322 HOUSEHOLD INSECTS 



eruptions and the patient is liable to lose sleep and suffer 

 almost unbearable torture. 



Within twenty-four to thirty-six hours each red blotch 

 is surmounted in the middle with a tiny water blister. 

 This is succeeded by a small scab, and the irritation gradu- 

 ally subsides. The blisters and scabs may be taken as a 

 pretty sure indication of redbug attack. The scab 

 eventually falls off, but may leave a scar that does not 

 disappear for weeks in some cases. 



An affection by harvest mites is often diagnosed as 

 "hives," nettlerash, bites of mosquitoes, or fleas. Young 

 children and persons with delicate skin are most subject to 

 attack. Laborers and other persons who are much in the 

 fields where redbugs abound seem to become immune to 

 their attacks. Perhaps the frequent inoculations finally 

 work toward immunity. The mites attack those parts 

 of the body first that are most exposed — nearest the ground. 

 They work through the stockings and very often stop at 

 the garters, if these are worn, and form a ring of red blotches 

 around the legs at these places. If an abundance of the 

 mites have gained access to the body, they will spread over 

 the whole person, even to the neck and arms. Sometimes 

 these affections result seriously. Hamilton says that ery- 

 sipelas of the lower extremities often results from the 

 bites of redbugs. It is said that death from blood poison- 

 ing has been known. 



Life history of the mites. — Unfortunately, very little 

 definite information is available regarding the life history 

 of the harvest mites. Only a few forms have been reared 

 and there is consequently much yet to learn regarding these 

 creatures. Banks says that the mature forms hibernate 

 over the winter in the soil or in other sheltered situations. 



