Expert: Walter Hintz - 9/30/2008

Question
Hi Walter,

For the past 4 months, I've been getting bitten by an invisible insect in my apartment that I believe to be "no see ums," a.k.a. Ceratopogonidae. I tend to be bit on exposed skin, primarily on my torso, upper legs, arms and face, and the bits tend to be very small pin-prick bits in a row of 3-5 bites. When I wear long sleeves, I primarily am bitten on my face. I am bitten at night, and the bugs will get into my bedding & under my covers to bite me whereever skin is exposed. I've had 2 exterminators come and investigate and ruled out the possibility of bed-bugs. Additionally I've been to the dermatologist's office where she biopsied a bite with the dermapathology report stating that the sample is "consistant with an arthropod bite-reaction", ruling out a skin-condition.

I am writing to ask what is the best way to rid myself of these pests in my apartment? I live in a high-rise apartment in NYC, and have been spraying the apartment with permethrin spray which only temporarily alleviates the situation. Where could they possibly be breeding, and how do I kill them off for good? We are very good at keeping the apartment clean, at keeping all food in containers, and washing all dishes after use. Additionally, could it be a different biting insect that I don't know about that could be tormenting me?  I would really appreciate any help or advise you may have. Thank you!

~Cynthia

Answer
I just do not know what to say Cynthia with two exterminators and a dermatologist involved and no solution tehr eis not much I can suggest.  Is it possible you are being bitten outside with the reaction coming later.  Sometimes bites that occured earlier do not appear until bedtime.  Did you ask the dermatologisrt about itch mites?  Have you tried using a repellant to stop the bites.