[Human] Mite Bites

[David Jenkins]

We have been tending PM colonies for about 60 years now. We've religiously cleaned and tidied up our housing out at the end of each PM year - this year has been no different. Except:

I believe that I have been the victim of dozens of mite bites. Each of these has turned into a welt that itches as bad as any other bite I've ever had in my life, and has produced welts that are about an inch in diameter. The itching was so bad last night that I got very little sleep, and expect that tonight will be no different.

(Oh - and BTW: While cleaning the gourds, I had a long sleeved shirt on, and wore plastic gloves as I removed all the old nesting materials. FWIW, all the bites are above my waist)

My questions for the group:

Is the seriousness of the reaction that I've had probably due to mites?
Are there any topical meds that might serve to reduce the itching somewhat?
If what I'm going through isn't the result of mite bites, is there some other PM-related explanation?

I guess next year I'll wear a haz-mat suit, but it's this year that's driving me frantic right now.

[Conrad Baker]

Hydrocortisone cream will help with the itch, along with taking benadryl 25 or 50 mg. Most drug stores carry 1 or 1.5% hydrocortisone, but you might be able to get your doctor to call in a prescription for 2%. The ointment will definitely help with the itch. I get allergic reactions to mosquito bites, and sometimes break out in hives (some seafood triggers it). The cream stops the welts in their tracks and stops the itching. The benadryl will also calm down the welts.

[Unk Bond]

Hello
For me so far [ Knock on wood ]
Never been bitten by a Martin bird mite or a pigeon bird mite

I have a big shop vac That I use when cleaning out the gourds and T14 houses
Also might mention here when cleaning That pouder dust is bad for your lungs

https://www.google.com/search?q=Human%5 ... e&ie=UTF-8

Later Unk