The Role of the Entomologist in~Delusory
Parasitosis (Entomophobia)
By WILLIAM G. WALDRON
Public Health Entomologist, Los Angeles County Health Department
Entomophobia has long been a unique problem in which
the Entomologist has been occasionally but ineradicably
involved. Pierce (1921) noted that entomophobia takes
many forms and may involve either an individual or
groups of people. Pierce (1961) also acknowledges that,
"The field of psychological ailments in which insects are
involved is a large one and certain phases of it have
been matters of record for centuries". It is the intent
of this paper to present some observations on the entomological aspects of this condition which is essentially
an emotional problem. No attempt is made to explain the
psychological manifestations.
Likewise, no attempt is
made to pre-empt the rights and prerogatives of the
physician or psychiatrist.
All insect phobias or other mental aberrations involving arthropods have been loosely classified under the one
generic heading of "Entomophobia".
This familiar word,
however, spccifically denotes a "morbid dread of insects",
a definition which does not satisfy the various aspects
of the type of mental disorder considered here. Maxmilian Obermayer (1955) has applied the term "Delusion
of Parasitosis" to those cases wherein the patient has
"an unshakable belief that live organisms, such as mites
or insects, are present in (or on) the skin". This is an
apt and psychiatrically acceptable phrase which the author, with the tacit approval of Albert H. Schrut, Consulting Psychiatrist to the Los Angeles County Health
Department, has shortened to DELUSORYPARASITOSIS.
Frequently, the entomologist's first introduction to a
person afflicted with this delusory problem is when they
confront him with pieces of paper or other material
allegedly enclosing insect specimens which were scraped
or picked off the skin, clothing, furniture or the like.
Microscopic examination as Davis (1944) has also noted
usually discloses that this is nothing more than organic
or inorganic "flotsam" such as lint, thread, encrusted
blood, or siliceous debris. Negative entomological findings often only serve to spur these individuals on to
collect more "specimens" in an effort to show they truly
have an infestation. Their inability to accept the facts
is often quite pathetic.
tedious search for or identification of the arthropod (if it
exists) is an important and necessary responsibility of the
entomologist. Gage (1957) also advises that frankness
with the complainant is often absolutely essential. Dr.
Gage states "If you do not find bugs; say so". Do not
improvise with these people who may have a serious
mental illness. However, the entomologist may be called
on to advise the person that their problem is not communicable to others. Just this bit of information may be
of some consolation to the individual involved.
The patients apparently afflicted with DELUSORYP ARASITOSISoften are eager to describe in detail every facet
of their trouble to a sympathetic, albeit non-committal
listener. Most ohen they have been referred to the entomologist by a physician, often a dermatologist, with
the hope that a positive identification will be made and
the problem abated. A few have come directly to the
entomologist thinking they will receive help.
Discussion with the complainant
following identifying data:
usually discloses the
1. The "bugs" are black or white when first noted and
then later on may change color.
2. The "bugs" often jump. One person demonstrating
this to the author was using a steel knife blade to
prod the inanimate obj ects she thought were insects
along a nylon slip which was stretched on a plastic
sink top. The static electricity developed with this
activity, of course, made the objects "jump". Unfortunately, the simple explanations which were made
in an effort to describe this phenomena only sufficed
for a short period of time.
3. The "bugs" may infest the patient's
be shaken
or combed
onto a sheet,
hair and can
towel
or a news-
paper.
4. "Bites" or papule-like irritations which develop on
the skin usually itch causing the person to scratch
themselves, even to the point of harsh tissue damage.
5. The "bugs" may come out of such common household
items as toothpaste, vaseline, or cosmetics (Truxal
1961) .
As Gage (1957) has indicated, every opportunity must
be taken to prove conclusively that no arthropods are involved. The author had one case which occurred quite
recently which involved two elderly ladies who lived in
a large old home. They complained to the health department that some "bug" was biting them. Through the
services of the local public health sanitarian, they continued to send in bits of cloth, paper' and clear plastic
tape supposedly holding insect specimens-a
typical act of
the person displaying delusory characteristics.
On general principles, a search was conducted for bird nests and
rats, and in addition, the house and grounds were sprayed
by a professional pest control operator. No arthropod
whatsoever was found on any of the items sent in until
the fOllrlh delivery of materials disclosed an infestation of
the northern fowl mite, Ornithollyss1tS sylviar1tm (Canestrini & Fanzago). The combination of spraying and bird
nest control abated the problem and the two ladies have
not been bothered since. This is an excellent example
where there actually was an arthropod, even though delusory characteristics were suspected. Traver (1951) has
also shown that there may be an actual infestation of lice
or mites. As Pierce (1944), Miller (1954), and Obermayer (1961) indicate, this time-consuming and sometimes
6. The supposed infestation in a home may become so
severe as to literally force the person to move to
another location. Unfortunately, the "bugs" usually
appear in the new dwelling.
7. The patient may be so positive of his infestation and
gives such lucid description that his family will
stoutly support the contention even though they are
not afflicted.
At this point, it is important to note that these people
are in dead earnest. Their problem is very real and
serious. The mien and deportment of the entomologist
throughout his dealings must be understanding, helpful
and very professional. Pomerantz (1959) describes the
handling by a pest control operator of cases of this type
and agrees that "patience and understanding" are necessary.
In most cases, a certain amount of arthropod control
will have been attempted. Control efforts may range from
a cursory use of a pressure-type insecticide spray can to
a thorough and repeated spraying of the dwelling and
grounds or a bath in kerosene or some other caustic
81
went to court through her attempt to pin the responsibility on the next door neighbor. Through the
constant urging of the author and other county
health department personnel, her husband finally
secured adequate psychiatric help for her. The last
time she was seen by the author she appeared
"cured" and returned to her family looking healthy
and quite pretty.
material (Pierce 1961, Miller 1954). The author has
noted some cases so far advanced as to develop what
appeared to be severe cases of dermatitis through the
constant use on their person of strong soaps or proprietary
remedies, detergents, or even carbolic acid. This damaging of the tissue, of course, magnifies their perplexing
situation to an enormous extent. Also, the excoriations
caused by hard scratching may become quite severe and
infected.
Unfortunately, the time may arise when no explanation
is accepted by the patient. Any small bit of dirt or other
material then becomes an insect which is capable of biting.
The author even demonstrated under the microscope to
one woman who had earned two graduate degrees in
Zoology that no arthropod was present in the specimen
which she had brought in for examination. Though she
appared to understand the truth, she could not accept the
fact and argued vehemently that the microscope was
wrong. Obviously, the entomologist is far beyond his
training, his experience and his responsibility when conditions get this acute.
The author in discussions with those desiring assistance
has noted what might be called "variables", in that these
factors are repeated again and again. For instance, most
of the persons questioned have shown that there had been
a recent and very real infestation of an arthropod where
they lived or worked. Below are listed a few of the cases
and some of the information disclosed:
It may be seen in the above examples that an arthropod
had been originally involved in each of the cases cited.
In most instances, an entomologist had identified the arthropod and given insect control measures to these people
before they subsequently came to the author for further
assistance. Truxal
(1961) also indicates that he has
noted several occasions where an insect infestation appeared to precede and possibly "trigger" the delusory
characteristics.
Another variable which had been expressed several
times by persons who seemed to have a delusory insect
problem can be categorized as "unpleasant surroundings".
Two particular cases which occurred quite recently are
noted below:
1. Woman, about SO, married, no children. Husband
was remodeling their home because of termite damage, but was being very slow about it. He likewise
created quite a mess in the process. She wanted to
move into a newer home in a nicer part of town.
2. Mother and son. She about 70, widowed, one son;
had broken her hip and needed assistance. The son,
about 45, could not hold a job very long. They
moved from their own home to a rented house which
was very dirty when they moved in. They got the
rent cheaper if they cleaned it up themselveswhich they did. Both mother alld son developed the
symptoms of delusions of parasitosis.
1. Young woman about 37, divorced, one child of 12,
had an actual rat mite infestation where she worked.
She was a nurse in a hospital which was investigated
by the author. Felt she had to quit work or else
she might infest others from the mites she supposed were on her. No mites were ever found on
her person, effects or home. Complained of infestation on her torso and arms.
2. Woman, about 58, widow, lived in a small room
where the rent was raised beyond her ability to pay.
There had been an actual German cockroach infestation in her home about two weeks before she came
to the author. One cockroach ran across her foot
and partially up her leg.
To summarize, DELUSORYPARASITOSISis an emotional
problem based on the premise that the individual has an
alleged insect infestation on his person. These unfortunates, who often itch unmercifully, will use delousing
agents, acaricides, repellents, or as Smith (1934) states
Volek oil or alcohol to get relief from their affliction.
The patient may become unreasonable when no one else
can see the "bugs" with which they are bothered. A
great deal of thoroughness and tact must be practiced
by the entomologist, not only to be sure his information
is correct, but also to give these people as much assistance
as is feasible.
3. Woman, about 70, widow, two graduate degrees in
Zoology; very obviously this woman had been used
to luxury and affluence. Had been reduced to living
in a small room infested with cockroaches. This
woman did not give her right name either to the
author or to the medical social worker who was
called in.
As was indicated above, most of the cases the author
has dealt with had already been to a physician or dermatologist who had referred them to an entomologist for
additional help. The main problem arises when the discovery is made that no arthropods are involved. Where
is the patient to go from here? Many of them have indicated that the entomologist is almost the "end of the
line". They had been treated by their doctor-allegedly
on
a symptomatic basis-but
always in their mind was the
distinct knowledge that they had an arthropod infestation
even though others couldn't see it. To return to the
physician for more of his services would not get rid of
the "bugs" which plagued them. It would appear that
on problems of this type, a much closer relationship should
exist between the patient's doctor and the entomologist.
Further awareness by the members of the medical profession and the entomologists as to the responsibilities of
each toward the handling of those people with the symptoms of DELUSORYPARASITOSISis definitely indicated.
4. Woman, about 60, apparently happily married, husband retired. Beloved cat (Kitty) which had gotten
infestation of fleas from a neighbor's cat had to be
taken to the humane society. There was an ensuing
infestation of the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis
(Bouche) in their home and backyard. A pest control operator was called in for abatement which was
accomplished. The husband believed in his wife's
infestation, although he was never bothered by the
"bugs".
5. Woman, divorced, 40; boy of 13. Had had a positive case of crab lice which she alleged to the author that she had received in extra-marital relations
with a man who lived in the same apartment house.
6. Woman, divorced, about 55, worked in hospital,
had child of 8. Lived in front part of a duplex.
People in rear had a flea infestation which invaded
her home also. Owner would not assist in the abatement so she had to have it done herself.
REFERENCES CITED
Davis,
7. Young woman about 35, married, three small children. Did not like house which faced on a busy
free-way. Had two dogs which caused a flea infestation in the house and yard. This case even
J. J.
1944. Insect hallucination.
Pests. 12 (12) :
30.
Gage, Robert W. 1957. What to do about
phobias, Pest Control, 25 (10): 42-47.
82
insect
Miller, L. A. 1954. An account of insect hallucinations
affecting an elderly couple, Canadian Entomologist,
86 (10): 455-457.
Obermayer,
M. E. 1955. Psychocutaneous
Medicine.
Charles C. Thomas, Springfield, III.
1961. Dynamics and management of self-induced
eruptions. Calif. Med., 94 (2): 61-Q5.
Pierce, Dwight W. 1921. Sanitary Entomology. Richarcl D. Badger, Boston.
1944. Entomophobia.
Bull. So. Calif. Acad. Sci.,
43 (2); 78-80.
AGRICULTURE'S
-
1961. Personal communication to author on unpublished material.
Pomerantz,
Charles.
1959. Arthropods
and psychic
disturbances.
Bull. Ent. Soc. Amer., 5 (2) : 65-Q7.
Smith, Roger C. 1934. Hallucinations of insect infestation causing annoyance to man. Bull. Brooklyn Ent.
Soc., 29: 208-212.
Traver, J. R. 1951. Unusual scalp dermatitis in humans
caused by the mite Der11latophagoides. Proc. Ent.
Soc. Wash. 53 (1): 1-25.
Truxal,
Fred S. 1961. Personal
communication
to
author.
YEAR OF DECISION
able to expand and
agricultural science.
Within a span of seven weeks President Abraham Lincoln approved three Acts that in the past century have
made the United States pre-eminent in the agricultural
world.
In quick succession the 1862 Congress, amid a frenzy
of war activities, passed and the President signed into
law the Act creating the Department of Agriculture (May
15), the Homestead Act (May 20), and the Morrill Act
granting land for the endowment of State agricultural
colleges (July 2). From his concentration of agricultural legislation it might appear that a pioneer farm bloc
pressure group was at work. Such was not the case.
make
their
full
contribution
to
Singly probably none of these Acts would have accomplished the revolution in scientific agriculture that
has taken place in this country. Combined they furnished
the necessary ingredients of scientific initiative, curiosity
and creativity that today make us the best fed and the
most agriculturally advanced nation in the world.
RALPH
W.
USDA
Centennial Task Force
SHERMAN
GUNNAR L. HE}GAARD
LEPIDOPTERA
COLLECTION
Motivating the action to create a Department of Agriculture was the United States Agricultural
Society organized in 1852. One of the moving spirits in the Society
was Congressman Charles Benedict Calvert of Maryland.
The national Society in turn enlisted the support of various
prominent farmers and State Agricultural
Societies.
President Lincoln included a recommendation for establishment of an agricultural and statistical bureau in his
message to Congress on December 3, 1861. Shortly thereafter there was introduced a bill calling for establishment
of a Department headed by a cabinet officer. Over Congressman Calvert's objection the bill was changed to provide for a Commissioner as Department head. Thus
amended the bill encountered little opposition and, without any prior legislative history, was passed with ease.
Both the Homestead and the Morrill Acts had been
acted on by Congress prior to 1862. Each had been
passed by Congress only to be vetoed by President James
Buchanan, last of the Northern Presidents with Southern
sympathies. In each case Buchanan condemned the bills
as invasions of States' rights. With the advent of the
new Republican Party in 1861 and departure from Washington of Congressional delegations from the seceding
States, the two bills took on a martyr status. Neither
was considered of paramount importance at the time.
But their passage was a triumph for the western settlers
who were demanding free land and for the few zealous
sponsors of Federal land-grants
as an inducement to
States to set up agricultural colleges.
The Gunnar L. Hejgaard
collection of over 8000
Danish Lepidoptera was recently donated to the Entomology Museum at Michigan State University. The
collection covers the families generally regarded as the
Macrolepidoptera.
There are 1095 specimens of the
Rhopalocera,
132 Sphingidae,
2095 Noctuidae,
2152
Geometridae, and 1875 of other families. The specimens
are remarkable for their brightness, excellent condition
and their painstaking mounting. Each species is generally
represented by ten to fifteen specimens although in
many instances because of seeming rarity there are
fewer. The representation of over 700 determined species
in the collection, according to the check-list of Lepidoptera of Denmark published by the Copenhagen Lepidopterological Society (1959. Oversight over de Danslle
Storsommerfugle),
would indicate that the collection
contains roughly 80 per cent of the species known to
occur there. It is intended that the collection will be
marked with distinctive labels, interpolated into the general collection and be made available to taxonomists in
North America for study.
Mr. Hejgaard is a successful businessman in Copenhagen. In donating his collection to the University he
stated that the several museums in Denmark already had
substantial collections of Lepidoptera and he felt that a
collection of this type would be of far greater value to
North American taxonomists. How right he certainly is,
for how often have we had to resort to the study of
European material to settle a problem on genotypy or the
synonymy of Holarctic species!
Enactment of the Homestead Act had an effect on the
settling of free land States of the mid-West in the immediately succeeding decades.
The Department of Agriculture and the Land-Grant
colleges were much slower in making their impact. At
the semi-centennial of these Acts in 1912, several historians felt there had been few accomplishments by either
of these institutions in the first 40 years of their existence.
The Department's
most noteworthy early accomplishments, at least those most publicized, were the distribution of seeds and the publication of statistical and other
reports. States were slow in providing the colleges called
for in the Morrill Act so they could Qualify for the landgrant endowment. Colleges organized under the Act were
often inadequately supported by State funds. Not until
well into the 1900's were the Department and the colleges
With the donation of his collection to Michigan State
University we find that Mr. Hejgaard intends to contint.;e his entomological interests. He is currently vicechairman of the Lepidopterological
Society of Copenhagen, caretaker of the Society's general collection and
is active among the youthful collectors in Denmark. He
intends to continue his collecting in an attempt to fill
in some of the gaps in the Michigan State University
collection and is further devoting his taxonomic knowledge of the Danish fauna to biological studies on life
cycles.
ROLAND
83
L.
FISCHER,
Curator