Breadcrumb Trail
Cable Bug
Size
Unknown (usually thought to be very small).
Markings
None that are visible.
Location
Anywhere, but often in Hi-Tech office blocks.
Detection
Customer will complain of being bitten, but no obvious signs of insect activity seen.
Biology
Let's set the record straight - there is no such thing as cable bug! The animal known as cable bug is a mysterious creature, as it has never been seen. It has many common names including "Paper Mite" and "Biting Mite", and is often confused with infestations of true biting insects such as fleas or midges. This is because the cable bug appears to bite people in a similar manner.
In reality, the biting sensations are caused by static electricity, not by any insect or mite.
There are two types of cable bug phenomena; that caused by a discharge of static electricity alone, and that caused by the static charge acting on paper fibres and the like. Explaining them is not easy.
Static Charge
When a person is moving around in an office environment, they are usually surrounded by lots of electrical equipment. Added to this is the material of the carpeting (often synthetic) and the abundance of metal-framed desks, chairs and cabinets. In short, the individual builds up a static charge on their body through actions such as shuffling along the carpet.
They then move to a metal-framed cupboard or sit at a metal-framed desk. The result of this close contact is that a charge of static electricity arcs across from the person to the desk or vice-versa.
This 'zap' or 'belt' of static feels just like an insect bite - a characteristic 'sharp' sensation, followed by itching and discomfort. Inspection of the 'bite' will often reveal the typical signs of an insect bite - a raised redness of the skin, and even a pale white centre at the site of the bite'.
BUT, there is no puncture mark (ie: no hole where biting or piercing mouthparts have broken the skin).
Charge plus Fibres
There is some evidence to suggest that a second phenomenon involved with static electricity may occur. In environments such as offices, filing/record rooms and document stores, there are often an abundance of very small fibres. In situations where static electricity may build up, these fibres also become charged, and thus can become 'miniature javelins'. These can embed themselves in the skin, and whilst they are easily brushed off by the action of scratching, they also give the characteristic 'biting' sensation
Treatment
When carrying out a treatment against a suspected cable bug problem, it is important that all other avenues have first been explored. These are some of the questions that should be asked:
- Do the bites have puncture marks (are they proper bites)?
- Have you checked for fleas / midges / bird mites / lice etc?
- Where (both on the body and in the office) is the person being bitten?
- Is anyone else being bitten, or is it just one person?
- Does anyone in the area own pets such as cats or dogs?
Once a static problem has been established, treatment is usually straightforward.
- The affected area should be treated with an anti-static solution on a regular basis.
- Equipment and fixtures should be fitted with earth straps or placed on anti-static mats.
- If possible, carpeting with natural, rather than synthetic fibres should be used.
- Dust and paper fibres etc. should be kept to a minimum.
Booking an Appointment
There are several ways you can book an appointment for pest control treatment. You can:
- Book an appointment online
- Send an email to pest.control@trafford.gov.uk
- Call us on 0161 912 2000
This page was last reviewed on 3 August 2009
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