I would like to identify and eradicate whatever tiny creature is
biting me at night in bed. I don't see anything or even traces of
anything so I don't believe it is ticks, fleas or bedbugs.  Biting
only occurs in bed at night.  First started in late spring when I
noticed bites the size of mosquitos on arms, legs, neck which also
itched and lasted 2-3 days.  Bites often have 2 small bites together,
maybe 1/8" apart.  Vigorous vacuuming, laundering, spraying floor and
bedframe with insecticide have not worked but do slow down the
activity.  Spraying bedding [sheets, pillows] with eucalyptus oil or
alcohol also inhibits activity, but does not eradicate it. Also,my
husband, in the
same bed does not get bitten.  Even when I moved to another bed and
left him alone in the bug bed, he  received no bites..or at least
didn't notice any.   One theory was itis a mite that came from birds
nesting in the attic that found it'sway down to the bedroom.  We did
discover evidence of nests in the
attic and due to my excellent feeding, we had a proliferation of
sparrows this spring.  I can't think of any other clues and would very
much appreciate any help in identifying and getting rid of this pest. 
I would also like to know how likely it is to spread throughout the
house, or, be carried to someone else's house. Thanks again for the
information.

---

Clarification of Question by racehorse-ga on 22 Oct 2004 07:33 PDT

When I stayed in another bed in the house (or in someone else's
house), the biting stops regardless of what kind of sheets etc. I
sleep on.  However, when my sister stayed in my guestroom (hardly ever
used), she was bitten the same way and her bites were more numerous. I
had not previously stayed in the guestroom and...after her visit, I'm
afraid to. We have cats, but they are treated with the systemic flea &
tick medication and I am not seeing any fleas on them,or, in the bed. 
We also have mice--not as pets--the kind you try to get rid of...but I
don't think they are numerous.

Are you certain that bites are the cause? Hives and other allergic
reactions can resemble bug bites very closely.

Also, you did not say if the bites ceased when you slept in a
different bed, leaving your husband alone in the "bug bed."

Interesting question. It calls to mind the case of Mina Harker, who
was preyed upon by Dracula. He would enter her bedroom in the form of
a vapor, then transform into a bat and pierce her neck with his fangs.
Despite the similarity with your troubles, we must rule out Dracula
because he was eventually dispatched with a stake through the heart.

Pinkfreud's suggestion seems like a promising avenue to explore
because you mention that medicating the bedsheets has a mitigating
effect on what you perceive as bites. Is it possible that some
substance or fiber in the bedding is eliciting an allergic reaction?
Even if you have suffered no such allergy before, it is possible for
one to emerge abruptly.

As an experiment, you could try sleeping between pure cotton or linen
sheets for a few nights. If you have none of your own, you might try
borrowing them from a friend. I suggest you wash them beforehand
without the use of any detergent.

leapinglizard

It sounds like pet fleas - my wife and I have had exactly the same
problem.  She's bitten in bed at night, I'm left untouched. The
children don't even know there's a problem! We don't have cats or
dogs, but we come into contact with them, so we assume they get
transferred on our clothes.

We've found flea sprays intended for soft furnishings work well - one
spray of the bedroom and we're ok for a couple of years.  I can look
up some product names if it helps, but I'm in the UK, so they may not
be available where you are.

Ian G.

One other thing - when this first happened, my wife saw our GP who
identified them as flea bites.  To confirm it, he recommended laying
naked on the bed with a bar of soap.  When you feel something
tickling, slap the area with the soap and whatever's biting will stick
to it.  It worked, though it took a few attempts!  Locking the bedroom
door is probably a good move :-)

Ian G.

There are companies that will get rid of pests and insects etc. in a
house although the method is a bit drastic.  They tent the house and
then fill it up with some nasty stuff.  The owners need to move out
for a day or too.  This is not uncommon in southern hot climates. 
This may be worth investigation.

http://www.zetatalk.com/food/tfoox041.htm

Diatomaceous Earth is a natural, non-chemical product. It appears to
be a powder, but it is actually razor-sharp crystals to fleas. It
blocks and cuts the Fleas' Gills, and they die.

...effective against fleas...take care not to let your pet breathe it.

If tiny, biting critters such as insects are the cause, and if they
are not flying critters, there should be some residue that will
indicate their presence. Flea excreta, for instance, forms little
reddish-brown specks that, when moistened, look like microscopic blood
spots.

What goes in must come out; a creature that eats blood typically
excretes something resembling blood. If fleas, mites, bedbugs, or such
are the culprits, a close examination of the sheets should reveal
their telltale droppings.

The main problem with looking for the flea droppings is that they'll
be almost non-existent.  Fleas can go for long periods without eating,
and these fleas aren't that keen on humans.  They're hardly feeding at
all - which isn't much consolation when you're the one being bitten.

The double bite pattern is characteristic of fleas.

Ian G.

One candidate that's not been suggested is spiders.
If it is becoming cold in your area, they may be
driven indoors - in proximity to you.  The clue is
"two small bites together" (paired fangs).  I'd 
continue to clean, vacuum, check all areas near the 
bed - underneath, stored materials nearby, etc.  You 
may hit upon a quiet spot where they (it) hide during 
light hours.  Fleas of some sort would be my second 
choice as they bite repeatedly.  One clue here is they 
leave a fairly straight (linear) trail of bite marks.
If this pattern fits then the probability of fleas 
is increased.  Fleas will bite then leave so the fact
that bites continue despite your efforts may not be 
surprising.  I'm sure
you've changed bedding (incuding quilts or other
coverings not normally washed frequently).  My guess
is that this will discourage fleas.  Spiders may 
be more persistent - coming to warmth from farther
away...  Very frustrating problem.  My sympathy.

Actually I have the same feeling. If it feels like it goes around your
arms and legs, or your whole body it can be nerves. It happens to me
many times. Although one time I found a maggit in my bed, most of the
time its just nerves.

This happens to me on a semi-regular basis.  It it most likely
spiders, and the reason they bite you and not your husband is that
they are attracted to the female hormone.  I noticed they would bite
me more regularily when I was using oral contraceptives.  Since I have
been off those, it's now more like certain times of the year (when the
bugs are alive), and certain times of the month (when the hormones are
at their peak).  Using a skin mosturizer with citrus and tea tree oil
or Avon's skin-so-soft at bedtime seems to dissuade them.  Getting rid
of my old bed completely helped immensely.  Eating lots of garlic
helps too.  Benadryl works for the bites.  Good luck getting rid of
them, it's very difficult since they 'sniff' you out, bite, and waltz
off into the night, leaving no trace except for a trail of welts. 
It's almost easier to just change your diet and live with a bite or
two every now and again, cutting our processed and preservative-heavy
foods, since these can increase estrogen levels in men and women.

I know this comment is being post long after you started having the
problem but it may be more helpful to others experiencing the same
thing.

First, do not spray any insecticides, dust with any products or put
anything on your body (other than something to relieve the itch)
without knowing what pest you are dealing with.

Second, contact your local University Cooperative Extension office -
there is one near you that can help get you on the right track. You
must have the pest identified before treating.

There are only a certain number of pests that will bite like this -
spiders are not likely. If a spider bites you in bed, you've rolled on
it and it is biting back. Most people blame spiders for any bites they
get in bed.

If insects/mites/spiders are ruled out, then you have to look at
environmental conditions or medical conditions.

To help you get more information from your location extension office,
visit http://lancaster.unl.edu/office/locate.htm

For more information on different pests you may find around the home, visit 
http://lancaster.unl.edu/enviro/pest/insect.htm

If you rule out pests, be sure you read
http://lancaster.unl.edu/enviro/pest/factsheets/009-95.htm

or a new resource (.pdf format) called Bites Not Always Bugs -
http://lancaster.unl.edu/nebline/2005/jan05/page07.pdf

Hope this helps