| A microscopic mite, Pyemotes herfsi -- aptly called an | | | | mites can number in the millions in a short period of |
| "itch mite"-- is responsible for the mysterious, itchy red | | | | time. |
| bites recently reported by a number of Midwest state | | | | There is no pain when these mites bite. In fact, most |
| residents. | | | | people are unaware that they have been bitten until |
| The microscopic itch mites prey on small fly maggots | | | | the next day, when quarter-size reddened welts |
| which cause "leaf edge" galls on pin oak leaves. The | | | | appear with a pimple on their center. The bites are |
| galls on pin oak leaves have been unusually abundant | | | | most commonly distributed over the neck and |
| in recent years. When the maggots mature, they | | | | shoulders and on the upper torso where clothing hangs |
| emerge from the galls, drop to the ground and pupate | | | | loosely. They appear after people have been involved |
| for the winter. | | | | in outdoor activities. |
| When numbers of the gall gnat larvae decline, either | | | | "The bites we are seeing do not pose a major health |
| through predation or by evacuation from their galls, the | | | | threat - they mostly cause an annoying, intense itch," |
| hungry itch mites crawl about on foliage or bail out of | | | | Dr. Eric Whitaker, director of the state public health |
| the trees into wind currents to find other suitable hosts. | | | | department, said in a statement. "Do not scratch the |
| Preliminary research indicates that 16,000 adult female | | | | bites, however, or you could cause an infection, which |
| itch mites (potential biters) can emerge from one | | | | would create other health problems. |
| infected oak leaf and fall to the ground. Entomologists | | | | Entomologists at Kansas State University reported |
| estimate there are most likely millions of mites floating | | | | bites on dogs and cats as well as on humans during |
| down from affected oak trees. | | | | outbreaks. |
| The mites inject a highly-potent neurotoxic venom into | | | | Some bite sufferers find their own way of dealing with |
| their insect prey through their needle-like mouthparts | | | | the outbreak including over-the-counter remedies and |
| and voraciously consume their prey. | | | | chemicals. Various state officials have recommended |
| Adult females are unique among living animals in that | | | | antihistamines and lotions. With the growing concern |
| they deposit their eggs into a pouch, or ovisac, formed | | | | over the earth and holistic health, may others are |
| at the tip of their abdomens. A mated female attaches | | | | seeking all natural remedies including new electrolyzed |
| to an insect host and enlarges to 1/16 inch -- about BB | | | | oxidizing water technology for healing. |
| size. The female nurtures her brood directly from the | | | | This problem is not just restricted to Chicago. Any |
| egg stage to adulthood (no nymphal stages). As many | | | | Midwest state with pin oak trees can suffer from |
| as 300 mites can develop within the female's enlarged | | | | these outbreaks. Past states have included Kansas, |
| abdomen! | | | | Missouri, Nebraska and Texas. Itch mite season runs |
| With a population doubling time of two days, Pyemotes | | | | from now through November. |