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What is this bug?

1. 

   k0mp0
   

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   Posted 3 years ago
   Wed Mar 31 2010 6:37:41
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   Can anyone tell me what this bug is?
   I'm told it's not a bed bug but I keep being bitten around my back, neck, chest, and arms. I found it on top of the mattress cover below the sheets one day.

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2. 

   loubugs
   

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   Posted 3 years ago
   Wed Mar 31 2010 7:07:32
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   Looks like a mite, possibly a parasitic one from rodents or birds. Do you know if there is a mouse or rat problem in your building or a bird nest (pigeon probably) near a window, near air conditioner unit, etc?

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   k0mp0
   

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   Posted 3 years ago
   Wed Mar 31 2010 7:17:28
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   Never had rats or mice but we sometimes get the odd bird in the attic. I doubt very much there's a nest there though.

   Is there a chance these things could remain in the house after the birds have gone? I'm definitely getting bitten every few days. The bites come up in a small raised lump about 5 - 8mm wide and often get infected soon after and turn into a whitehead spot. They also itch like crazy too!

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   EffeCi
   

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   Posted 3 years ago
   Wed Mar 31 2010 7:22:59
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   Surely a mite, probably a bird mite...

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   bed-bugscouk
   

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   Posted 3 years ago
   Wed Mar 31 2010 7:26:45
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   Hi,

   I would also say its mite like and 100% not bed bug related.

   I would suggest that you have the sample confirmed with an entomologist and look for signs of birds roosting and nesting in the area. If birds are carrying a number of mites they can become dislodged when the birds leave in which case they will often seek out an alternative food source which can sometimes be humans.

   In the case of bird related mites you need to make sure the area is thoroughly investigated and treated as the mites may be int he habit of returning to the birds nesting area between feeds. On the few cases of this mature I have been involved in the nest is sometimes in very remote locations.

   Hope this helps.

   David Cain
   Bed Bugs LImited

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   k0mp0
   

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   Posted 3 years ago
   Wed Mar 31 2010 7:55:02
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   Well, a pest control guy came around yesterday and he's also saying that it's definitely not bed bugs, so that's a relief. I gave him the two samples I've found and he says "The 2 samples are pretty bad making positive ID almost impossible. Whatever they are they are not bedbugs."

   I'm not sure what could be up with the samples, I caught them alive and have kept them in a small airtight container. Maybe they dried out over the few months I've had them stored though.

   There has been a birds nest nextdoor in the attic for quite a long time now and we also get a around 50 birds hanging around in the trees and bushes around the garden. Do you think that could make a difference?

   Also, do you know a good way to find samples? I never spot these things.. the only time I found those two samples was when I moved a box in my room but I've checked around everywhere else and have never seen any more of them.

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   bed-bugscouk
   

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   Posted 3 years ago
   Wed Mar 31 2010 8:51:29
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   Hi,

   the nest on the neighbours may be an issue but birds int he garden is generally not an issue. It is when they nest or roost close to humans and are carrying mites.

   As a general rule if its bird mites look up towards the ceilings rather than at the floor and bed height. In the past I have only seen them swarm in significant numbers (one case 50+ another 300+ where they are easier to spot and deal with).

   David Cain

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   k0mp0
   

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   Posted 3 years ago
   Wed Mar 31 2010 9:14:11
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   Alright I'll have a check around the curtains and light fittings later then.

   Thanks for your help.

   Ryan

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   loubugs
   

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   Posted 3 years ago
   Wed Mar 31 2010 12:25:54
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   You can take a lint roller tape and collect from the surfaces & always send to me for an ID.

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