Livingston, NJ

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Summer is the Season for "no-see-ums"

They are often referred to "no-see-ums", tiny insects that include mites, ticks, and bed bugs that can bite and cause itching while going largely invisible to their victims. Some can transmit disease as well.

Summer is the time many people encounter other tiny, biting insects called mites and ticks. "Though some species like Deer Ticks can transmit pathogens like Lyme disease, most mites and ticks are just an annoying irritation as the result of their bites," says Leonard Douglen, the Executive Director of the New Jersey Pest Management Association.

"Mites are an annoying insect, mostly as a nuisance," says Douglen, "but they are not known for transmitting disease." The most common mite with which humans may come in contact are House Dust mites. They are virtually invisible, but like cockroaches, Dust Mites can be a particular irritant to those suffering from Asthma. They feed on dander, flakes of dead skin that fall from people and animals.

Other mite species that are an irritant include Chiggers and Scabies Mites. Chiggers do not suck blood, but they do cut into the skin, inject digestive saliva, and suck up the liquefied skin. Unless removed, they will feed for several days. Scabies mites occur from person-to-person contact and, in dogs, they cause mange. These mites actually burrow up to three centimeters into the skins to lay eggs.

Many enjoy the outdoors, gardening, camping, and hiking, "but these activities came with a measure of risk," said Douglen. "The Blacklegged Tick, often called the Deer Tick, is often found in wooded areas along trails. Their larvae and nymphs are particularly active in the spring and early summer. "In addition to Lyme disease, these ticks are suspected of transmitting ehrlichiosis as well."

"As with all outdoor activity", said Douglen, "we recommend wearing protective clothing such as long-sleeved sheers, trousers, shoes not open-toed footwear, and a head covering. Moreover, ticks are easier to spot on light-colored clothing. Insect repellent with 10% to 30% DEET is highly recommended as well."

"Ticks should be removed quickly because the mouthparts of a tick are barbed, can remain embedded, and lead to infection of the bite site." The best way to remove them is with a tweezers or using a piece of tissue or cloth as a barrier between one's fingers and the tick. "Then wash the bite area and your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Apply an antiseptic to the bite site."

Dog ticks are another species humans come in contact with ticks, either from one's pet running free in wooded areas or as the result of a stay at a kennel.

"People have gotten a crash course in bed bug entomology over the past few years," says Douglen who took note of news in April that Rutgers University received a $100,000 federal grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to "educate" people in 50 low income communities about the "dangers" of bedbugs.

"The reason everyone is encountering bed bugs is that the pesticides that would effectively control them have been banned by the EPA", said Douglen. "The pest management industry is responding with a variety of other methods and technologies to reduce and eliminate bed bug infestations when they occur."

Founded in 1941, the New Jersey Pest Management Association members are also affiliated with the National Pest Management Association. The NJPMA maintains a website at www.njpma.com.

Leonard Douglen

Executive Director

New Jersey Pest Management Association

Livingston, NJ

1-800-524-9942