| Mystery
Bugs
Pinprick-like
biting sensations, usually on exposed skin and often producing inflammations
that resemble insect bites, can be a persistent problem in some
buildings. Occupants tend to blame these "bites" on some sort of
pest infestation, typically fleas (which are rare in schools or
office buildings), or "paper mites" (which do not exist). Demands
for spraying of the affected space are often carried out in the
absence of any evidence that biting insects are present. In fact,
"paper mites" are almost always tiny, irritating particles like
paper shards that constitute a cleaning or indoor air pollution
problem rather than a pest problem.
The
Role of Management
The most common mistake of management in "paper mite" situations
is to automatically request a pesticide treatment, thereby incurring
liability in the event occupants experience adverse reactions to
the chemical. The second most common mistake is for supervisors
to dismiss the complaints of biting as imagination. Although there
are cases where people imagine they are being attacked by unseen
parasites, most instances of biting-like sensations in buildings
involve a genuine source of skin irritation. The circumstances can
be further complicated, because health care professionals unfamiliar
with the "paper mite syndrome" frequently misdiagnose the resulting
welts as insect bites. Other people may believe that microscopic
dust mites are involved; dust mites are real, but they cause breathing
distress rather than bites. Finally, it is normal for the coworkers
of a person complaining about "paper mites" to develop a heightened
sensitivity to their own skin irritations (many caused away from
the workplace) through the "power of suggestion." Management must
treat all concerned with sympathy and respect, at the same time
emphasizing that no pesticide treatment can be authorized without
positive confirmation that a pest problem exists.
Control
and Management
Inspection
for Parasites
An inspection of the affected area should be carried out by a
pest control technician who understands that pests may not be
involved. Usually when real parasites are present, many are present
and are readily seen. The most common types in buildings are mites
coming from bird nests or from rodent infestations. If a thorough
investigation fails to produce any specimens, a non-pest cause
is probably responsible. However, it is standard procedure to
place sticky traps throughout the area as monitors. In addition,
occupants should be instructed to capture anything they suspect
is biting them on a piece of clear tape. If biting insects such
as fleas are present, the area may need to be treated. However,
the captured items are typically bits of debris or tiny, harmless
insects that are usually present inside buildings as a result
of inadequately filtered air intakes.
Inspection
for Airborne Particles
When it is reasonably certain that there are no biting insects
in the affected space, the pest control program is no longer involved.
Only rarely are the specific culprits in "paper mite" cases positively
determined, although there are often strong suspects. Shards of
fiber glass insulation (such as from batting above drop ceilings),
particles from both newly installed as well as worn carpet and
carpet pads and paper dust from separating forms and computer
printouts along tear-lines are some of the most common proven
causes of pinprick-like irritations. The dry air of many workplaces
not only makes skin more sensitive to these tiny splinters, it
increases the static electricity that is responsible for the particles
"jumping" onto exposed skin. (Sometimes the static-charged bits
are mistaken for living bugs.) Any activity that stirs up accumulated
dust, such as building remodeling, renovation or the purging of
old files, often leads to a "paper mite" outbreak. In cases where
there is no obvious explanation, or multiple factors are suspected,
an industrial hygienist should be called in to investigate.
Corrective
Action
Sometimes pesticide spraying or fogging brings temporary relief
to occupants with a "paper mite" problem. Although part of the
reason is psychological, the main reason is that the spray acts
to settle the irritating particles and to decrease static in the
room. Although it is questionable and misleading to use pesticides
in this fashion, the same principle can be accomplished by other
means. A program of frequent damp cleaning, including carpet washing
with water only, is often an effective short-term response while
efforts are made to identify and eliminate the source of the irritation.
Cleaning by wiping rather than vacuuming is recommended, unless
the vacuum is equipped with a HEPA (high-efficiency) filter, since
more dust may become airborne as a result. Use of humidifiers
or air purifiers can be of tremendous benefit if the affected
space is not too extensive. It may be worthwhile for some employees
to seek the advice of a dermatologist or other medical specialist,
since simple skin treatments (such as the use of moisturizers
and milder soaps) are frequently used to minimize problems with
irritation.
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