Tuesday, June 5, 2012

The Case of the Phantom Bug Bites

There home is wayyyy out in the country.  We'll call them Lois and Mike.  They're each retired and have a son who's had to move back in with them. They have a nice country home, clean, well-kept.  A small dog, no fleas.  An RV that doesn't get used as much as it used to.  They have a really great garden that's producing lot's of vegetables this year.

Lois calls the office about what she believes are bed bug bites all over her body and her husband is getting them too!  We promise to get out there quick and identify and provide a solution.

I go myself since my techs are already dedicated to a very busy spring rush of activity due to the early warm weather here in East Texas.  After greetings are exchanged, Lois takes me back to the area she's getting the bites, the bedroom. 

First thing I notice is the amount of gray dust that is completely scattered around the room.  It's even under the bed and between the matress and box springs.  She tells me they've been fighting the bug bites for over a month now and had only the week before bought and put out diatomaceous earth powder all over everything!  Diatomaceous earth powder is sometimes used for insectide control only because it causes dehydration when insects crawl through it.  Not bad idea I guess when you're desperate to make the biting stop and you're practicing DIY protocol.  As a pest control company, we don't use it because it takes so long for any effects and customers don't want to wait for relief.

First thing I tell Lois is "this is going to have to be vaccuumed up before I can even perform any treatment" and she agrees.  She adds, "it wasn't working anyway." 

As she vaccuums, I carefully inspect the bedding. Nothing. No signs of bed bugs at all.  I'm looking for blood splatters on the sheets or mattress.  Or better yet, an actual bed bug. I stop and ask to look at these bites they're encountering and they're more than happy to show me, at least the one's that aren't in indecent locations.

First thing I notice is that the bites are arbout the neck and shoulders, lower back, and down around the middle of the legs, in the knee areas.  They are very small and some are very red, like they're inflamed from scratching.  They are flat with no whitehead like an ant bite would leave.  They aren't swollen and raised like mosquito bites either.  But they claim they ARE itchy!    Hmmmmm?

They're not down around the legs or ankles the way flea bites normally are.  They're not chiggers either. Hmmm?  "This is a good one!", I tell them.  I'm sure they're not amused but I certainly am having to think long and hard on this challenging situation.

I go outside and walk very slowly through the yard and around the house.  Nothing jumps on me either.  That confirms it's not fleas being tracked inside.  And the sporadic bites all over the bodies, and in particular around the groin areas, the fold of the elbows and knees, all moisture-prone areas in particular, leads me to believe that it's either very small spiders coming up through the floors from underneath the pier and beam house, or else it's some kind of mite. 

I propose giving them a very, very thorough spray treatment throughout the house and then wait for results, and they agree.  I mix up the same solution we use to treat for fleas and then broadcast it heavily throughout the house.  I also instruct them to wash all their clothing and bedding in hot, soapy water before they return them to their closets and drawers because it's possible something very small is inhabiting the clothing.  And finally, to call me back in a week and let me know what's happened.  They both feel somewhat relieved and Lois confides to me that they haven't been to church in over a month because they thought they had bed bugs.  She said her church was full of "huggers" and she "was afraid she would give them to someone!

A week later, Lois calls and says it has gotten a little better but they continue to itch and the bites, though slowed down, have continued.  Well, that rules out small spiders as a suspect.  We're only down to mites now.  Due to the locations of the bites and the fact that anything survived what I did to their house when I treated, it had to be the dreaded Scabies mite! 

Most human infestations of scabies result from person-to-person contact. Although they can transfer from animals to humans and vice versa, several types of scabies mites exist, each having a preferred host species on which it reproduces. In dogs, scabies mites cause mange. Scabies is the most common and important condition resulting from mite infestation of humans. Unlike other mites, scabies mites actually burrow and produce tunnels one centimeter or more in length just below the surface of the skin, in which they lay eggs. The mites are believed to feed on skin and secretions. The entire life cycle (10-17 days for human-infesting scabies mites) is spent on their host. Without a host, they survive only a few days. In previously unexposed individuals, a scabies infestation may go unnoticed for more than a month. Then, severe irritation and itching develops, especially at night. This is why they were going so crazy!

I told her that they both needed to get to a doctor right away and that the treatment for scabies is an ointment or cream containing 5% permethrin to kill the mites that are burrowed under the skin.  She told me the doctor had told them earlier that the bites were "bed bug bites" and we all know now he was wrong.  I told her then find another doctor because we were sure that it's scabies mites.

Lois called back the next day.  They saw a doctor and turns out we were right. She was so happy that we correctly diagnosed her problem.

Reality Check:  A good solution requires intelligent and thorough pest control methods.  The easy part is always the spraying.  The hard and complicated part is putting in the time and being very thorough in the initial investigation.  This is something not so many pest control technicians are either trained or willing to do.  Many have so many customers to see (quotas) they dread long investigations.

At Gary's, we make sure that our techs are trained and competent in just about everything and only see 6-8 customers a day.  This allows for investing the time to perform real quality investigations, leaving no stone unturned.  Because in the end, our results always speak for themselves! 

Contact us if we can help you too.  Get Gary's and Get 'Em Gone!
www.GarysTPC.com   or Like us on Facebook!

114 comments:

  1. Hello sir, I got you by Google search.

    It is very well information about on garystpc.blogspot.com.It is a attractive site for all the people.I think that it site is one of the basic needs of human being & is kind for essential any development. All people always want to know all about things that you have been described. It is very valuable & very nice posting! I will bookmark this blog as I have They are not the most efficient of area guests. They can easily make their way into your house to rodent control; it’s the taking away phase that can be somewhat tricky. They are recognized to invade attics, basements, lawns, and gardens. The primary reason for their intrusive invasions is as a result of attractants similar to meals, garbage, and clutter from both outside and inside of houses. Particularly mice are present in properties extra ceaselessly throughout the chilly iciness months.

    Thank You Very Much For Write That Fantastic Article.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I like all information that you provide in your articles.
    pest control brooklyn ny

    ReplyDelete
  3. Nice one Gary! I hope to read more posts regarding pest control and all those stuffs. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Phantom bug bites can always be traced back to something... It's never a good thing to let it go untreated. Always investigate these cases and call your pest control Orlando specialist! Thanks for posting this.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I like all information that you provide in your articles about pest control

    ReplyDelete
  6. Excellent blog. Also, I just want to add some ideas on pest control such as Get rid of ants

    ReplyDelete
  7. Similarly, I experienced such as yours, bed bugs, which keeps me from falling asleep at night. These pesky bugs suck blood and leave rashes all over the skin.

    pest control edmonton

    ReplyDelete
  8. I once faced the issue of bed bugs and had to leave my house for three days as the pest control people did their work to clean my house.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Great informative post, sometimes hiring services of reliable pest control company is the only solution for you specially when it comes to bed bugs or termites.

    ReplyDelete
  10. this is a great post..i do love it specially its very informative and very useful..i am glad that saw your blog in the internet..

    pest control pittsburgh

    ReplyDelete
  11. I admire your talent, hope to see you again next time of the works, I wish you good luck! Studying this info So i am satisfied to exhibit, Love your work, clear!
    Termite treatment

    ReplyDelete
  12. Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to mention that I have truly enjoyed surfing around your blog posts.I’m hoping you write once more very soon!
    Best termite treatment

    ReplyDelete
  13. Very informative. Pest control companies must have the dedication and commitment to be able to do what you did to that retired couple. Some companies do not really investigate to know the real issue. They just proceed to what they are supposed to do and that is to spray and get the job done. I'm so glad that I was able to get a Pest Control Brisbane based company (I lived in Brisbane), that have the same commitment and dedication as your company. They really solved my mites issues.

    ReplyDelete
  14. very useful information about phantom bugs bites usually we dont know how to protect them and what are the side effects of them.
    Pest Control London

    ReplyDelete
  15. Thanks for sharing this information about the pest control in Orlando. I am excited about the results throughout the nation. Keep up the great posts.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I've learned on different blogs that I've been through that no matter how you observe cleanliness in your own surroundings but the the transfer is a huge possibility for this bug to invade our home.
    In Pest Control Brisbane and Pest Control Gold Coast this is not dealt lightly as we are knowledgeable to what it caused when it get worst.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I have encountered bed bugs and its really a big problem..i always do the spray because of it..i seek some help of pest control, they really provide everything that i need.

    pest control st. louis

    ReplyDelete
  18. Thanks for sharing this useful information about bugs bites. It shows how important it is to spend the time to investigate and do a thorough treatment!
    Owl Pest Control

    ReplyDelete
  19. Ugh, when sometimes an exterminator in Victoria BC is not enough and you have to go to the doctor, that's when bugs really get under my skin(pun intended). Obnoxious blighters. Good to know you know what you're doing.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I just see your blog and wanted to say that I really enjoyed reading your articles. I hope you post again soon
    Free Online Coupons

    ReplyDelete
  21. We've never had a problem with any kind of bugs in our house until recently when we discovered a huge infestation of termites. Fortunately we found someone who does termite pest control in Utah, and we got it taken care of quickly.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Nothing is more important than the safety of your home and family. Pests can cause serious health problems and also can be responsible for property damage. Companies like Exclure Pest Control Incorporation are trained and experienced in ridding your home of all kinds of pests.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Thanks for the great insights on pest control in vancouver! Phantom Bug Bites is big for the littles so I appreciate the insights!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hi, Hope you doing good, Personally I feel bad while killing them, but they are harmful so we have to do this. I feel bad when I called to Pest control service because they are living things but its a need.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Very informative article on pest control. Thanks for sharing.
    residential pest control

    ReplyDelete
  26. is it really a good way to use chemicals in removing pests in our house? is it safe?


    thanks,
    Loy =)
    residential pest services austin tx

    ReplyDelete
  27. Self pest control will not help if the bed bugs are infesting too much. Pest control services is needed with this kind of infestation and many pest control Brisbane North companies use natural alternatives.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Our experience working with leading businesses, institutions and commercial establishments has given us an insight to the specialized needs that you have.
    Bed bugs

    ReplyDelete
  29. Another is pyrethrin which is derived from a plant called Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium which is capable of killing insect pests by causing neurotoxicity.

    home pest control tampa bay

    ReplyDelete
  30. You're so right! Good blog and I really don't think anyone's put it that way before!

    post building construction pest control in pune

    ReplyDelete
  31. That's very helpful, thanks so much!! We have bed bugs and it's just a horrible experience, we are going to have them exterminated with chemicals but then we are definitely going to use them to prevent them to come back!!

    pest control honolulu

    ReplyDelete
  32. I can no longer stand all of the pests that have decided to take over my home. A few every now and then wouldn't bother me, but it is several every single minute and they are causing a lot of issues now. I need them gone as soon as possible.
    Jak Manson | http://guaranteepest.com/palm-beach-county-office/

    ReplyDelete
  33. I whole-heartedly agree. Trying to get rid of pests on your own is a hassle that I frankly think is not worth it. How can you sleep on a mattress knowing that there is a possibility of there being bugs crawling around underneath you? If that ever happens to me, I'm going to freak out and then call the closest professional to get those pests out of my life for good.
    --------------------------
    http://www.bugnoutpc.com/pest-control/1211586

    ReplyDelete
  34. Interesting blog. This is one of my favorite blog also i want you to update more post like this. Thanks for sharing this article.
    Pest Control in Chennai

    ReplyDelete
  35. Thanks for great information you write it very clean. I am very lucky to get this tips from you
    pest control nj

    ReplyDelete
  36. Getting bug bites is never fun. They are always really itchy and irritated. What has always freaked me out is that you never know what type of bug it was that bit you. I would really like to be able to work more closely with pest control to make my house pest free. It would be really nice to not have to worry about bug bites any more.

    http://www.wallabypestcontrol.com.au

    ReplyDelete
  37. Its a great experience you're sharing with us. Your nice teach your readers how to identify the bed bugs, steps need to taken to remove them and how to prevent. I found another great post in Attic Pest Authority where readers can found some great tips to prevent pest. You can also check this out.

    ReplyDelete
  38. This sort of thing happens to me all the time! It's frustrating when you have a bunch of bug bites and you have no idea where they came from. I think it's a good idea to contact a pest control specialist to get an inspection or something so that you can make sure that you find any pests that might be in your home. That way you can take care of them before they become a problem. http://www.wasatchbugbusters.com

    ReplyDelete
  39. Useful information...
    http://pestcure.in/

    ReplyDelete
  40. Thank you I am glad about the encouragement! I love your site, you post outstanding. Bug Busters Birmingham

    ReplyDelete
  41. I read this post fully concerning the difference of latest and former stuff, it is awesome article. check it now

    ReplyDelete
  42. Your website is terribly informative and your articles are wonderful.how to kill bed bugs

    ReplyDelete
  43. I was in quest of various topics that are enough well-liked and lastly got your blog, it has outstanding topics with immense popularity. NeverPest

    ReplyDelete
  44. I wanted to thank you for this great read. Your blog is one of the finest blog . Thanks for posting this informative article.
    Pest Control 08820

    ReplyDelete
  45. NIce article this article has been my favorite, interesting and informative article.
    Pest Control 08817

    ReplyDelete
  46. Thankfulness to my dad who informed me relating to this blog, this website is really amazing.

    pest control ashford

    ReplyDelete
  47. Thankfulness to my dad who informed me relating to this blog, this website is really amazing.

    pest removal port st lucie

    ReplyDelete
  48. Very informative site, i must bookmark it, keep posting interesting articles...
    flying insect repellent bracelet

    ReplyDelete
  49. Nice to be visiting your blog again, it has been months for me. Well this article that i've been waited for so long. I need this article to complete my assignment in the college, and it has same topic with your article. Thanks, great share.
    pest control san antonio

    ReplyDelete
  50. I have to say this has been probably the most helpful posts for me. Please keep it up. I cant wait to read whats next.
    Gopher Removal

    ReplyDelete
  51. I love it.Your website is awesome, great content , one of the best website i have ever visited.It has very useful features and content.
    pest control sydney

    ReplyDelete
  52. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
    Pest Control Sydney

    ReplyDelete
  53. Awesome Blog !
    Thanks For phantom-bug-bites helpful information.termite control Maryland

    ReplyDelete
  54. Awesome work! That is quite appreciated. I hope you’ll get more success. ultrasonic pest repeller

    ReplyDelete
  55. I think most people would agree with your article. I am going to bookmark this web site so I can come back and read more articles. Keep up the good work!
    pest control calgary

    ReplyDelete
  56. wow i love t hat SO much... can i cut and paste it into my blog?? but give u credit, of course???
    bed bug infestation calgary

    ReplyDelete
  57. Your Post is very useful, I am truly happy to post my note on this blog . It helped me with ocean of awareness so I really consider you will do much better in the future.
    kill bed bugs in calgary

    ReplyDelete
  58. This is a really good read for me, Must admit that you are one of the best bloggers I ever saw.Thanks for posting this informative article.
    Pest Control Services

    ReplyDelete
  59. This is really great news. Thank you for sharing it with us!
    Bed bugs

    ReplyDelete
  60. I think most people would agree with your article. I am going to bookmark this web site so I can come back and read more articles. Keep up the good work!
    kill bed bugs

    ReplyDelete
  61. Your Post is very useful, I am truly happy to post my note on this blog . It helped me with ocean of awareness so I really consider you will do much better in the future.
    bed bug bites

    ReplyDelete
  62. Nicely presented information in this post, I prefer to read this kind of stuff. The quality of content is fine and the conclusion is good. Thanks for the post.
    pest control

    ReplyDelete
  63. Hello, U write some extraordinarily attractive blogs. I always check back here frequently to see if you have updated
    Pest Control

    ReplyDelete
  64. Valuable information! Looking forward to seeing your notes posted.
    pest control

    ReplyDelete
  65. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  66. I have never experienced a phantom bug bite, but i have seen people who have been given such horrible experience. This post clearly shows how to deal with them, and while at that do not forget that Designing and Printing Brochures for a College is not at all complicated while working with an expert.

    ReplyDelete
  67. What a fantabulous post this has been. Never seen this kind of useful post. I am grateful to you and expect more number of posts like these. Thank you very much.

    ReplyDelete
  68. Thank you so much for sharing this great blog.Very inspiring and helpful too.Hope you continue to share more of your ideas.I will definitely love to read.
    מדביר ברחובות

    ReplyDelete
  69. شركة تنظيف بالمدينة المنورة
    شركة تنظيف بالمدينة المنورة النظافه من الايمان الحديث النبوى الذى يحثنا دائما على الحرص على نظافة الاماكن التى نعيش بها والاهتمام بها من منا لا يحب النظافه ويحب العيش فى مكان نظيف بل النظافه هى غايه وهدف لاى صاحب منزل يرعب فى العيش فى جو صحى ونظيف مع افراد اسرته

    شركة تنظيف بالمدينة المنورة
    تعانى من عدم نظافة منزلك وعدم رضاك عن منزلك الغير نظيف بشكل مثالى مع ضيق وقتك في القيام بعملية النظافة لاتقلق بعد الان فنحن سنتولى عنك مهمة التنظيف لأننا نعد افضل شركة تنظيف بالمدينة المنورة لدينا فى شركتنا كافة خدمات التنظيف

    شركة تنظيف بالمدينة المنورة
    شركة تنظيف بالمدينة المنورة

    ReplyDelete
  70. شركة تنظيف بالمدينة المنورة
    شركة تنظيف بالمدينة المنورة النظافه من الايمان الحديث النبوى الذى يحثنا دائما على الحرص على نظافة الاماكن التى نعيش بها والاهتمام بها من منا لا يحب النظافه ويحب العيش فى مكان نظيف بل النظافه هى غايه وهدف لاى صاحب منزل يرعب فى العيش فى جو صحى ونظيف مع افراد اسرته

    شركة تنظيف بالمدينة المنورة
    تعانى من عدم نظافة منزلك وعدم رضاك عن منزلك الغير نظيف بشكل مثالى مع ضيق وقتك في القيام بعملية النظافة لاتقلق بعد الان فنحن سنتولى عنك مهمة التنظيف لأننا نعد افضل شركة تنظيف بالمدينة المنورة لدينا فى شركتنا كافة خدمات التنظيف

    شركة تنظيف بالمدينة المنورة
    شركة تنظيف بالمدينة المنورة

    ReplyDelete
  71. What a fabulous post this has been.
    http://grsshoes.com/

    ReplyDelete
  72. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  73. Such a Nice information, if you want more information please visit Pest Control westerham.

    ReplyDelete
  74. This really is this kind of famous fickle. After i benefit experiencing internet sites of which continue being this bikers associated with giving the latest assets puritanical concerning alienate. Say while using organize. Here's the decline associated with actual that ought to end up being shown moreover rarely this domineering untruths that may be to the unique web-sites. Pest control pascoe vale

    ReplyDelete
  75. Interesting and valuable post.
    Thanks for sharing and keep it up writing !
    Pest control rutland ma

    ReplyDelete
  76. I am not sure where you are getting your information, but great topic. I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more. Thanks for excellent info I was looking for this info for my mission.
    pest inspection sydney

    ReplyDelete
  77. Very nice blog check this website for earn money if you are Starting a home business and still keeping your day job.things are really going well for your home business.

    Then open the below link for more details.

    Sanitizing Services In Delhi NCR

    House sanitizing services near me

    Sanitizing services

    Sanitizing Services For Building
    Sanitizing Services For Residential in Delhi


    Sanitizing Services For Building

    ReplyDelete
  78. Very nice blog check this website for earn money if you

    are Starting a home business and still keeping your day

    job.things are really going well for your home business.

    Then open the below link for more details.

    pest control

    services


    pest control

    services in delhi NCR


    pest control

    services near me


    pest control

    companies near me


    best pest

    control near me

    ReplyDelete
  79. I am glad for writing to let you be aware of of the perfect encounter our child undergone viewing your blog. She picked up a lot of issues, which include how it is like to possess a marvelous teaching mood to get certain people without problems comprehend a variety of complicated matters. You really did more than her expectations. Thank you for distributing these beneficial, dependable, revealing as well as unique thoughts on that topic to Tanya.
    building and pest report sydney

    ReplyDelete
  80. Thanks for sharing this article, it is very informative and helpful for me. Got a pest problem in your home garden area that needs professional help? Pest Control Vancouver will make your home a healthy safe place to reside again!

    ReplyDelete
  81. Here I find very good information really very impressive blog.Please click here for
    Pest Control Ghaziabad

    ReplyDelete
  82. Nice blog here you will find very good information also..
    Pest Control East Delhi

    ReplyDelete
  83. Herbal Pest Control C.R Park Delhi
    D - 434, opp. No. Fish Market, Block C, Chittaranjan Park, New Delhi, Delhi 110017
    Phone: +91-8279811862

    ReplyDelete
  84. Amazing Write-Up!! I would Like to share in
    Pest control in Ghaziabad

    ReplyDelete
  85. We Provide The Best Car Transport Company in Jaipur

    If you want to shift your car from one place to another place and looking for the best Car Transport Company in Jaipur then you can visit MoveMyCar. They have the best and amazing services providers for Car Transportation in Jaipur who can shift your car safely to your place at the best price.

    ReplyDelete
  86. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  87. We Provide The Best Bike Transport Services in Mumbai

    If you want to shift your bike and looking for the best Bike Transport Company in Mumbai then you can visit MoveMyCar. We provide the best and amazing Bike Transport Services in Mumbai at the best price. You just need to visit the official website of MoveMyCar and get the best services for bike shifting.

    ReplyDelete
  88. We Provide The Best Bike Transportation Services in Secunderabad

    If you want to shift your bike and looking for the best Bike Transport Company in Secunderabad then you can visit MoveMyCar. We provide the best and amazing Bike Transportation Services in Secunderabad ​at the best price. You just need to visit the official website of MoveMyCar and get the best services for bike shifting.

    ReplyDelete
  89. I found your this post while searching for some related information on blog search...Its a good post..keep posting and update the information. phantom forces

    ReplyDelete
  90. Thanks for detail post. To get rid of pests from your garden please visit healthy garden tips

    ReplyDelete
  91. I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post. pest control free estimate

    ReplyDelete
  92. Nice blog please see my Website..For Pest Control in Dwarka.
    Pest Control Dwarka

    ReplyDelete

  93. Thanks for sharing this nice post, Further if you are looking for the pest control palm springs contact with Speedy's Pest Solutions they provide a variety of pest control services for our local residential and commercial businesses.

    ReplyDelete
  94. Very Good website with informative and detailed content. will visit again. Thanks
    https://rankingtop.in/
    https://topranker.xyz/
    https://techhitech.in/
    https://matrixmanpowersolutions.xyz/
    https://matrixmanpowersolutions.xyz/
    https://speedzpackersmovers.in/
    https://tranquilnursinghome.com/
    https://rapidshift.co.in/
    https://rapidshiftpackers.com/

    ReplyDelete
  95. great details. thanks
    https://vmsdcc.co.in/

    ReplyDelete
  96. great work.thanks for sharing
    https://taxiservicesvaranasi.in/

    ReplyDelete
  97. If you need filemaker support
    , you're in the right place! Whether you're facing technical issues, seeking guidance on best practices, or looking for solutions to enhance your FileMaker experience, the support team and community are here to assist you every step of the way. Feel free to ask your questions or share your concerns, and let's work together to ensure your FileMaker journey is smooth and successful! 🛠️💬 #FileMakerSupport

    ReplyDelete