List of articles № 117
When does tick activity end in the summer?
Ixodes scapularis, commonly called the black‑legged or deer tick, exhibits a distinct seasonal activity pattern driven by temperature and humidity. Adult ticks become active in spring, reach peak questing rates in early summer, and gradually reduce activity as conditions become hotter and drier.. Date latest changes:
What will happen if the tick's head is not removed from a person?
When a tick is detached without extracting its mouthparts, the embedded head becomes a foreign object that triggers a localized tissue response. The skin surrounding the retained mouthparts typically exhibits acute inflammation within hours of the event.. Date latest changes:
How to choose an effective ointment for bed bug bites?
Bed‑bug bites often appear in linear or clustered patterns on exposed skin, typically the arms, shoulders, and neck. The lesions are small, red papules that may develop a central punctum and become raised or swollen within a few hours. Unlike mosquito bites, which are usually isolated, round, and itchy, bed‑bug bites tend to be grouped in rows or “breakfast‑lunch‑dinner” formations.. Date latest changes:
What to do after a tick bite in humans at home?
When a tick attaches, immediate removal reduces the risk of pathogen transmission. Preparing the necessary instruments before attempting extraction ensures the procedure is swift and reduces stress for both the patient and the caregiver. Essential items include:. Date latest changes:
What should you do if a red spot appears on your skin after a tick bite?
A red lesion that emerges at the site of a tick attachment requires prompt evaluation. The first priority is to remove the tick safely, clean the area, and document the bite. Use fine‑point tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.. Date latest changes:
Can fleas transfer from a cat to a human and settle in hair?
The flea life cycle consists of four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. Completion of the cycle typically requires two to three weeks under optimal temperature and humidity, but can extend to several months when conditions are unfavorable.. Date latest changes:
How is a child examined for tick attachment: a hygienic test?
Ticks transmit a range of pathogens that can cause acute and chronic illness in children. Prompt detection of attached ticks reduces exposure time and lowers the probability of infection. Lyme disease – caused by Borrelia burgdorferi ;. Date latest changes:
What to do if a dog has a tick?
Ticks that commonly attach to dogs vary by region, but several species pose the greatest health risk. Recognizing these species helps owners choose appropriate removal techniques and preventive measures. The most frequently encountered ticks include:. Date latest changes:
Bedbug nymphs are wingless, oval‑shaped insects that closely mimic the adult form while remaining significantly smaller. Each instar lacks fully developed genitalia and displays a lighter, translucent coloration that darkens to a reddish‑brown hue after a blood meal.. Date latest changes:
Bed bugs are small, oval insects measuring 4–5 mm in length, resembling apple seeds. Adults exhibit a flat, reddish‑brown body that becomes more engorged and brighter after feeding. Nymphs are similar in shape but lighter in color and lack the distinct dark spots seen on mature specimens.. Date latest changes:
How dangerous is a red‑back tick?
Red‑back ticks (Ixodes holocyclus) are small arachnids measuring 2–5 mm in unfed adult stage and expanding to 7–12 mm after engorgement. Their dorsal shield, or scutum, is dark brown to black, often displaying a distinctive white or pale‑yellow pattern on the anterior edge.. Date latest changes:
What should be used to treat hydrangeas for ticks?
Visual inspection of hydrangeas provides the primary means of determining tick presence before any control measure is applied. Accurate assessment relies on systematic observation of plant parts where ticks commonly attach. Key procedures for effective visual assessment:. Date latest changes:
Bed bugs are small, flattened insects measuring approximately 4–5 mm in length when fully fed and 2–3 mm when unfed. Their bodies are oval, resembling a smooth, elongated bean, with a dorsal surface covered by fine hairs that aid in sensory perception.. Date latest changes:
What can be done to prevent fleas from biting?
Fleas transmit a range of pathogens that compromise animal health. Bacterial agents such as Bartonella henselae cause fever and lethargy, while Rickettsia species may lead to severe systemic infection. Parasites carried by fleas include tapeworms ( Dipylidium caninum ), which develop in the intestine after ingestion of an infected flea, resulting in weight loss and digestive disturbances.. Date latest changes:
How do fleas bite the human body?
Fleas are small, wing‑less insects belonging to the order Siphonaptera. Their bodies are laterally compressed, enabling movement through the dense fur or hair of hosts. Adult fleas range from 1 to 4 mm in length, possess powerful hind legs for jumping, and have a hard exoskeleton that resists dehydration.. Date latest changes:
Can a person get infected by fleas?
Fleas are small, wingless insects belonging to the order Siphonaptera. They measure 1–4 mm in length, have laterally compressed bodies, and possess powerful hind legs adapted for jumping. Their exoskeleton is covered with hardened cuticle that resists desiccation and facilitates movement through the fur or feathers of hosts.. Date latest changes:
How many days does it take for bedbugs to reproduce?
The egg stage marks the first phase of the bed‑bug life cycle and determines the speed of population expansion. Female bed bugs lay 1–7 eggs per day, up to 200 total, in concealed cracks. Each egg is about 1 mm long, encased in a protective shell that resists desiccation.. Date latest changes:
What should be applied to prevent flea bites?
Flea bites on humans appear as small, red punctures that often develop a raised, itchy halo. The initial mark measures 2‑5 mm and may be surrounded by a thin, pink ring. Within hours, the area can become inflamed, producing a sharp, stinging sensation that intensifies with scratching.. Date latest changes:
What to do if a tick is found on a person?
«Do Not Panic» is the first principle when a tick attaches to a person. Maintaining composure prevents rushed movements that could damage the parasite and increase the risk of pathogen transmission. Immediate actions: Locate the tick and expose the attachment site.. Date latest changes:
What should you do if bitten by an infected tick?
When a tick bite raises suspicion of disease, preserving the specimen enables laboratory confirmation and guides treatment decisions. Proper storage prevents degradation of pathogen DNA and allows accurate identification of the tick species, which influences risk assessment.. Date latest changes:
What is the mechanism of lice appearing on a human head
Lice are obligate ectoparasites of humans, classified as Pediculus capitis. Adult insects measure 2–4 mm in length, possess a dorsoventrally flattened body, six legs ending in clawed tarsi, and a ventral mouthpart (the haustellum) adapted for piercing epidermal capillaries.. Date latest changes:
What causes bedbugs to appear on a couch?
Bedbugs (Cimex lectularius) are small, oval insects measuring 4–5 mm in length when unfed and expanding to about 7 mm after feeding. Their dorsally flattened bodies and lack of wings allow them to squeeze into narrow crevices of couch seams, cushion folds, and fabric threads.. Date latest changes:
What should you do if your head itches but there are no lice?
An itchy scalp without evidence of lice often signals a dermatological condition. Common causes include: Seborrheic dermatitis – excessive flaking and redness caused by Malassezia yeast overgrowth. Psoriasis – well‑defined plaques with silvery scales, frequently accompanied by itching.. Date latest changes:
Which insects resemble bedbugs in an apartment?
Bedbugs (Cimex spp.) measure 4–5 mm in length, about the size of an apple seed, with a flat, oval body that expands after feeding. Their coloration ranges from reddish‑brown to light brown, and the dorsal surface shows a distinct “c‑shaped” crease.. Date latest changes:
How long should a kitten wear a flea collar?
Flea collars protect kittens by continuously emitting chemicals that interfere with the life cycle of fleas. The core components are: An insecticidal agent (commonly imidacloprid, selamectin, or pyriproxyfen) embedded in a polymer matrix.. Date latest changes:
Where do pubic lice reside on the body?
Pubic lice (Pthirus pubis) are tiny, laterally flattened ectoparasites adapted to cling to coarse hair. Their bodies consist of a head, thorax, and abdomen, each covered by a hard exoskeleton. The head bears a short, robust antenna and a pair of compound eyes.. Date latest changes:
How can I get rid of jumping black fleas in the house?
Fleas progress through four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Each stage occurs in a specific environment and has a limited time window, which determines how quickly an infestation can develop inside a residence. Egg – Laid by the adult on the host or in surrounding debris;. Date latest changes:
What does a tick embedded in the leg look like?
A tick that has penetrated the skin of the leg typically presents as a minute, darkened area measuring 1–3 mm in diameter. The spot may appear black or brown, often indistinguishable from a small bruise or freckle. Key characteristics include:. Date latest changes:
How should spider mites be treated on juniper?
Spider mite infestations on juniper become evident through distinct visual cues. Leaves develop a fine, stippled pattern where tiny yellow or white spots replace the normal green pigment. As damage progresses, foliage turns bronze or reddish, and individual needles may appear wilted or dry.. Date latest changes:
How should fleas be properly sprayed according to expert recommendations?
Recognizing flea infestation early prevents extensive treatment and protects animal welfare. Common indicators in dogs and cats include: Small, dark specks resembling pepper on the skin or bedding Persistent scratching or biting at fur Red, inflamed patches, especially around the neck, tail base, and abdomen Visible movement of tiny insects or larvae in the coat Sudden hair loss or thinning in localized areas These manifestations signal that a topical insecticid. Date latest changes:
How to get rid of fleas in a chicken coop without extra effort?
Fleas on chickens are identifiable by several observable signs. Excessive scratching or pecking : Birds repeatedly pick at their feathers or skin, especially around the vent and legs. Visible insects : Small, dark, jumping insects appear on the bird’s body or in the coop litter.. Date latest changes:
How long does a tick live and what factors affect its lifespan?
The egg stage marks the beginning of a tick’s life cycle and determines the initial length of the species’ overall longevity. After a female deposits thousands of eggs on the ground, incubation typically lasts from 10 to 30 days, depending on temperature, humidity, and species.. Date latest changes:
When do signs of encephalitis appear after a tick bite?
The tick‑borne encephalitis (TBE) virus belongs to the Flaviviridae family and exists in three subtypes—European, Siberian, and Far‑Eastern—each associated with distinct clinical patterns. Transmission occurs when an infected Ixodes tick attaches to a host and releases virus‑laden saliva into the dermis.. Date latest changes:
How to select a steam generator for battling bed bugs in an apartment?
Choosing an appropriate steam cleaner for bed‑bug eradication depends on knowing where the insects conceal themselves. Effective treatment targets these locations directly, ensuring the steam reaches the insects’ protected environments. Common hiding spots include:. Date latest changes:
How to distinguish an encephalitis tick from a regular tick by appearance?
Ticks are obligate ectoparasites of vertebrates belonging to the subclass Acari, order Ixodida. Their life cycle includes egg, larva, nymph, and adult stages, each requiring a blood meal to progress. Morphologically, ticks possess a dorsally positioned, shield‑like scutum, four pairs of legs after the larval stage, and a capitulum that houses the mouthparts used for attachment and feeding.. Date latest changes:
What drops should be used on a dog's back against fleas and ticks?
Topical anti‑parasite products applied to a dog’s dorsal area deliver active chemicals through the skin into the superficial layers of the epidermis and underlying sebaceous glands. The formulation creates a reservoir that releases the ingredient gradually, maintaining a lethal concentration for fleas and ticks that come into contact with the treated surface.. Date latest changes:
What should be done to get rid of fleas in an apartment at home?
Recognizing a flea problem is essential before any treatment can succeed. Typical indicators include: Small, dark specks resembling pepper on bedding, carpets, or pet fur, which are flea feces containing digested blood. Sudden onset of itchy, red welts on exposed skin, often appearing in clusters or linear patterns.. Date latest changes:
How much time is required for symptoms to appear after a tick bite in a person?
Ticks serve as biological vectors that acquire pathogens during a blood meal from an infected host and retain them through molting stages. When a tick attaches to a new host, saliva‑borne microorganisms are introduced into the bloodstream, enabling transmission of bacteria, viruses, and protozoa.. Date latest changes:
What does a detached tick look like?
The natural lifecycle of a tick proceeds through four distinct phases: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. Each phase culminates in a detachment event when the tick leaves its host, and the physical characteristics of the detached specimen provide clues to its developmental stage.. Date latest changes:
Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are small, wingless insects that feed exclusively on the blood of warm‑blooded animals. Adults measure 4–5 mm, are reddish‑brown after a meal, and hide in cracks, crevices, and fabric seams during daylight hours.. Date latest changes: