Expert: Walter Hintz - 10/17/2007

Question
Me and my wife are having something crawl on us that cannot be seen but it does bite without leaving any discoloration on the skin.  The house is full of these creatures.  I think(?) it my be an itch mite but can get no help from the pros because the insect cannot be seen even with a 3X microscope.  All the pesticides for mites and lice have no effect.  The best so far is an enyzme from Kleen Care(?) but it does not have any residual effect.  What do you think it is and how can I get rid of them.  It has been going on for 2 weeks now and they are really crawling on us.  Thanks

Answer
Hi Ron
It is next to impossible to identify something you cannot see. Do you see anything like small specks or anything flying or do you just feel the bite and the crawling sensation. If you look immediately when you feel it do you see anything?  They are not itch mites as they crawl into and under the skin and leave a rash.
 There is another possibly here Ron.  I have had people contact me with a similar problem that turned out not to an insect problem at all but contact dermatitis. Itching can be caused by something different in the environment like possibly a new laundry soap.  You should consider this possibility. Meanwhile if you can see anything no matter how small pick, them up on scotch tape and mail it to me.
walter hintz
29675 arthur ave
wickliffe, ohio 44092