Nasty, large bug bites that have been reported around Arlington County, Virginia have health officials stumped.
The bites are reportedly much different than a mosquito bite. People have said the bites start off itchy, but then swell, grow, become hard and start to blister.
The Arlington County Health Department has been made aware of the bites, but do not have a definitive answer as to what it causing them. Their best guess is a mite called a pyemotes. These mites feed on oak tree leaves and cicada eggs, and their apparent prevalence could be linked to the cicada eggs.
The mites are microscopic and hard to detect. But the Health Department says the bites should not cause any serious issues. They recommend avoiding scratching and to wear long clothing and bug spray.