At Sprague Pest Solutions, our mission is to protect your environment with precision and empathy. While most of the calls we receive are rooted in real pest activity, occasionally we encounter something different, cases where individuals are experiencing physical symptoms they believe are pest related, but there is no pest activity.
Though rare, these situations call for an especially gentle and informed approach.
Sprague’s Gentle, Professional Response
When a Sprague technician is called to inspect a property where no pest evidence is found but symptoms continue to be reported, we respond with:
- Compassion: Our team is trained to listen attentively and with empathy, never to dismiss or belittle someone’s concerns.
- Thoroughness: We conduct detailed inspections and use pest monitoring devices to rule out actual pest activity. Sometimes, unrelated environmental or dermatological factors may be contributing.
- Discretion: We protect the privacy and dignity of the individuals involved, never labeling or diagnosing—our role is to support with facts and professionalism.
What Is a Delusional Infestation?
Occasionally no infestation is found, though a person is reporting physical symptoms. A delusional infestation (DI), formerly known as delusional parasitosis, is a psychiatric condition where a person believes they are infested with insects or parasites, despite the absence of any medical or entomological evidence. Individuals may describe feeling crawling, stinging, or biting sensations on their skin and may bring in skin scrapings, lint, or debris—sometimes called “specimens”—as proof.
According to recent medical research, including insights from the comprehensive Springer reference text, DI can be persistent and distressing for the person experiencing it. These cases often require clinical, not pest control, intervention.
What Property Managers Should Know
As a property manager, you may be the first to receive a report of an unusual infestation. Here’s how to navigate it thoughtfully:
- Document the Complaint
- Maintain detailed records of what the resident is experiencing and what you observe. Encourage visual documentation if available.
- Schedule a Professional Inspection
- Calling in a licensed pest control provider like Sprague helps rule out any real pest issues and demonstrates that you’re taking the concern seriously.
- Watch for These Indicators
- While only a clinical professional can diagnose DI, some signs might include:
- Reports of pests without physical evidence.
- Presentation of household dust or fibers as pest specimens.
- While only a clinical professional can diagnose DI, some signs might include:
- Persistent symptoms even after treatments or multiple inspections show no pests.
- De-escalate with Empathy
- Avoid confrontation or dismissiveness. Instead, thank the resident for their vigilance and assure them you are actively investigating.
- Coordinate with Support Systems
- If you’re managing a residential property, and the concern continues, you might suggest the resident consult with a healthcare provider. For commercial clients, loop in HR or building health and safety teams as needed.
Standing By With Support
Delusional infestations are a delicate topic; rooted in real distress, even if not in real pests. At Sprague, we approach every case with the same guiding principles: respect, expertise, and a commitment to protecting people and property.
Whether you’re unsure if it’s a real pest issue or something more complex, Sprague is here to help you navigate it, kindly and professionally.