Success StoryDelusory Parasitosis Working Group



Delusory Parasitosis Working Group

Author: Jonathan Larson

Planning Unit: Entomology

Major Program: Integrated Pest Management

Outcome: Initial Outcome

In 2023 I was invited to join a group funded by the Southern IPM Center that focuses on helping Extension agents across the southeastern United States deal with delusory parasitosis, also known as invisible itches or delusions of infestation. Headed by Karen Vail, University of Tennessee, I was selected to be the team lead for a fact sheet that will teach agents and those who suffer with this condition how to deal with the situation. It’s hard to establish an economic impact of this project, but the hope is that this team will be able to improve Extension’s response to one of our most difficult entomological issues. Clients that suffer from delusory parasitosis are in anguish and they often become repeat visitors to county offices where they bring biohazardous samples to agents for “testing”. The team is making factsheets, educational PowerPoints, and checklists explaining alternative diagnoses to try and help clients and ease the burden delusory cases can cause Extension professionals.






Stories by Jonathan Larson


2024 New Agent Training on Delusory Parasitosis

about 2 months ago by Jonathan Larson

Extension offices and their personnel are often sought out for help in dealing with arthropod pest i... Read More


2024 Kentucky Keepers Citizen Science Project

about 2 months ago by Jonathan Larson

In 2024, the Kentucky Keepers citizen science project focused on monitoring for invasive species has... Read More


Stories by Entomology


Providing Science base Information to Banana Growers of the Dominican Republic on an New Invasive Pest in the Caribbean Region

Providing Science base Information to Banana Growers of the Dominican Republic on an New Invasive Pest in the Caribbean Region

about 8 months ago by Raul Villanueva

The Dominican Republic was the first producer of organic bananas during past years but in 2023 it wa... Read More


Building the Impact of the Kentucky Crop Health Conference 2nd year: 2024

about 2 months ago by Raul Villanueva

The University of Kentucky Grain Crops Integrated Pest Management group continued to build on the su... Read More