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You are here: Experts > Science > Insects/Spiders > Entomology (Study of Bugs) > Tiny Tiny white bugs
Expert: Jack DeAngelis - 11/6/2009
Question
Hi, I have started a new job and where I sit, I get bitten all day by tiny, tiny white bugs. Nobody else has particularly noticed until I mentioned them. The only way I have seen them is when they appear on my dark suit and look like a spec of a breadcrumb. These bugs are barely visible, but I can feel them all day long, and it feels like they are jumping on me.
They seem to live in the carpet as I get bitten from the feet up. I cannot identify them as they are way too small to tell if the have legs, let alone how many.
I have a few bites that appear from time to time but the main problem seems to be that they canot be removed. I never see them move, but even when I wash clothes, they seem to stay stuck and I believe they are now in my home.
What could they be and how can I get rid of them? I have sprayed the chairs and put carpet poweder down, but they are still there.
Thanks.
Answer
DS,
Is it possible that this is not an insect or mite, per se, but rather some type of allergic reaction? The key phrase you used was "new job" which probably means you are spending a lot of each day in a new place with the possibility of exposure to new allergens - everything from dust mite allergen to cleaning chemicals. I say this because there are no insects or mites that do what you describe but there are a lot of things that mimic bug bites. Here's an article about real and not-so-real cause of mysterious bug bites http://www.livingwithbugs.com/unknown_bug_bites.html that may be useful.
Look over the list and see if anything matches. Also, think about other possibilities. Does it get better on weekends?
Post a follow up if you have questions.
Jack DeAngelis
http://www.livingwithbugs.com
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