Bugs & Pests

University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension in Douglas and Sarpy Counties

Household Insects

- return to Household Insects -

Pests on People

Itch Mites
Mosquitos
Ticks

Itch Mites
by Dennis Ferraro Extension Educator Douglas/Sarpy Extension Unit

These pests are primarily microscopic. Itch mites are common in all homes, but their presence usually goes unnoticed. There are more than 150 types of itch mites, and they can live on very small amounts of household debris.
Normally, these pests cause no problems to humans. However, some people are sensitive to them, either from breathing them or from skin contact. Those mites on human skin don't damage or burrow into skin, but can cause discomfort as they move across it.
It is impossible to remove all itch particles from a home, but by reducing the amount of itch you can cut down the number of itch mites. Good sanitation, electronic air filters and water vacuums help reduce the mite population. There is no conclusive evidence that itch mites can be chemically controlled. Itch mites (scabies) burrow into the human skin, where they lay their eggs. While the mites are generally unseen, their effects are very evident. They cause intense skin irritation, which spreads. Detection and control of itch mites should be left to a physician.
The "might-be" pests are also known as entomophobia, pseudo-mites or delusory parasitosis. At this time of year, as the climate in houses becomes drier and skin is exposed to temperature extremes indoors and outdoors, many people's skin becomes irritated. Symptoms are very real, but no insects are involved. Proper skin care and consulting a dermatologist will help determine if the irritation is due to insects or climate changes.

- return to Household Insects -

Mosquitoes
by Dennis M. Ferraro Extension Educator Douglas/Sarpy Extension Unit

The hot, humid weather conditions we often have in eastern Nebraska are excellent for mosquito production. These small insects cause great displeasure and can transmit diseases. They will appear in force about 10 days after a rain. The female must bite and get a blood meal to successfully lay eggs. The males do not bite and only feed on nectar. The female mosquito will deposit about 200 eggs on stagnant water found in old tires, non-draining gutters, bird baths, flower pots, roadside ditches or anywhere there is standing water. It is always important to try to eliminate as many of these egg-laying sites as possible.
To protect you and your family from these pests, use personal repellents when outdoors. DEET is the most common effective chemical ingredient. Always use as directed on the label. Try to avoid outdoor activities during evening hours, especially after a rain. Wearing light colored, tight-knit clothing is also helpful.

- return to Household Insects -

Ticks
-by Dennis M. Ferraro Extension Educator Douglas/Sarpy Extension Unit

These small, eight-legged creatures are related to spiders and mites. They are not insects, and have no distinct head section. Ticks are usually found in grassy, bushy or wooded areas. They do not typically fall from trees, but come off tall grasses and low shrubs.
Once on a warm-blooded animal, ticks will search for hours to find a suitable place to feed. This is often near the head.
There are three common types of ticks in eastern Nebraska. They are:
1. American dog or wood tick -- most commonly found on humans.
2. Brown dog tick -- feeds on dogs and seldom attacks humans.
3. Lonestar tick -- southern Nebraska only, rarely found in Douglas County. Possible vector of lyme disease.
To prevent tick problems, wear long sleeved shirts and long pants with tight fitting cuffs when in tick-infested areas. Use insect repellent materials that are safe and registered for use against ticks. Inspect your body after being in an area where ticks are common. Remove any that you find. Never use heat or flames to remove a tick, and do not twist a tick's body. Gently and directly pull the tick from the skin and apply antiseptic. You may find them before they attach themselves, because of their practice of wandering and searching.
Tick numbers outside a home can be reduced by using residual insecticides (acaricides) such as carbaryl (Sevin), or diazinon. Always follow label directions.

- return to Household Insects -

Welcome What We Offer Points of Pride Calendar Staff
Contact Us Partners Site Search

"Helping People Put Knowledge to Work"

University of Nebraska Extension   Southeast Research and Extension Center
Extended Education & Outreach   Institute of Agriculture & Natural Resources
University of Nebraska-Lincoln   University of Nebraska   United States Department of Agriculture
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service

University of Nebraska Extension educational programs abide with the nondiscrimination policies
of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the United States Department of Agriculture.

Translate this page into Spanish