pulicosis and treated unsuccessfully with the antiparasitic agent lindane (0.3%). The final diagnosis, tropical rat mite dermatitis, was based on the identification of the arthropod Ornithonyssus bacoti, which has an unsegmented body with eight legs. No treatment was recommended, and the dermatitis disappeared within 2 weeks. Measures taken to prevent reinfestation included extermination of the rats and treatment of the rooms of the house with the acaricide benzyl benzoate. Because the mite O. bacoti spends a relatively short time on a host and penetrates the skin for feeding only, the application of an antiparasitic agent is not necessary. If indicated, treatment should be symptomatic. (Abstract not mine.) Link.
- Fox, J. G. "Outbreak of Tropical Rat Mite Dermatitis in Laboratory Personnel." Archives of Dermatology 118 (1982).
An outbreak of tropical rate mite (Ornithonyssus bacoti) dermatitis occurred in a group of research and animal technicians. The technicians were affected with an intense pruritic dermatitis after exposure to asymptomatic laboratory mice infested with the mite. Locating the resident host of the mite is critical in the successful elimination of the mite from the premises and in preventing further contact with and irritation to human occupants. (Abstract not mine.) Link.
- Haggard, Carl N."Rat Mite Dermatitis in Children." Pediatrics 15 (1955): 322-324.
DERMATITIS due to a specific etiologic agent, which responds immediately to therapy, is rather exceptional among eruptions in infancy.
Exploratory activities of toddlers often lead them to habitats and runways of rodents. Time belief that acariasis acquired by this direct manner may commonly be overlooked suggested that the present observations should be recorded.
CASE REPORT
A foundling home was being razed to make room for a new modern building. As portions of the house were torn down, occupants were moved to intact parts of the building. As the building proceeded, the need for rat extermination became increasingly great. About this time, adult occupants complained of itching rashes, and these failed to respond to a variety of common remedies. (Abstract not mine.) Link.
- Hill, William A , Mildred M Randolph , Keli L Boyd , and Timothy D Mandrell. "Use of permethrin eradicated the tropical rat mite (Ornithonyssus bacoti) from a colony of mutagenized and transgenic mice." Contemporary Topics in Animal Laboratory Science 44 (2005): 31-34.
The tropical rat mite, Ornithonyssus bacoti, was identified in a colony of mutagenized and transgenic mice at a large academic institution. O. bacoti is an obligate, blood-feeding ectoparasite with an extensive host range. Although the source of the infestation was likely feral rodents, none were found in the room housing infested mice. We hypothesize that construction on the floor above the vivarium and compromised ceiling integrity within the animal room provided for vermin entry and subsequent O. bacoti infestation. O. bacoti infestation was eliminated by environmental decontamination with synthetic pyrethroids and weekly application of 7.4% permethrin-impregnated cotton balls to mouse caging for five consecutive weeks. Visual examination of the macroenvironment, microenvironment, and colony for 38 days confirmed the efficacy of treatment. We noted no treatment-related toxicities or effects on colony production. (Abstract not mine.) Link.
- Katoch, R., S. Chatterjee, R. S. Telang, S. K. Khurana, R. K. Agnihotri. "Efficacy of EctoZee spray formulation against tropical rat mite (Ornithonyssus sp.)." Phytomedica 3 (2002).
A study was conducted to investigate the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of EctoZee against Ornithonyssus. For the in vitro study, live mites were collected by hand-picking from naturally-infested rats. After one hour, 240 mites were randomly divided into 8 groups of 30 mites each. Mites in groups 2 to 8 were placed in 30 ml culture tubes containing 6 × 6 cm Whatman filter paper impregnated with 0.5 ml of 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 8.0 and 16.0% EctoZee formulation, respectively. Group 1 served as the untreated control. The mortality of mites in all the groups was noted after 20 hours. In the in vivo study, 2 adult and 6 newborn Wistar albino rats, severely infested with Ornithonyssus sp. were found in the laboratory. EctoZee (25%) spray formulation was evenly applied to the test animals. One of the adult animals died before any treatment was given. The in vitro study showed concentration-dependent mortality of the mites. The LC50 of Ornithonyssus was 5.112±0.334%. Application of EctoZee spray formulation in the in vivo study resulted in complete removal of mites by 24 hours. No reinfestation was noted during the subsequent days. Minor adverse reactions were observed in the adult rat, which subsided after 30 minutes of application, with no need for any antidote. The surroundings of the animal houses/cages were also devoid of mites during the subsequent days. Results suggest that EctoZee spray formulation is effective against Ornithonyssus sp. both in vivo and in vitro, without any significant adverse effects. (Abstract not mine.) Link.
- Newton, Hiram D. "Tropical Rat Mite Infestation." California and Western Medicine 57 (1942): 143.
A married woman of 39 years came to a physician on April 21, 1942. At first, the doctor suspected entymophobia, but upon inspection of the samples the patient brought and by consulting an entymologist at San Diego State College, the physician determined they were tropical rat mites and subsequently a rat infestation was found in the patient's home. Husband and infant child not affected by mites. The rats were killed, the floors powdered with flea powder, and pyrethrum cream was used on the patient. When the doctor asked pest control operators, they were familiar with the mite and had resorted to the use of cyanide gas to control infestations in large buildings--which reflects how difficult it is to destroy the mites. Abstract mine. Link.
- Olson, Theodore A. and Reynold G. Dahms. "Observations on the Tropical Rat Mite, Liponyssus bacoti, as an Ecto-Parasite of Laboratory Animals and Suggestions for Its Control." Journal of Parasitology 32 (1946): 56-60.
Article points out that the tropical rat mite was first observed in Egypt in 1913. The article follows an incident in an animal house in Texas in 1945. In the incident, the animal house is so infested with tropical rat mites that many laboratory animals die from exsanguination (loss of blood). The scientists observe the mites choosing one rodent host over the others to swarm, killing it, and then moving on to the next host (although apparently many hosts were being swarmed at the same time). The mites reproduced so quickly and were so numerous that the swarm was both converging on the rodents and away from them as they were full of blood. The investigative team found that DDT was the best way to destroy the mites. (Abstract mine.) Link.
- Philip, Cornelius B. and Lyndahl E. Hughes. "The Tropical Rat Mite, Liponyssus Bacoti, as an Experimental Vector of Rickettsialpox." American Journal of Tropical Medicine 1948 (5): 697-705.
Preliminary tests have shown that the tropical rat mite, Liponyssus bacoti, can transmit the agent of rickettsialpox, Rickettsia akari, from mouse to mouse, though present observations do not indicate it to be an efficient vector. In the early tests no attempt was made to prevent test mice from eating the mites, but in one successful transmission to baby mice this could not have occurred. Infection was demonstrated in nymphal progeny, indicating transovarial passage of the agent. The agent was shown to persist in a colony for at least 34 days, and in dead mites for at least short periods.
Though the disease is not now known beyond the limits of New York City, the host habits and much more widely known distribution of I. bacoti compared to that of the presently known natural vector, Allodermanyssus sanguineus, suggest the former is of potential importance in planning control measures or in surveying future foci. (Abstract not mine.) Link.
- Pratt, Harry D. and Newell E. Good. "Distribution of Some Common Domestic Rat Ectoparasites in the United States." Journal of Parasitology 40 (1954): 113-129.
Article discusses a variety of rat ectoparasites. Tropical rat mites are noted to be one of the only rat mites that will readily attack humans even when its host is present. It's distribution is mainly in the Southern States in the United States, however, it has been reported to the CDC in all states including Alaska. (Abstract mine.) Link.
- Scott, J. Allen. "Longevity of Tropical Rat Mites Kept Without Food." Journal of Parasitology 35 (1949): 434.
When a laboratory was infested with Tropical Rat Mites, the laboratory personnel inadvertantly had some mites left over in a glass implement. The personnel decided to make in impromtu experiment and observe how long the mites would survive. The last mite died at about 63 days without a blood meal. (Abstract Mine.) Link.
- Skirnisson, Karl. "The Tropical Rat Mite, Ornithonyssus Bacoti, Attacks Humans In Iceland." Laeknabladid 12 (1987): 991-993.
In the summer of 2001 the obligate, intermittent tropical rat mite Ornithonyssus bacoti attacked humans in an Icelandic household where infected Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus), bought in a local pet shop, had been kept for few months. After a rapid proliferation the mite started attacking the humans living in the house. A boy sharing room with the pets suffered from extensive dermatitis. Optimal conditions for O. bacoti are at 24-26 degrees C and a relative humidity of 47%. Similar conditions frequently occur indoors in Icelandic premises. Therefore, if O. bacoti has been noticed indoors, necessary measures should be undertaken to immediately eliminate the pest. Link.
- Theis, J., M. M. Lavoipierre, R. LaPerriere and H. Kroese "Tropical rat mite dermatitis. Report of six cases and review of mite infestations." Archives of Dermatology 117 (1981).
Six cases of tropical rat mite (Ornithonyssus bacoti) dermatitis are presented. The patients experienced papular urticaria, and mites were found on and identified in several of the patients. The presence of rodents in or around the home was confirmed in most cases. The role of other parasitic mites found on bats, birds, and snakes is reviewed. The importance of obtaining a history of rodent activity or exposure to other animals is emphasized when considering the cause of arthropod bites. (Abstract not mine.) Link.
- Williams, Roger. W. "The Laboratory Rearing of the Tropical Rat Mite, Liponyssus Bacoti." Journal of Parasitology 32 (1946): 252-256.
Article discusses ways in which a laboratory can raise tropical rat mites. A ferral rat carries sufficient quantities of mites on it's person to be able to establish a proper laboratory colony. The mites on the rat (not in nest) were able to reproduce to over 1000 specimens within one week. Article also discusses rat mites as a vector for worms. (Abstract mine.) Link.
birdmites.org has a similar collection of research and abstracts for bird mites: Link.
Intentions and Disclaimer
I intend to use this blog to help people understand and fight invisible or nearly microscopic mites that infest humans as secondary hosts. My focus will be on the Tropical Rat Mite (Ornithonyssus Bacoti-O. Bacoti), the Chicken Mite (Demanyssus Gallinae-D. Gallinae), and Northern Fowl Mite (Ornithonyssus Sylviarum-NFM) and on other similar blood sucking (hemophagous) mites. I hope that my blog will make available academic resources, links, and information that will help victims, medical personnel, entomolygists, pest control operators, and others make correct decisions concerning biting mites.
I will not be held responsible for any views that are contained in websites that I create links to or comments given by others. I cannot guarantee that any mite control ideas that I discuss are safe or that they will work in any particular situation. As a reader, you must do research on the toxicity and safety of all substances and methods and if you have questions contact a qualified medical professional. Always read pesticide, herbal, and any other labels completely and if you decide to deviate from the labelling ask a qualified professional. I will not be held responsible for damage done to either persons or property undertaken by those who visit this site, the responsibility is yours.
I will not be held responsible for any views that are contained in websites that I create links to or comments given by others. I cannot guarantee that any mite control ideas that I discuss are safe or that they will work in any particular situation. As a reader, you must do research on the toxicity and safety of all substances and methods and if you have questions contact a qualified medical professional. Always read pesticide, herbal, and any other labels completely and if you decide to deviate from the labelling ask a qualified professional. I will not be held responsible for damage done to either persons or property undertaken by those who visit this site, the responsibility is yours.
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