Tri-State Neighbor: South Dakota Farm Newspaper

Halloween is that time of year when thoughts turn to phenomena scary and disturbing.

Insects are often wrongfully the focus of paranoia, and entomologists have their hands full as they try to convince society that most insects really aren't so bad.

In the spirit of the season, I guess it is worth mentioning one of the insect-related afflictions that give, even the staunchest insect advocate, a shiver. Human otoacariasis: insects crawling into people's ears at night.

In animals, ear infestations by insects and mites are quite common. A case in point is the commonly encountered ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) of cats. These parasites form dense, black mats inside of cats' ears and are serious health problems if left untreated.

Thankfully, humans do not have any consistent ear parasites of insect origin. But being that ear canals are quiet, warm and secluded, it is not uncommon to come along true stories of insects becoming entrapped within someone's ear canal.

Cockroaches, beetles and ants frequently will burrow into someone's ear canal as they sleep, and necessitate quick medical attention to remedy the situation. For the most part, these insects are there by accident, but extracting them can be tricky.

The most significant damage caused by these little critters as they spelunker into our heads is that the victim hears the constant scurrying of little feet as the insect struggles to extract itself. Because the feet are scratching directly against the organs in the inner ear, the sound is extremely loud.

If the insect isn't extracted quickly and safely, damage can occur to the ear. Moreover, if the inner ear is damaged by the insect or the well-intentioned medical personnel, infection can produce some lasting problems, of which deafness is only the start.

This problem is particularly acute in India, where hundreds of cases of human otoacariasis are reported each year. In this country, the biggest issue is a particular species of tick. Imagine a tick nestling into your ear as you dream of trick-or-treating, and swelling in your ear canal as it sucks your blood. You get a picture of why this is an issue.

Hollywood loves this phenomenon and has perpetuated several myths surrounding ear infestations. Let's set the record straight on some.

1. Remarkable given their namesake, earwigs are seldom, if ever, reported as infesting human ears.

2. Insects do not burrow into human brains. Even under the most extreme circumstances.

3. Ear infestations by insects do not lead to zombie-like fidelity to extraterrestrial tyrants hell-bent on overthrowing Captain Kirk.

So, there is an element of truth to the urban legends of insects taking residence in people's ears, but this happens much less frequently or to such dire ends as is insinuated. Even so, I think I'll invest in some earplugs and take my chances when the 3-foot tall vampires and mummies come knocking on my door this Halloween.

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