Myth 1. Daddy longlegs "spiders" are extremely poisonous. False. First, daddy longlegs are not actually spiders. Technically, daddy longlegs are also known as harvestmen. Harvestmen are scavengers and do not have venom. Basically, these annoying pests are harmless.
Myth 2. Chiggers burrow under skin and suck your blood. False. This is false on both counts. Chiggers do not suck your blood, nor do they burrow under your skin! Chiggers are mites that pierce your skin around hair follicles and release a skin dissolving saliva. Chiggers then feed on the resulting liquid.
Myth 3. Paper mites in an office will fly or jump and bite people. False. First, there is no such thing as a paper mite. Second, mites cannot fly or jump. The myth of paper mites probably is related to a phenomena know as cable mite dermatitis. The fictitious "cable mite" term was coined by entomologists asked to investigate "mites" attacking workers in a laboratory. The symptoms started after an electrical cable was installed in the ceiling of the lab. Particulate matter was dislodged from insulation during the installation and got into the ventilating system. The dust or "cable mites" was then circulating throughout the lab, irritating the occupants. When they removed the dust, the dermatitis that the workers experienced, ceased. If you think mites are biting you, collect them, bring them to your county Extension office and have them identified. What you think may be a mite, might not.
If you have an issue with pests in your South Florida home, contact A1 Super Heroes today!
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