Ask Lemmy @lemmy.world peregrin5 @lemm.ee 1mo ago

Why do I feel itchy every time I go under my deck?

I have a large space under our deck that is enclosed and have been turning into a sort of shed. Every time I go in there though I'm super itchy all over like something has been biting me. I don't see any insects though. However I am bad at noticing things like bugs.

Any ideas?

42 comments

It's probably termites! Their nests tend to grow a mold that causes allergic reactions in lots of people. Exactly the sort of thing that would make you itchy.
- OP should be careful, spending time in enclosed spaces with termite infestations can cause naphthalene poisoning!
  
  Woah TIL
  
  That was a classic House MD episode 🎖️
%50 you're allergic to something

%50 bugs
- 25% you're allergic to bugs.
  
  12.5% something's bugging your allergies.
I initially read this as desk and I was so confused 😅
- I was so excited for them having a cool hangout spot under a giant desk.
  
  I'm very disappointed.
- Oh good, not just me then.
- Same
Is there insulation down there? The fibers are good at getting into everything.
- There is no insulation. Just wood, gravel, and dirt.
Do you store any chemicals or new building materials in there whatsoever?

Chlorine does this to my feet when I open the container to add more to the pool. It's heavier than air, so wafts out of the container then "spills" over onto my shoes, causing a reaction with the moisture on my skin. Much healthy :))
Have you noticed any rash or other marks on your skin where you feel itchy? Bumps, redness, dry patches, etc. Different irritants can have different reactions on the skin, so that may help you identify the cause.
- No. No marks or rashes. I do get localized itchy bumps though.
Is there any accompanying physical sign, is your skin red or bumped before you start scratching? You may have just set up a mental association.
- Are there dues for this association?
  
  Very minimal to cover basic admin and licensing, venue costs are low due to the under-deck siting. Accidentally setting up a Mental Association can be very rewarding.
Anyone else glance too quickly at the title and thinks this about a guy with genital warts?
- No, but I do now
Wear some insect repellant and see if it still happens.
Why do I sneeze many times over after breakfast? Only breakfast.
- Either an allergic reaction to something you only eat for breakfast, or dust mite allergy (sneezing to get rid of all the allergens you breathed in from your mattress), or photic sneeze reflex from the morning sun?
  
  I love photic sneezes (I just learned it had a name). They are like sun induced mini orgasms.
  
  No it happens in the dark winter mornings too. Only after I eat.
Do you spray poison under there to control bugs? I have one that gets me all itchy.

I also had an infestation of fleas under my shed once. I got rid of them but it was crazy how many love the leaves that blow under the shed.
If you eliminate allergy, toxic substances, bugs and trauma then only possible explanation left is that it's haunted. Sometimes it's the irrational that is left to explain reality.

For bugs you can try glue trap and then check if something has been cought.
Is it possible the paint causes this?
- No paint under there. All raw wood or wood composite
What do you mean by deck? All I can think of is a ship or a Steam Deck, neither of which seem to apply
- Like these things.
  
  Is that an American thing? I've never seen something like that called a deck in my life
- Like an outdoor deck?
Could it be all in your crazy little head?

42 comments