The carpets can be treated with an anti-static spray and this may need to be done on a semi-regular basis to keep the static levels low.

We get calls on a regular basis for offices where people are being bitten by insects. Or are they? Quite often the problem is not fleas or other biting insects but ‘cable bugs’. Although cable bugs are very common they are not widely known which is why most people automatically think of fleas. What are cable bugs?

More recently, Level 3 Communications technicians did come across a three foot long shark in a trench near its fibre cable -- two miles inland -- in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Maybe it was looking for a bite.

If problems continue, have an industrial hygienist inspect the rooms and air vents for chemicals (such as formaldehyde), low humidity levels, irritating fibers, high static levels, and other conditions that could be contributing to the problem.Guess what? There are no such things as "paper mites" or "cable mites." And you should not treat if there aren't any pests. (But first you must make sure there aren't any pests, of course, such as bird mites, fleas, or thrips.) Here's where your communication skills come into play. The cable protection folks really have no idea why sharks bite cables either, although some suggest it may be due to "electro magnetic fields from a suspended cable strumming in currents," they say in their report. Believe it or not, other than just being incredibly cute, of course, cable bites are a useful product that can help to protect and extend the life of your smartphone charging cord. We’ve all been there. Your smartphone charging cable is pretty beat up and starting to fray at the end — which, by the way, might be a major fire hazard. Now, thanks to cable bites, you might actually be able to extend the existence of your cord before it bites the dust. A nifty invention, right? Listen. I don't care if you find bugs or not. I don't care how many times you've sprayed already. My people are being bitten. Just in the past month, three computer operators have gone to the clinic to be treated for bites and itching. My best telecommunications specialist has filed a grievance with the union. The union rep says get rid of the problem...now...or face a job action. So I'm telling you: Get rid of the problem, now!"

In pest control, we do not spray as a ‘precaution’ anymore. Now we need to have evidence that there are fleas present in the office. Strawberry Flavour Candy Pieces with a Fondant Filling: Experience the perfect blend of strawberry sweetness and a creamy fondant center. Each bite is a journey into delightful flavors and textures that are sure to leave you craving more. Firstly reassure your staff that they are not imagining things because they aren’t. Tell them that the ‘bites’ are being caused by static electricity. Women can be more affected because of the nylon in tights and also if they wear sandals. When called out for fleas or reports of biting insects in an office the most important thing to do is to rule out fleas or other biting insects. Identification is key to a speedy resolution. Repeated insecticide treatments will not solve a static electricity problem long-term and may cause skin irritation. Worn nylon carpeting should be removed. Either leave the floor bare, or replace with new carpet treated to prevent static build-up. Avoid bottom-of-the-line nylon carpets since they release large numbers of fibers. Carpets should be vacuumed often.

Explain to your client that the situation is not unique. Tell him about the possible environmental causes for the problem. Give him articles (like this one) about "mystery bugs." If he doesn't believe you, suggest that he hire a pest control consultant or industrial hygienist for an independent assessment. Workers should be told that the "bites" are not being caused by bugs, but by a combination of environmental factors (fibers, static, etc.) that are being corrected. Do not tell them the bites are "imaginary," because they're not. If the investigation finds no evidence of fleas then it is more than likely to be a problem with static electricity. What can I do if my office has cable bugs? The major difficulty is convincing workers...who are positive they are being bitten...that they are not. They need to understand that there is a reason for these "bites," even though that reason is not an insect or mite.

The name is a bit of a misnomer as there are no ‘bugs’ involved. Basically, static electricity causes the sensation of bites and can also cause red marks which can be mistaken for bites.You're not alone. This conflict -- workers reporting "bites" but no biting pests around -- happens often enough to make life interesting in office building pest control. Vacuum the area with a powerful vacuum to remove as many fibers and particles as possible. Wall/floor junctions, table legs, and crevices should be vacuumed using a crevice tool. Table tops and the areas under computers and equipment should be wiped down with a mild soap solution. Low humidity in an office can cause static so try to increase the humidity in your office by using humidifiers. Some plants like a weeping fig or the peace lily can also increase humidity in an office.