Table of Contents
Mite Infestation Cures
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"Mites, along with ticks, belong to the subclass Acarina (also known as Acari) and the class Arachnida. Mites are among the most diverse and successful of all the invertebrate groups. They have exploited an incredible array of habitats, and because of their small size (most are microscopic) most go totally unnoticed. Many live freely in the soil or water, but there are also a large number of species that live as parasites on plants or animals and even some that feed on mold.
Some of the plant pests include the so called spider mites (family Tetranychidae), thread-footed mites (family Tarsonemidae), and the gall mites (family Eriophyidae). Among the species that attack animals are members of the Sarcoptic Mange mites (family Sarcoptidae), which burrow under the skin. Demodex mites (family Demodicidae) are parasites that live in or near the hair follicles of mammals, including humans. Perhaps the best-known mite, though, is the house dust mite (family Pyroglyphidae)." (Wikipedia)
DISCLAIMER
Our readers offer information and opinions on Earth Clinic, not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.
TED'S REMEDIES
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand writes: "I am currently looking into herbs and other supplements such as black hull walnut tinctures and other natural herbal supplements that have insecticidal properties too.
However, the two things that are most important that is proven, at least with me, is 1/4 or 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 glass of water twice a day plus the borax. However borax is important, the baking soda comes in a second of importance.
In general, those two remedies are by far the most important.
p.s. I am following up some eccentric nuns who are using some herbal extracts and cereals that along with borax and baking soda completely got rid of the problem However, I suspect their remedies were mostly plant based insecticidals in alcoholic tincture which killed them. A simple safe insecticidal remedies might be neem oil mixed with some small amount of vodka, along with borax and baking soda. Of course, I can't confirm this, but I am looking into this. In case you are wondering what I am doing!"
EC: *** Ted's Remedies Reader Feedback here. ***
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2 YEA
[YEA] 06/28/2009: Mel from Clermont, FL writes: "Demodex mites
I had written before about my ordeal with these terrible bugs. About 3 months ago I noticed that there was some kind of bug getting under my skin. I somehow ended up on this site. I read every posting and tried everything. I mean everything! The first time I used cocunut oil, I saw the bugs shed off my skin, however they did not die. I soaked in borax and baking soda, proxide, ACV, you name it I did it. I bombed my house many times, but they would not go away. It was better, but not gone.
I started to drink ACV, and I saw a great improvemenet. I have been doing this daily 2 to 3 times a day. I take at least 3 tsps a day. Well I am happy to say, they are almost gone.
I spent over $3,000.00 on medicine, which I knew was very poisenous, but I was desperate. I have learned a lot since. Other than the ACV, I washed everything almost daily in hot hot water. Covered matress and pillows with plastic. I can finally feel like I can be at home and feel much better....hey and on top of all, I seem to be loosing lots of weight too. Good luck to you and hope this helps.
Mel"
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[YEA] 01/30/2009: Sue from Ontario, Canada writes: "THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. I have not idea why my arms were so itchy. Intense itch that kept my up through the night. Recently i felt a crawling sensation and biting.Yikes! I figured it was some sort of skin parasite(non-contagious) After spending alot of money and going to the doctors , nothing was working.... until a finally stumbled on your site. The first day, i bathed in ACV(1/2 cupt) plus applied it directly.Then i drank it 2x (2 tablespoons) a day, applied it directly 2x a day as well. Now i am on day 6 , and my arms are almost completely healed. lots of sores prior to. little sign of any parasite. God bless you and Thank you!"
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1 YEA
[YEA] 01/24/2010: Mary from Media, Pa, Usa writes: "I have had a recent skin mite infestation. Interestingly enough, I often take salt baths and clays throughout the week,this keeps my skin in good shape. I often have a dermatitis of some sort. For some reason I did not lower my entire neck and shoulder area under the water.that week I suffered the "rash" itchiness, crawling sensation on my neck and upper chest area and knees for a week. I believe my immune system was lowered due to a month long cold..I recall using bleach - 1 to 1 and 1/2 cups in bath water and submerging for 30 minutes to calm a skin condition. I read this in a Louise Gittlemens post. It did the trick and the mites were gone after the second bath. I have sensitive skin and suffer no reaction from the bleach in bath water. I don't believe you could do this for an extended period of time, but once or twice a week has been helpful."
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1 BETTER BUT NOT CURED
[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 10/15/2009: Izzy3 from Sebastian, Florida writes: "I am a sufferer for 1 year now of some invisible biting mite, or so I thought, now I feel it might be the Sticktight Flea which also can't be seen without magnification, I noticed the things coming off my body are things exactly like the 3 stages of this biting Burrowing blood sucking creature, it also loves to live in peoples ears ! Which has been my distress for 9 months now in the left ear, however by chance I stumbled upon a site staing that fleas do not like Brewers Yeast, it's used for fleas and other bugs on dogs cats and livstock, so I'm giving it a try, you can find the tablets in grocery stores usually in vitamin section, don't take more than reccomended doseage, especially if on other meds. If you walk in a room and suddenly feel them on your calves or upper body, think about it, fleas are able to jump, mites can't ! we might have some of them too but I am getting reaction from the yeast with the ones in my ears, they are not happy . I'm also on ph drops to build my alkaline and immune booster caps.Good Luck to all fellow sufferers."
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1 QUESTION
[QUESTION] 11/19/2009: Eve K from Houston, Tx, Usa writes: "Hi all, I am wondering if I may have some type of mite infestation? How does one determine what type of mite it is? I notice the remedies are quite varied but seem to be directed at specific type of mites...
This summer, in the evenings, we usually sit on the patio for a little happy hour after work. This is between 6-7 pm. Summers (well, ALL seasons, actually) are very HUMID.
I noticed on several evenings that my right occipital orbit bone would become quite itchy and irritated but there was no obvious bite. I thought it was some kind of tiny mosquito, biting gnat or something like that, but it made no sense that it would always be in the exact same place. Occasionally there is a similar itchy spot along my right temple at the hairline.
Tonight, it is too cold to be outdoors, but the itching started in the same old place. The orbit bone is quite puffy and red, my whole right cheek is flushed red (no alcohol tonight so that is not the reason!) and there are two little bloody spots like pin pricks.
The left cheek was a little flushed but not itchy and no obvious bites. I really don't want this thing to spread, it would be a nightmare.
Any thoughts?
Two other things--I have an inside dog but have had him for 11 years. He doesn't seem any itchier than normal...
Also, this year, we started using a clothesline to dry our clothes and towels, especially during the drought when it was pretty hot and sunny all day, really saved on our electric bill. The line runs from the house to a big pecan tree that is heavily inhabited by squirrels and we also have a lot of birds in our yard (all kinds from sparrows to cardinals to hummers to owls). On at least one occasion, I had to rewash towels that had been hanging on the line due to being soiled with some kind of animal droppings...
I just washed all my towels and pillow cases in super hot water and washed my face with ACV followed with a layer of coconut oil.
This is a long post but I would appreciate any input.
Thanks and thanks, Earth Clinic, for this amazing site!!"
11/21/2009: Gaynor from Manaton, Devon Uk replies: "Eve,You should try Ted's remedy below for dermodex mites borax and hydrogen peroxide- this works well for killing these nano- insects. I am in the process of treating myself presently. Best of luck.
TED'S REMEDIES
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand writes: "Consider taking borax. Some people believed the demodex mites are responsible for rosacea. They may be right. But, there are others too that are not yet identified. I prefer to lump all these insect issues to just one category: nanoinsects. These insects have several weakness that you can kill them, or at least weaken them. One obvious ones is borax. The treatment can be broken down to two things;
1. Taken internally: Try 1/8 teaspoon to 1/4 teaspoon of borax in one liter of water/day. You just drink this water throughout the day. If it runs out then drink just normal water, with some magnesium added if possible. Magnesium is found in certain seeds such as sunflower. They seem to be synergistic with the vitamin D as vitamin D promotes calcium and the body needs to balance both magnesium and calcium to an ideal amount.
2. Used externally: Dog mange is confirmed demodex mites and the only treatment that effectively cured of dog mange is 1% hydrogen peroxide and borax saturated solution applied topically. Many people believe the demodex mites is the cause of rosacea. What I am sure about is it is an insect issue. The method of killing them is external application of 1% hydrogen peroxide with borax saturated solution to the face, unrinsed. It tends to cause drying. So you can apply appropriate lotions to prevent drying, such as jojoba oil, aloe vera or lavender oil."
01/14/2010: Ruth from Hobart, Tasmania replies: "Oh this is the remedy including borax, didnt see it earlier, thank you!"
01/17/2010: Ruth from Hobart, Tasmania replies: "How long do you keep the saturated solution with 1% peroxide on face for please Ted? I have had worsening roseacea since mite insect population exploded. Maybe I have the Demodex mites but how come none of the 12 medical people I saw suggested that? I understand that chinese medics say sugar is red on skin (dairy is white patches) I love sweet foods as much as I try not to I feel it' s a sugar issue, myself -the rosecea I mean but this is all interesting-well not that interesting-I could be doing alot of other things! Thank you, Ruth"
01/18/2010: Tricia from Ireland replies: "Ted's recomendation is to leave it on the skin but because it made my skin look dry I put it on at night and washed it off in the morning. I kept up the regime nightly for 1 month the went to every second night for 2 weeks, every third night for 2 weeks and tapered off.I don't believe mine was a sugar issue and mites will attach to easy healthy option before they'll go for hard to grip damaged or oily skin that they find difficult to latch onto.
Also, use and change your pillowcases, i.e use 1 side tonight other tomorrow then change to prevent reinfection. Your pillowcases may lighten from the concoction so use old ones."
01/19/2010: Ruth from Hobart, Tasmania replies: "Thanks Tricia, I'm concerned at ingesting Borax after pharmacist warning that it accumulates as poison in body?"
01/19/2010: Tricia from Ireland replies: "I honestly can't say whether the borax was dangerous or not. I'd love to have the chemical background that some of the other posters have to be able to know for certain but I can tell you that it didn't adversely affect me. I still continue to use it 2 days a week in a litre of water. Somewhere on this site a poster mentions the LD50(the amount it will take to kill you) of borax but I can't remember where it is.My worry at the start was "did the borax or peroxide have stabilisers added that would be harmful". So I rang the company and said I was doing an educational project to find out what was added. The answer was nothing so I guessed that with the amount of posters that had successfully ingested and knowing what to watch out for thanks to the warnings pages I would jump in with both feet.
I imagine that most people start a borax regime with trepidation."
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DIATOMACEOUS EARTH, PEPPERMINT AND OREGANO OILS
1 BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
[YEA] 12/28/2008: Pamela from Houston, Texas writes: "Thanks for Earth Clinic I was totally free from mites pick up from handling fire wood. My doctor had prescribed medication that I had read on Earth Clinic was very toxic and didn't work that well. I didn't want any part of this if I could avoid it. I also read someone on Earth Clinic recommended Diatomaceous Earth which I have used for years for internal parsites with great success. I decided to try the diatomaceous earth first. Wasn't real sure it would work because the mites are in my skin not inside of me. Since diatomaceous earth is non toxic I wanted to try it first. Have to interject I did try other topical remedies - different essential oils and others things with no relieve. I am amazed in 3 days of diatomaceous earth no mites. I took 1 heaping teaspoon in a half of glass of water a day. I did have trouble with the mites remaining in my hands. I read in the Young Living desk reference book that equal amounts of peppermint oil and oregano oil would kill chiggers or ticks. I mix these two together and experienced lots of itching for about 30 seconds and then they died. Thanks Earth Clinic and all of those who post here."
12/28/2008: Pamela from Houston, Texas replies: "I forgot to mention that I used FOOD Grade Diatomaceous Earth. It is real important to use food grade DE and not commerical DE."
[BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS] 06/27/2009: Angieb123 from Salem, OR replies: "I have been suffering with bird mites from coming into contact with infected birds. I have tried almost everything. I have tried Diatomaceous Earth and it seemed to work although I was tired of dust being in my hair and throat and I have these bugs all over me and the kids. Has anyone had any success killing bird mites?"
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1 YEA
[YEA] 06/21/2008: Arlisa from Gloucester, U.S. writes: "Bed Bugs: I used disinfectant spray, then dried it with a hair dryer, replaced my mattresses and they disappeared."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 01/14/2009: Paula from San Francisco, CA writes: "A good way to effectively kill all the bugs on your body is simply to bathe each night. The bugs cannot breath underwater. I also recommend using some eucalyptus, tea tree, or pennyroyal oil (toxic use with caution) along with a half a cup of vinegar in the bath as the bugs are not fond of the smell. Always wash your sheets and clothing frequently, and spray rugs and furniture with a mixture of rubbing alcohol, vinegar, tea tree, and either eucalyptus or pennyroyal oil. Only a few drops of each oil is needed."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 01/07/2008: Stephanie from Chicago, IL writes: "Bed Bugs Cure- HAIRDRYER! A friend of mine traveled through Africa and brought back bed bugs! I tried to help her for months trying to get rid of these creatures with every kind of spray, buying new mattresses--it was a total nightmare. They were biting her son almost every night--it was disgusting and frustrating. She spent a lot of money and time with all kinds of products and professionals and they would the bedbugs would just return. She was becoming very discouraged and depressed over it. Finally, I read online(after searching for months for a solution) that blowing a HAIRDRYER on the infected areas on high heat would kill them--permanently. Just use an ordinary hairdryer on HIGH HEAT all along the edge of the mattress and carpet, and anywhere you think they could be hiding(usually no deeper than 1/4 inch into the mattress so you just need to heat this up good). Putting the dryer on high heat, blowing the hot air closely for several minutes will kill the bugs and any eggs before they hatch. Do this BEFORE buying a new mattress so your new one doesn't get infected! This is the ONLY thing that actually worked, it's been several months now and no bugs have returned. Don't spend your money on services or expensive solutions that promise results--complete waste of money! Congratulations, you've just found the cure--and it's free!"
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1 BETTER BUT NOT CURED
[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 10/04/2008: Nan from Minnesota, USA writes: "I have been fighting this for 2 years now...quite frustrating to say the least, but have found some things that have helped greatly...I used a naturopath to test some cures...Venus Fly Trap extract tested positive as did Green Hull Black Walnut extract, Wormwood tincture extract, sulphur homeopathics and calcarea carb, Neem tested (likely for killing the flying things)... I have also used a homeopath and he has put me on what he feels is my constitutional and feels this will rid my body of them...Graphites is the remedy he said was my personal remedy...everyone has a different one and you need to find a good homeopath to discover yours...if will cure most of what ails you. I have to admit the things weakened considerably using the Graphites...unfortunately I need the coffee to work daily with lack of sleep and that does inhibit the effects of the homeopathic, as does mint and all strong smelling and tasting things (perfume) for example...which makes it difficult to effect the cure...but I'm pretty sure if you get your right remedy your body could heal itself...Homeopathics are miraculous...I've seen them do many amazing things overnight...stop OCD, make kidney stones disappear stop flu in its tracks, get rid of 104 temperature in 15 minutes, etc... So I believe homeopathics could do the job alone, but a combination of them and herbs could easily do it...I have found that calendula ointment and possibly wormwood on the skin really cleared up the mites on the face. Has anyone else experienced what I have with the worms? I never hear anyone talk about it...My white worms seem to harbor in my feet...and when I go to bed they seem to awaken and crawl up my legs to attack the rest of my body...I have had worms as long as 3-4" come out in the bath...I actually make large pots of wormwood/black walnut/quassia and other teas and strain them into my bath...helps some. I'm wondering if I have Morg and something else going on at the same time because I've heard no one else speak of these symptoms. I have found over time that these buggers become stronger the harder I fight them...especially the tea tree oil...it seems to drive them deeper into the body...when they feel under attack they lay larva like fiends. Anyway, I could write on for hours about my experiences, but this will do for now..Good luck!"
09/21/2009: K from Sacramento, Ca replies: "How are you feeling these days. I have symptoms similar to yours. Morgellons, mites and white worms in nasal cavities. All came on at once.
I wonder if your homeopathic remedies have helped, I am killing some with herbs and Ted's borax and baking soda has taken the edge off the Morgs. Still have waves of mites and many worms have made themselves apparent in the rest of my body. I am hoping you can report some relief for your situation."
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HYDROGEN PEROXIDE, COCONUT OIL
[YEA] 07/25/2007: Michelle from Baltimore, Maryland writes: "re: Mite Infestation -- I, too, like others have suffered similar ailments--intense itching and red, swollen bites on upper part of body for three years, and until recently, my face. I am of African descent and my skin does not heal well, after any kind of bruising. When the redness and itching finally go away, I'm left with lots of black spots. Needless to say, it leaves me quite depressed and I'm not able to wear short sleeves, shorts or go to the beach (due to eczema on the lower part of my body). Well, I though it was bedmites or dustmites and replaced my mattress and linens and even wash these in hot water, ammonia and borax every couple of days. But almost every morning when I wake up, I find more red bumps.
Well, much thanks for Earthclinic!!! After reading many testimonials on different skin issues, I purchased ACV to neutralize my body's acidity and Organic Coconut Oil for eczema, etc. I was still getting my usual number of bites and tried 3% Hydrogen Peroxide for the itching; it helped for a couple of hours. Just by chance, I read about the lady who had tried Pond's face cream with the intent to "suffocate" the mites and I reasoned that coconut oil has such tremendous healing properties--bacterial/viral/fungual; this just might work. So, I put some on all over my face, chest and arms where I had bites and voila! The itching subsided within several minutes and by the end of the next day, the swelling and redness was 97% gone and I still have NO more itching!!! (I've also been taking the coconut oil internally but not diligently as I should be.)
I'm so ecstatic to share this with others and hope that you would have as much success as I did.
P.S. Ted, can you share any light on this. Also, since using ACV and baking soda, my eczema has flared up. I'm now trying baking soda only. (I also suffer from chronic BV)."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 11/20/2007: Tracy from Modesto, CA writes: "re: American Biotec Labs ionic silver and JohnEllis.com water machine -- I have largely healed, very clear skin now after years of various illnesses and almost two years of hell w/ rashes, itches, lesions. Healed with about a half bottle a day of ABL silver taken as a gulpful several times a day. I also used vaseline, even on my head, and slept in it. Joy dishwashing detergent will get it out after a couple hair washings. Vaseline seemed to choke them off, make them come out, and was very soothing."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 11/21/2007: Elle from Baltimore, Maryland writes: "re: Help for mites in hair-- I belive that I have Morgellons, and this is what I do that has the greatest effect on getting it out of my hair. Suave coconut shampoo and conditioner (the conditioner is optional) every other day, and on the other days, spray hair until very damp and comb through with a solution of half reconstituted lemon juice and water. This is what I have been doing for over a month now, and my head hardly ever itches or gets sores."
01/14/2010: Ruth from Hobart, Tasmania replies: "Morgellans is not what you have as Morgellons is what medics choose to call people imagining they have a mite infestation. You have a mite infestation! Morgellons is what the doctors have-they are imagining things!"
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1 YEA
[YEA] 10/09/2008: Ruth from Easley, SC writes: "COPING WITH INVISIBLE BITING CRITTERS
Boiling menthol rub for colds seems to make these critters settle, or elso it soothes the skin. Sulfur type products seem to cool and soothe the skin also."
EC: Menthol Rub = Vicks Vapor Rub or generic version... You can find sulfur type products in the eczema/psoriasis section of a pharmacy.
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1 YEA
1 NAY
2 BETTER BUT NOT CURED
[YEA] 01/29/2010: Marie from San Francisco, Ca writes: "Hi All,
I had been suffering from some bites..first I suspected bedbugs and then possibly a smaller mite that may very well be demodex mites. It's possible I had both. The diatomaceous earth may have eliminated the bedbugs. But it didn't get rid of the same symptoms others had posted..a crawling and slight stinging sensation late in the evening or just as I tucked into bed, esp. on my upper arms, chest, shoulders and face.
I tried diatomaceous earth around the house and powdered myself but continued to get these bites. Here's my three-pronged approach. Because the demodex mites feed on dead skin, I believe that I have a more active skin buildup (from exposure to sunblock, creams and spending time outdoors) that sloughs off more than others. I am not sure what led to the infestation but for me it could have been my dog, noticeable attack at the start of winter when I turned on the heat. And the rainy season began around the same time. I am not sure.
When I was living in Japan many years ago it was almost a daily routine to steep in a hot bath. The common practice of taking a bath in Japan was to first wash yourself outside of the bathtub with soap, rinse off, and then soak in very hot water in the tub. Next, whether in the bath if you're the only person taking the bath or out of the bath water, with a damp washcloth you scrub and remove a layer of dead skin on your arms, neck and anywhere you can reach (and back if you can have someone help you scrub your back).
I did use peppermint castille soap (not sure if this made a difference), scrubbed myself well with both brush and washtowel, then I used a little coconut oil around my neck (slight irritation/eczema which helps almost instantly) and mainly jojoba oil on my face and body. Before sleeping I wash my face and then apply the jojoba oil on my face, and esp around my eyebrows and the rim of my scalp and back of my head I use both jojoba oil and a little tea tree oil.
Having done these things, I have felt great relief from the bites for the last two weeks. I also do wash linens, clothes regularly and continue to monitor what works and what doesn't. My theory is that you have to approach the solution with a three-pronged approach. If there is an infestation you have to address the source.
That's number 1)Where are these mites? They are mostly already on our bodies and reproducing, head and face especialy, very likely at the root of our hair follicles.
Number 2) And then to create an unattractive environment for the mites which would include reducing the dead skin on our bodies and keeping clothing, linen and floors clean (lint may remover works, too).
3) Strengthen your immune system.. I take vitamins occasionally but have also been drinking apple cider vinegar (2 tbs per qt H2O/daily) for other reasons (has been effective with hot flashes and sore muscles), but have no idea whether this is helping eliminate mites other than creating an alkaline environment in my body which appears to be a deterrent for viruses but uncertain whether in affects mites.
Hope this helps."
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[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 01/19/2010: Nm from Dallas, Tx writes: "I've been having a lot of luck recently w/raw pineapple. I've been eating lots of it...it's great to be able to eat sweets again...I guess the bromelain eats worms...when I rub it on my face it kills the little black demodex like things (lots of things do kill them, it's killing all of them that's difficult)... I've stuck with the diet, meat, eggs, veggies and not much else... Have been taking garlic, a black walnut/wormwood/clove combo and a good antioxidant complex. I expecially take the blk walnut/wrmwd/clove at bedtime and then I apply a skin tonic which I make out of 1 oz. tea tree oil w/2 capfulls of 91% alcohol and 1 capfull of hydrogen peroxide w/25 drops oregano oil, 15 drops grapefruit seed extract a little olive oil and a drop of dishwash soap to make it all blend together well and put it all over my body at bedtime (I mean all over...except head) and then I wrap Glad Wrap all over my body to keep it in place til morning ... and I've noticed a real loss of activity with every day... And I can tell you this thing got real scarey w/me... these horrid worms can literally punch or dig into your muscles and likely organs and tissue so are potentially dangerous I'm sure. No doctor has helped me one bit. I have a hard time believing they are nanos or genetically modified things...but I have to say they are weird and when I go after one in my upper body sometimes one in lower body reacts so maybe they are somehow connected. But the black walnut definately is a key component and TTO is effective...I think they have to be fought exteriorially as well as interiorially at the same time or they just move from one area to another with ease. You can also take Silica & Nat phos homeopathics, they help too and Bryonia is good if you have cysts.Sulphur homeo would help too..it can open cysts so they can't hide from your attack on them. I take ionic colloidal silver too (very safe in this form) just to avoid infections or viral/bacterial troubles from all this nonsense. Cats Claw (TOA free) is very good too for most things. They do get in your eyes and Walmart sells homeopathic eye drops too or saline eye solutions help, I mix a small amount of colloidal silver with it. If this gets to you mentally, take homeopathic kali phos or ignatia or a general homeo nerve remedy. The TTO wrap lets you sleep through the night. I don't have any sores. Saltwater baths are good too...just plain salt or Epsom."
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[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 10/02/2009: Achilles from Everett, Wa writes: "Ok folks,
My dogs got the Cheyletiella mite and subsequently gave it to me. I will go over what has worked so far, and some extrapalations of some remedies here and how they are working.
1. Window Cleaner with Ammonia ( almost any blue window cleaner), this stuff really works, I've used Raid, tick sprays, foggers, everything...this stuff is the best and it's not even close. Buy yourself a $20 sprayer from Lowe's and get a couple large $7 jugs of Windex, spray down your carpet and the walls, the couches under cushions, everything, and especially your bed and pillows. Keep a couple bottles of spray to use afterwards on couches and such on a daily basis. Spray carpet occassionaly with a borax/ epsomj salts solution as well, just like the dip recipe, minus hydrogen peroxide.
2. Wash dogs bedding daily, use dawn dish soap for detergent, 1 cup of borax per load, and bleach heavily. With all loads use hot water, and let sit for 30 minutes after it fills and mixes well, this is crucial, hot water and chemicals alone will not get everything in the fabric, the little guys have to stew for a while to get everything.
3. Your own clothes, huge pain in the butt. This, other than the carpets will be your main reinfestation possibility. Once again, hot water, 1 cup borax per load, dawn dishsoap, bleach if applicable. Important!- buy a bunch of hangers and hang everything, even socks or sheets. If you put in drawers when the infestation is still current, you wont get rid of them, hang everything, and leaving your clothes in piles is the worst, both clean or dirty, wash dirty clothes quickly and hang the clean ones.
4. Your poor pup- experimenting on a dip right now, will see how it goes. 1 part hydrogen peroxide, 2 parts epsom salts water(1=1 solution (ie. 1 cup epsom salts, 1 cup water, ect.), 1 cup borax per 64 oz. Going to add Tea tree oil to next batch as well, will see how it goes. Or optionally, can use a tea tree condtioner before the dip, Paul Mitchell has one with strong tea tree content and peppermint content, both of which critters really dislike. Spray with your espsom salt solution on body every day or 2 as well. Bag balm on belly is nice if their skin is getting irritated.
Yourself- Ok buy Cetafil, this is what you will bathe with, rub yourself down, let stand 10min, rinse off, use tea tree conditioner on skin if you want, rinse again. Have a small spray bottle with 1-1 epsom salts/water solution, and spray body with it liberally. If you are going in public, avoid face and neck or anyplace showing, as the salt will leave a white dust all over your skin when it dries. Make sure to shower every night before bed, and spray heavily everywhere...I mean everywhere. If you have a tub, use epsom salt(a bunch in n tub with borax), I don't have one, wish I did. If your scalp needs extra attention, use petroleum jelly on your scalp or mineral oil. I have gone so far to cover my entire body in it, I don't recommend it for long periods though. A good one is a hair conditioner you can find in Walmart, called Blue Magic, its petroleum jelly and coconut oil, both of which suffocates the bugs
5. Your car- Same as #1, clean and spray heavily with windex, keep spray bottle in there to douse every couple days.
6. One thing will not beat this- Your job is to make yourself and your pups as univiting as humanly possible to these things, use everything you can in conjuction, I know the things listed above work, but it's going to be a process, and not a quick fix.
7. Buy a push sweeper, dont use vaccum unless its a bag HEPA vaccuum, even the try to use push sweeper. The air and critters hiding in your vaccuum go everywhere when its turned on, making your cleaning a misery to yourself by respreading them everywhere.
This has made wonderful progress from when I first realised what was going on, and I'll post later to show any progress or failures, good luck folks."
10/03/2009: Merryanne from Orange City, Florida, USA replies: "Did you try washing evering, and everbody with Borax?? did you try DE (diamatreous earth) that left on ever body and everthing might kill the little buggers,,maybe. Merryanne"
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[NAY] 09/25/2008: Sharon from Springfield, Illinois writes: "I've just moved into an infested home and didn't know what was going on until, by the process of elimination, I was able to determine that the house is full of bird mites. I have read all the suggestion but so far nothing has worked for me. I had to get up at 10 p.m. last night, throw bed linens in the wash, vacuum bed and room, then spray all that. I let the linens dry on the highest dryer setting for an hour, then made the bed, spraying each layer. I finally fell back into bed and here they came. I was so tired that I fell asleep anyway and awoke with my nose and ears full of mites. The corners of my eyes and mouth were also affected. I feel crawling all over my head and body constantly and think I may be going insane. I can't go anywhere and won't let anyone come here. My pets have to be shampooed daily, so their lives are miserable as well. I just sprinkled borax all over the house, bought some listerine for my shower later. I've been using a home made spray with aromatic oils and alcohol. The pest control sprays I've bought were useless and simply served to irritate me and the pets. This is an awful experience and one I'd never heard about until now. All comments and suggestions are welcome."
09/25/2008: Mary from Regina, Canada replies: "Hi: How awful. It just occurred to me that I bathed in Borax and h202 while I was treating our dogs and still do. I am at 1x week now. All is well. Wash everything in borax/peroxide including you and dogs. Best of luck!
Mary"
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1 YEA
[YEA] 06/30/2008: Kim from Normal, Illinois writes: "I have been infested with bird mites for about 6 weeks now and my husband has recently become infested. Something that has worked well for us is neem oil, I use twice a day- morning and night and it has healing properties and also acts as a repellent. I have also found that ponds cold cream works well too."
08/20/2008: Elizabeth from Farmington, Minnesota replies: "I am wondering where you find Neem oil?"
EC: Lots of stores and websites carry neem oil. We've seen bottles of it at Whole Foods and, much less expensively, Indian grocery stores in the hair and beauty section.
Read more about Neem here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neem_oil
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01/14/2010: Ruth from Hobart, Tasmania writes: "Hi I' ve only just found this site. I have an chronic unidentifiable mite infestation. My sister, my son and I still have them. (4 other people managed to get rid of them as I was able to get them to act fast-but with greaaat difficulty. And they dont live/ bed with a small child!)I' ve lived with the mitets 4 years now! No medical people can find anything or believe me. They live in my ears as well as head/face mostly-travel over my body,bite like a sand fly armpits groin too,arms, legs! I feel them hatching and the larvae stage is different in crawling sensation to the adult. They mostly lay eggs behind ears but elsewhere on top. I know this as I spent months shaving our heads and the popping sounds behind my ears and crawling around from there(!)-they like to run for cover when so exposed-or after treatment they move around to get away-hence migration into ears.A night I distinctly feel them crawl over my face into eyelashes and eyes brows cheeks. from within ears and nearby external ears. Yes I have gone completely insane, washing and poisoning us and avoiding others. Ive tried a huge range of natural products of course. Mega bucks. I will look into the baking soda and borax mix thank you. You dont say how to have it, please? And I' ll try the ACV. Ive begun using 5% Coal tar shampoo,some relief but just read it's banned in higher doses as coal tar is a well known carcenogenic. Sigh!"
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10/11/2009: Izzy from Vero Beach, Florida U.s.a writes: "Maybe a flea ?
I have discovered after a year of battleing these invisible biting creatures, that there also is a flea called the Sticktight Flea, which is just as small as the bird-rat mites, and it loves humans, likes to live in crotch area, scalp, face and ears, and i do mean it lives in the ears, and burrows into the flesh there, when you use remedies in your ears it goes under the flesh, very hard to kill, I got suspicious when I saw one I got from between my cats toes, and they cause dogs- cats to do the head shaking also, I have been pulling stuff off my body for a year now, and they have been things that are the same as all 3 stages of this creature, they come off wildlife, including wild birds !! I am going to start battleing with products for fleas and see what happens, along with my zapper which helps."
EC: Another name for a sticktight flea is Echidnophaga gallinacea: http://course1.winona.edu/kbates/_private/Echidnophaga gallinacea.htm
11/01/2009: Izzy from Vero Beach, Florida replies: "Invisible biting mites?I have posted here before,but just want to add a couple tips to help in this ongoing battle against these Mites? Using sprinkled talc with Menthol in it on your sheets keeps them off you so you can sleep,not allowed to say the name of product but it's in a green shaker bottle with holes in the cap, has Zinc Oxide and Menthol as ingredients,also get Pets on a topical, that covers mites & fleas, this stopped the misery my pets were going through.Dealing with the ones in my ears is a different story though, have thrown everything safe at them but can't kill them there, keep using borax in wash ,and I add 1 teaspoon of Euclyptus Oil to each load, if you have pets it's a good idea to wash the oil out of the clothes after soaking them in the borax & Euc. Be careful with essential oils of any kind around pets, I research any new remedies I try first due to my pets. An Immune booster supplement is a must ! And if your a long time remedy user it's a real good idea to buy a Liver Detoxifier from your health food store, trust me you will feel a lot better once your liver starts to rejuvinate itself.If you want to make your blood more Alkaline you can buy PH drops to make it more alkaline than acidic, this helps in the battle also, I am a senior citizen and am in pretty good shape due to following my tips, however until the CDC stops dragging their feet we'll never get to the bottom of this, my bugs are able to burrow under the flesh, hence I can't kill them in my ears but any feedback will be appreciated!"
11/01/2009: Deanna from Augusta, Ga replies: "Hi Izzy, are the mites you can not see this Morgellon thing? I ant to make sure I get every last anything off my gogs. I love them. They have no voice but us. How can a person tell if they have mites? Are these nano insects I have been hearing about? Where do you get what you use? I live in GA your not that far away and I love Vero Beach. Is there a feed store or a regular store? can you let me know the name, my email is angelsramoungus7(at)aol(dot)com. I would greatly appreciate it . Thank you, Deanna"
11/02/2009: K from Sacramento, Ca replies: "I had a bad case of mites this summer. I used neem oil - three or four large dropperfuls in about a cup of olive oil, added some oil of orange. Put all over head, face, ears, neck down to shoulders.
Then soak in a tub of water - add hydrogen peroxide, one large bottle, about 1/2 cup borax and a cup or so of salt, oil up down to the water level. Soak for an hour if you can.
Then wash your hair with Dawn dish soap.
This causes a rush to your eyes as they try to get away, but using drops and resting in a dark room will get you thru it.
Do it once a week until they are gone.
I saw an article that recommended using lysol, the kind you dilute. Pour it on your scalp, ears, etc and let it dry. Leaving it on do it again and let dry. Leave on for all day or night if you can before you wash it out. Have not tried it as mine are gone or reduced so as not to be bothersome.
Good luck."
01/27/2010: Gaynor from Manaton, Uk replies: "Antonio,For 9 days I have been using my saliva to clear the last of the dermodex mites causing my rosacea- and it has worked! All clear no more spots or redness, calm pale smooth skin- I can hardly believe it. I stopped doing the borax and H202 remedy as I realised that the saliva was making such a difference. Quite remarkable for something so simple a remedy as applying your own saliva to your skin.
Thank you Antonio and Earth Clinic!"
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1 YEA
[YEA] 01/16/2010: Antonio from Santiago, Reg. Metropolitana, Chile writes: "SALIVA Kill DEMODEX mites and it's structure
Hello,
I am not a doctor, as Ted's contributions I would also like to help out with my survey and solution for this problem according to my own experience :
a) Uncomprehensible dermatologists does not know about this...and you lose lot of time with wrong diagnosis, problem getting worse, wrong treatments, being contagious,...
b) Skin thickness is a factor on the effectiveness on treatments
c) Stage of evolution of this insect is another factor on the effectiveness of treatments
To start with:
Babies: as they have thin skin, alcohol (ideally on gel to last more over the skin) kill the mites. Apply very small amount three times during one day and they are dead. Apply them to red dot supposed to be a mite attack. Caution: as the skin is so thin any product applied is absorbed so take caution on the amount of surface covered and on the amount and concentration applied, be very conservative on this.
Adults: When the mites are only superficial on a very early stage of development you can use alcohol too to kill them. Important here is to reach the wrinkles.
As you may notice the face skin is usually more thick than the rest of the body so it will be more effective on the rest of the body than the skin.
At an more advanced stage of development of the mite:
It will penetrate more deeply and form some structures so you can not reach them with alcohol and can not reach them with most of the products. So here we have the Ted solutions and I will introduce you another one:
Have you ever wonder why the mite does not develop inside the mouth or why they are destroyed when attack our lips ?
Well it's the SALIVA that degradates them.
So a solution for Demodex attacking our face is to apply Saliva on our face... but there are more strongest saliva than others. If somebody have very good teeth without too much care effort it shall be bacause their saliva is more concentrated ... this is what we need to use. Apply it and let it dry before a new application. If you are accumulating saliva you may keep if on cold at the refrigerate in order it to maintain it's properties. (of course it's a good advice to wash the teeth carefully before accumulating saliva in order to have it the cleanest possible). A good saliva is the best solution it degradates the mites and it's structures, it's safe, no toxic, acts like a miracle...
A product that works similar are the enzymes that are sold concentrated and you dilute in order to apply to your body. As they are composed of about four types of enzimes you have to make shure you are receiving a good balance of them, I mean a well mixed products because not all of them acts nor are they all as effective.
I hope I am helping here, any feedbak will be appreciated"
01/17/2010: Ruth from Hobart, Tasmania replies: "Yes, that makes sense to me I've found that as soon as a dab them with saliva from my finger they stop crawling, it's the invisible perpetually hatching eggs that I wish I could dissolve...I hadnt thought to collect saliva holus bolus! I will have a go at regularly cleaning around my ears more consciously with saliva and see. Anything that works! I tried a USA product for a long time that is an insect enzyme source, with relief but like I said gotto get those eggs."
01/27/2010: Antonio from Santiago, Reg. Metropolitana, Chile replies: "Hello Ruth,
Regarding your comment on the USA product you tried. I understand we can not post the name here, but if we are talking on the same I would like to comment that as discussed with them, they have improvement their mixing, so you may want to try another new bottled from them. Talk to them before purchasing."
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1 BETTER BUT NOT CURED
[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 08/02/2009: Misty from West New York, NJ writes: "For the past several months I've had unexplained itching sensations on my arms, legs and trunk and it was absolutely driving me crazy. When I looked with the naked eye, I couldn't see anything, but felt ceratin it was some type of mite. I started to apply blue painter's tape to any area that itched and then examined the tape with a magnifying glass and saw minute red specks. The only thing I could find on the internet was that it could possibly be bird mites. We do have a lot of pigeons and sparrows around my building and I have noticed tiny white moving lice-like bugs on the cement sill outside my window. These are the steps I have since taken: 1.vacuuming the whole house a minimum of three times a week, in addition to vacuuming my own body when I just feel itchy all over. 2. Spraying the carpets and upholstery with alcohol and Eucy oil. Bought a hot floor steamer to apply super hot steam to all carpets. 4. bought a hand held steamer for mattress and bedding. 5. Sprayed entire house with a popular residual insecticide that is nontoxic to humans and is orderless . 6.Increased my hot water temp. to 140 degrees for laundry. I'm going to try the vinegar solution tomorrow! Hope some of my ideas help."
EC: Eucy oil is (Australian) slang for eucalpytus oil.
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TED'S REMEDIES READER FEEDBACK
[YEA] 11/14/2008: Cal from Monroe, LA USA writes: "I have been fighting Demodex brevis mites for a year now - they somehow invaded my meibomian glands in my eyelids after a lot of 'extreme' exposure to ordinary dustmites. Eventually they migrated to my chest, neck and body - even my feet. I could feel needle stabbing sensations in the soles of my feet for gosh sakes!!! I have used tea tree oil a lot, but eventually developed a reaction to it, so had to stop using it. I then used some permethrin 5% from head to foot, and took a round of ivermectin for a couple of weeks. These remedies worked temporarily. My latest and most effective treatment thus far has been a combination of water, peroxide 3% and 20 Mule Team Borax. I also sleep with a wet washcloth on my face, which has really begun to get things moving along. Every time I bathe, I run a warm tub of water and add 1/4 cup of borax and 1/2 cup of 3% peroxide and soak in it for 10 or 15 minutes. I use the same like a rinse after shampooing my hair. At night I put 1/3 peroxide 3%, 3/4 water, 1/2 tsp. of borax in an 8 oz spray bottle, shake it up well until no granules are left, then spray my body down and let it dry without toweling. I then saturate a washrag with same solution, not dripping wet, but wet. I sleep with it on my face, carefully tucking it into the corners of my eyes and around my lids, making sure the washrag covers my face from over the top of my brows, over to my temples, then down to my top lip. This is working well to clear my eyes and face of this parasite..takes a while, but my eyes and face have crusted over and peeled, my eyes have resumed an almost-normal shape, I feel a very small amount of movement around my lids and in my lashes. Also, I drink fresh squeezed lemon juice in my water all day and sometimes I use Ted's 1/8 teaspoon of borax to the 1 litre of water to alkaline my body. No sugar, overdose on vegetables. Slow, but it seems to be working."
11/14/2008: Sue from Farmington Hills, MI replies: "Hello, I have been dealing with problems that are very similar to the ones you have described and would like to share what has been working for me. I have been using neen leaves, they are well know to strengthen the immune system and to fight parasites. Everyday I drink one cup of neem tea (boiled leaves for 5 minutes in filtered water) in addition, I put some strong neem tea in a somewhat large bottle (probably about 32 oz) and after I finish showering I pour the whole bottle of warm tea over my head and body, no rinsing needed, it is just like water, not sticky. As far as drinking the tea, I must say that it is bitter, however, I have used many essentials oils (oregano, lemongrass, clove, even neem, etc), as well as the hydrogen peroxide/borax mixture (which was too harsh for my skin, especially the facial area) but nothing has given results as good as the neem tea. The discomfort and itching have decreased immensely, as well as the redness and inflammation. In addition to the neem, I have been doing castor oil packs and drinking a tablespoon of castor oil twice a week. Also, I plan to purchasing a shower filter. Keep in mind that he have at present and come across and incredibility large number of microorganisms at any given moment, our immune system is very capable of dealing with them, UNLESS, it is weak. A strong immune system may be the key to solving this, since these little critters are quite opportunistic and have as sole purpose to grow and divide, for that, they use our resources and take over our body, so technically any microbe can become pathogenic if it finds a weak host. I get organic neem leaves and castor oil from Mountain Rose Herbs, I am not affiliated to them, but I love their products."
01/19/2010: Ruth from H, Tasmania replies: "I' d like to try this Neem tea leaf drink. I' ve found that neem oil night after night for weeks on end wrapped in plastic didn' t help, neither essential oils in variations.
It seems its an immune system challenge and maybe related to candida. Apparently mites feed on yeasts and sugar. Ive been reading on a vet site just tonifght about this and it rings true for me!"
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