• A Decade After The Year of the Mite

    This year marks a decade since my Year of the Mite. Although it certainly did not seem like it in 2009, I was one of the lucky ones: My infestation with Dermanyssus gallinae only lasted a year. Only a year of being bitten by things I could not see, up…
  • How Researchers Find Symbiotic Mite DNA on our Faces

    This is a passage from The Year of the Mite that describes a presentation I attended in March 2015 by entomologist Michelle Trautwein called "Meet Your Face Mites: A Story of Discovery, Evolution, and Intrigue." To learn more about the work of Michelle and her colleagues, just Google "Mites Having…
  • The Best Revenge: Kill the Mites, Save the People

    The goal in the fight against parasitic mites is to outlast them. This means get rid of mites without harming ourselves. I hear from people all the time who have symptoms of parasitic mites. Miserable people, sleepless people, who are suffering without sympathy because the professionals they consult are uninformed…
  • The Shifting Ethics of Mite Fighting

    People with parasitic mites all need help in some form or other, and it is difficult to get help without putting others at risk. You escape to a hotel for a night: how do you know your sheets will be thoroughly washed? You throw something out: how do you know…
  • Do Yourself a Favor: Search “Parasitic Mites PCR.”

    As a matter of principle, I don't accept ads on this site or suggest specific products. But in a continuing effort to move parasitic mite diagnosis from the stone age into the 21st century, I am going to suggest you search "Parasitic Mites PCR" and read up on the growing…
  • A Call to Self-Advocacy for People with Parasitic Mites

    I hear from more and more people about their struggles with parasitic mites. So many lost homes, ruined marriages, derailed careers, decimated savings accounts. So many children suffering, so many pets being put down. Hopefully the reason I hear from so many is that more folks are finding my book,…
  • New Study Finds Huge Biodiversity of Arthropods in US Homes

    And just think what they would find, dear reader, if they ventured into YOUR house! If you have an active mite infestation, consider contacting these researchers and volunteering for their next study. I'm only half joking. Check it out: https://news.ncsu.edu/2016/01/bertone-home-arthropod-2016/
  • On Being “Septic Smart” and Mite Savvy

    I just bought a house in septic country. We are talking about a warm-weather state with big humidity. Won't move there for a couple years, so I have time to figure this out. It wasn't until I read up on septic systems, when the house was already a done deal,…