Earwigs, Springtails, And Powderpost Beetles

by Josephine
(Columbia,SC USA )

An Earwigs, Springtails, and Powderpost Beetles Nightmare!

In March or early April of this year, my neighbor's apartment was flooded. Not knowing the circumstances, all of sudden I start seeing and being bitten by little bugs.


Thinking they were fleas I started home extermination. After several weeks of this, I sought the help of the apartment manager, Sandie. The Exterminator came out sprayed once, twice, three, and even four times to no avail. He was using the wrong spray.


By this time the bugs had infested the apartment and I felt like I was being eaten alive. The residents and manager thought I was crazy or senile, for I had a stroke 2 1/2 years ago and am 64 years old.


The bugs "are nothing but trash" Sandie said for they were so tiny and she did not want it to be known that the building had bugs.


Even the Exterminator could not identify the them. So I gathered a few of the bugs and took them to our Clemson Extension who identified them as earwigs, springtails, and powderpost beetles.


I confronted management with this info - they did nothing. I went to the ER complaining that my feet and legs felt as if they were on fire. The Dr. prescribed Permethrin Cream, some ointment and Hydroxysine pills for itching. I finally got some relief but the critters were still biting!!!


I went to my doctor, allergist and 2 dermatologists, who at this stage had become tired of me and did not know what the problem was. At first they wrote letters stating because of the infestation, things should be replaced or I should be moved to another apartment.


Then after management wrote scathing letters to them (questioning my honesty among other things), they wanted nothing to do with me. I am now seeing another doctor to test if the medications I am on can cause burning, stinging and hurting of the skin; dry itchy skin and scalp, fibers coming out of the skin, body odor, etc.


All I want is relief and to be the way I was initially. A good lawyer is not out of the question. Please could somebody give me some pointers?

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Hi Josephine,

I am so sorry to hear about the drama you have been suffering with the conditions in your residence. I know you don't need this frustration on top of your recent stroke.


Flooding can definitely cause a number of problems in a home or building. Apart from mold and various bacteria, you do have more susceptibility to bugs like earwigs, springtails, and powderpost beetles.


If you have a dehumidifier, that would be one way to start eliminating some of the problem. By getting rid of the moisture in the apartment, you will make the environment less appealing to bugs like springtails.


Based on my research, it doesn't appear that earwigs, springtails, and powderpost beetles are known for biting human beings. They are certainly a nuisance, but not biters like fleas.


I'm not doubting that you are getting bitten, I just wonder if it perhaps something else that has yet to be identified.


If you can't get any satisfaction from your apartment management, I would go to the health department and complain. If you just move out, the next person is liable to have the same problem you are experiencing.


It IS possible that your exposure to the chemicals from so many attempts at extermination or the chemicals in the medications you've been using are causing the burning sensations you're experiencing.


I would highly recommend an internal cleanse using Herbal Fiberblend and a rebuilding of the good bacteria in your system with Florafood, natural probiotics.


This should help give your body the ability to fight off whatever is causing you these unpleasant symptoms from the inside.


You may also want to get some raw, organic apple cider vinegar to use in your bath water or even straight on your skin to help soothe your skin and aid in healing.


I sincerely hope that you are able to get some help to get the situation cared for properly.

To your good health!
Angie