Judy writes
The home has been treated 8 times, and no one knows anything about bird mites. The bites are all over my body. They are in the mattresses and box springs and I have protectors on them. I'm diabetic, take chemo for incurable lung disease and have Parkinson's. I haven't had a decent night's sleep in one year. These are tiny black specs like pepper, they sting, bite and leave an insatiable itching. I have seen my Family Doctor, Dermatologist and Diabetic specialist to no avail. Please guide me toward the right product. I have replaced all covered furniture and bedding, and they are still here. They do not bite my husband, only me. Can you help me?
We think the very first thing you should do is get the mites properly identified. Failure to get a proper identification can lead to treatment failure. Many people read on the internet certain descriptions and just assume that they have the same exact problem as the person that wrote the description, but they could very possibly be wrong. You should contact your local cooperative extension office and speak to the entomologist on staff. The entomologist will explain how to properly obtain a sample and submit it for identification. You can also contact your local natural history museum for an identification if you don't have luck with the extension office. Once you get a proper identification you will be able to know what type of source you are looking for (foul, bird or rodent mites) and you can start proper treatments.
Answer last updated on: 02/21/2011
