S.L. Doggett, M.J. Geary & R.C. Russell Biology in the Management of Biting Arthropods THE ROLE OF BIOLOGY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF BITING ARTHROPODS Authors: Stephen L. Doggett, Merilyn J. Geary & Richard C. Russell Presenter: Stephen L. Doggett 5/Sep/2008 Department of Medical Entomology, University of Sydney and ICPMR, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145 Tel: 02 9845 7265 Fax: 02 9893 8659 Email:
[email protected] Introduction Aims of this paper are; • To highlight the importance of biology in the management of biting arthropods through the provision of case studies, • To discuss the medical implications of biting arthropods, • To discuss the biology and management of the most common biting arthropods, • To discuss those arthropods that often causes unnecessary worry, • To examine other causes of bite-like reactions, • To review the condition known as ‘Delusionary Parasitosis’, • To provide a information that may assist in the identification of an unknown infestation of biting arthropods, • To consider if an insecticide application should be undertaken in the absence of any biting arthropods pests, • To provide reference sources for further information. Case Studies The importance of biology can be demonstrated by the following case studies. Case Study 1: A resident complained of chronic attack caused by a tiny insect-like creature. They had collected specimens, which were sent by the pest manager to a government agricultural entomological laboratory. These were identified by the entomologist as bird mites, Ornithonyssus bursa. Understandably on the basis of this, the pest manager implemented a bird mite control program; the roof void was sealed to prevent access by birds and the roof cavity was treated with various insecticides.