Mystery Bites

Question 1

an irrational fear of insects, mites, spiders, or other arthropods

Answer 1

entomophobia

Question 2

people who believe that their skin and/or bodies are infested by small parasites in the absence of any evidence

Answer 2

delusional infestations (DI) or Ekbom Syndrome

Question 3

One of the most difficult pests to confirm because of their small size. Check for the presence of rodents, birds, or abandoned nests.

Answer 3

bird and rodent mites

Question 4

effects of bites are mild and temporary and are easily soothed by washing

Answer 4

thrips - will be present on body when biting sensations occur and can be picked up with a piece of sticky tape

Question 5

flattened welts on skin, usually disappear within hours, but there can be great differences in individual responses to bites

Answer 5

mosquitoes

Question 6

large bugs that bite exposed areas of skin while the victim is sleeping

Answer 6

conenosed (triatoma) bugs

Question 7

the presence of the host animals or their nests will be the source area. Expert identification may be necessary because their appearance is very similar to

Answer 7

bat bugs and bird bugs; appearance very similar to bed bugs

Question 8

Can be difficult to find during low levels of infestations. Use pitfall traps of CO2 baited traps.

Answer 8

bed bugs

Question 9

Identify by the pattern and location of bites, and whether or not client has recently walked through tall grass or woods. Bite effects are delayed, typically not noticeable several hours later, and do not persist for more than a few days to 1-2 weeks.

Answer 9

chiggers

Question 10

Identify with sticky traps, visual inspection of premises, and pest inspection by the customer or a vet.

Answer 10

fleas

Question 11

most likely pests to encounter with mystery or phantom bite case

Answer 11

lice & scabies, fleas, chiggers, bed bugs, bird bugs, conenosed bugs, mosquitoes, thrips, spiders, bird & rodent mites

Question 12

most important role for PMPs in mystery bite situations

Answer 12

absolutely rule out a pest problem - a thorough inspection

Question 13

psychosomatic pest problem

Answer 13

delusional infestations

Question 14

symptoms are real, but they are being caused by something else that is being blamed on insects

Answer 14

illusional infestations (allergies, dry skin, diet deficiencies, drugs or alcohol, environmental irritants, disease, side effects of medication)

Question 15

a previous pest infestation that has left the customer unable to shake the feeling that pests are still around

Answer 15

phantom pests