List of articles № 129

How long can a flea survive without food?

A flea is a small, wingless insect belonging to the order Siphonaptera. Adults range from 1 to 4 mm in length, possess laterally compressed bodies, and are equipped with powerful hind legs that enable rapid jumping. The exoskeleton is hardened, providing protection against external forces and desiccation.. Date latest changes:

How can I request pest control services for bedbug eradication?

Bed bugs are small, wing‑less insects measuring approximately 4–5 mm in length, comparable to an apple seed. Their bodies are flattened dorsally and oval, which allows them to hide in narrow crevices. Adult coloration ranges from reddish‑brown after feeding to a lighter tan when unfed;. Date latest changes:

Are animal fleas dangerous to humans?

Fleas are small, wing‑less insects belonging to the order Siphonaptera. They measure 1–4 mm in length, possess laterally compressed bodies, and are adapted for jumping with powerful hind legs that can propel them up to 150 times their own height.. Date latest changes:

What to apply to a flea bite for relief?

Flea bites typically present as tiny, pink‑to‑red papules, each about 2–5 mm in diameter. The centre often shows a pinpoint puncture, surrounded by a slightly raised, reddened rim. Itching is intense and may develop within minutes of the bite.. Date latest changes:

Are black ticks dangerous to humans?

Blacklegged ticks, scientifically named Ixodes scapularis, are small arachnids measuring 2–5 mm when unfed. Their dorsal surface displays a dark brown to black coloration, while the ventral side is lighter. Distinguishing features include a reddish‑brown scutum on the back of unfed females and a distinctive hour‑glass pattern on the abdomen of engorged specimens.. Date latest changes:

What is an encephalitis tick

The encephalitis‑transmitting tick belongs to the genus Ixodes , most commonly Ixodes scapularis in North America and Ixodes ricinus in Europe. Adult specimens measure 2–4 mm in length, exhibit a dark, oval body, and possess a characteristic scutum covering the dorsal surface.. Date latest changes:

Can lice be seen with the naked eye?

Adult lice are small, wing‑less insects that range from about 2 mm to 4 mm in length. Their bodies are flattened, facilitating movement through hair shafts. Color varies among species and individual specimens, typically appearing as gray‑brown, tan, or reddish‑brown;. Date latest changes:

What should you do if a tick has attached to a child?

When a tick is found attached to a child, immediate removal requires the right equipment. Assembling the tools before attempting extraction minimizes delays and reduces the risk of incomplete removal. Fine‑point tweezers or specialized tick‑removal forceps with a flat, serrated edge Disposable gloves (latex, nitrile, or vinyl) to prevent direct skin contact Antiseptic wipes or solution (e.. Date latest changes:

At what temperature should clothes be washed to kill bedbugs?

Lethal temperature thresholds for bedbugs in laundry are well defined. Research indicates that exposure to water at ≥ 50 °C (122 °F) for a minimum of 30 minutes results in complete mortality. Temperatures below this level require significantly longer exposure, which is impractical in typical washing cycles.. Date latest changes:

How can you remove fleas from a cat at home?

Visible fleas appear as tiny, dark specks moving rapidly across a cat’s fur, often concentrated around the neck, base of the tail, and under the belly. Adults measure 1–3 mm, jump when disturbed, and may be seen crawling or falling off the animal during grooming.. Date latest changes:

How did lice originate in nature, and what is their evolutionary path?

Lice are obligate ectoparasites whose body plan reflects a long history of adaptation to a permanent lifestyle on mammals and birds. The adult insect measures 2–4 mm, possesses a dorsoventrally flattened form, and lacks functional wings, a condition that evolved from winged ancestors through loss of flight structures.. Date latest changes:

Can I put a flea collar on after applying drops?

Spot‑on treatments contain specific chemicals that act systemically or on the skin to eliminate fleas, ticks, and other parasites. Each ingredient has a defined mechanism of action and a defined absorption profile. Common active ingredients include:. Date latest changes:

In which direction should a tick be rotated when removing it?

The hypostome is the central feeding apparatus of a tick, composed of a hardened plate that bears rows of backward‑pointing denticles. These denticles interlock with the host’s skin, creating a one‑way anchorage that resists displacement. The plate is positioned on the ventral side of the tick’s capitulum, with its leading edge oriented toward the anterior.. Date latest changes:

How can you determine if a tick is not encephalitic?

Tick‑borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral infection transmitted by the bite of infected Ixodes ticks. The disease is caused by the tick‑borne encephalitis virus, a member of the Flaviviridae family. After a bite, the virus may replicate in the skin, then spread to the bloodstream and, in a subset of cases, cross the blood‑brain barrier, producing meningitis, encephalitis, or meningoencephalitis.. Date latest changes:

Which flea control products are best for dogs – a comparison?

Fleas are small, wing‑less insects belonging to the order Siphonaptera. Adult fleas measure 1–4 mm, possess laterally compressed bodies, and feed exclusively on blood. Their life cycle comprises egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages; development can be completed within two weeks under optimal temperature and humidity.. Date latest changes:

How long after flea treatment do they die?

Topical flea treatments, commonly referred to as «Spot‑Ons», are applied directly to the skin along the animal’s dorsal midline. The active ingredients disperse through the sebaceous glands and spread across the skin surface, creating a lethal environment for fleas that come into contact with the host.. Date latest changes:

Do ticks occur in pine forests: facts and prevention?

Ticks are ectoparasites that thrive in environments offering moisture, shade, and access to vertebrate hosts. Among the ecosystems supporting their life cycle, conifer-dominated woodlands represent a notable setting. The combination of dense needle litter, persistent leaf‑cover, and a cool microclimate creates conditions conducive to tick development and questing behavior.. Date latest changes:

Do earth fleas live on cats?

Earth fleas, commonly known as springtails (Collembola), complete their development through three distinct stages: egg, immature (nymph), and adult. Egg : Laid in moist soil or leaf litter; incubation lasts from a few days to several weeks depending on temperature and humidity.. Date latest changes:

What causes bed bugs to appear in a sofa, and how can they be removed?

Bed bugs that colonize upholstered furniture exhibit distinct morphological features that aid identification and influence control strategies. Adult specimens measure 4–5 mm in length, display a flat, oval silhouette, and possess a reddish‑brown exoskeleton that darkens after feeding.. Date latest changes:

How long should a dog not be washed after flea treatment?

Topical spot‑on flea products are applied directly to the skin at the base of the neck, where they spread across the coat and into the bloodstream. The medication must remain undisturbed for a specific period to achieve full absorption and efficacy.. Date latest changes:

What does the hare flea look like: description and distinguishing features?

The hare flea (Leporiphoscitreus) measures approximately 2.0–3.5 mm in length, placing it among the larger flea species. The body is laterally compressed, giving a flattened appearance that facilitates movement through the host’s fur. The anterior region, including the head capsule, is slightly broader than the posterior abdomen, which tapers to a rounded terminus.. Date latest changes:

What should be done if bedbugs appear in an apartment, and how can they be eliminated?

Physical evidence of a bed‑bug problem includes live insects, shed skins, eggs, fecal spots, and small blood‑stained smears on bedding or furniture. These items provide the only reliable confirmation that an infestation exists and indicate its extent.. Date latest changes:

How can I treat an area for ticks on my own without harming animals or people?

Ticks concentrate where moisture, shade, and wildlife intersect. Survey your property for these conditions to prioritize treatment. Locate low‑lying zones that retain water after rain; damp soil supports tick development. Mark dense vegetation such as tall grasses, brush piles, and hedgerows that provide shelter.. Date latest changes:

What to do with a tick that carries Lyme disease?

Lyme disease originates from the spirochete  Borrelia burgdorferi , which resides in the midgut of Ixodes ticks. When a tick feeds, the bacteria migrate to the salivary glands and enter the host’s bloodstream. The bacterium enters the tick during its larval or nymphal stage by feeding on infected reservoir hosts.. Date latest changes:

How can you label the eighth bedbug?

Within a bedbug colony, individuals typically share the same body length, coloration, and exoskeletal markings. This uniformity means that visual traits alone cannot differentiate a specific member, such as the eighth specimen encountered during sampling.. Date latest changes:

How can I get rid of bedbugs in my belongings?

Bed bugs leave unmistakable evidence that can be identified without specialized equipment. Adult insects are small, flat, and reddish‑brown, measuring about 4–5 mm in length. Their bodies become darker after feeding, making them visible on seams, folds, and crevices of clothing, luggage, or fabric accessories.. Date latest changes:

How to get rid of carpet fleas?

Recognizing flea activity on animals is essential for successful carpet flea elimination. Visible evidence on pets confirms infestation and guides treatment timing. Small, dark specks moving rapidly on skin or fur Intense scratching, biting, or licking of affected areas Red, inflamed patches or hair loss where bites occur Presence of tiny black dots (flea feces) on bedding or grooming tools Sudden onset of skin irritation after exposure to carpeted environments. Date latest changes:

How does Simparica work on ticks?

Simparica is an oral chewable tablet formulated for canine use. Its active ingredient, sarolaner, belongs to the isoxazoline class of ectoparasiticides. Sarolaner targets the GABA‑gated chloride channels and glutamate‑gated chloride channels in the nervous system of ticks, causing uncontrolled neuronal activity, paralysis, and death.. Date latest changes:

How to fight bed bugs in a dormitory?

Visual identification is the first step in controlling bed‑bug infestations in shared student housing. Recognizing the insect’s appearance and signs of activity allows prompt intervention before populations expand. Adult bed bugs are flat, oval, and reddish‑brown, measuring about 5 mm in length.. Date latest changes:

Do fleas lay eggs on cats?

Fleas progress through four developmental stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The «egg stage» begins shortly after a female engorges on a host’s blood and initiates oviposition. Eggs are microscopic, smooth, and non‑adhesive, allowing them to fall freely from the host’s fur.. Date latest changes:

What does it mean when fleas appear in one's head in a dream?

Dreams arise from complex interactions between brain regions that generate narratives during sleep. The cerebral cortex assembles memories, emotions, and sensory fragments while the limbic system injects affective intensity. This synthesis produces vivid, often illogical scenes that the conscious mind later recalls.. Date latest changes:

How to fight soil fleas?

Soil fleas, also known as springtails (Collembola), develop through four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Females deposit eggs in moist soil or leaf litter, where humidity exceeds 70 % and temperature ranges between 10 °C and 25 °C.. Date latest changes:

Bedbugs have infested an apartment: what should I do?

Physical evidence confirms an infestation and guides effective treatment. Visible signs include live insects, translucent nymphs, and dark‑red adult bugs. Molted exoskeletons appear as pale, empty shells near hiding places. Fecal deposits manifest as tiny black or rust‑colored specks on fabric, mattress seams, or wall edges.. Date latest changes:

Do fleas on animals transmit to people?

Fleas are small, wing‑less insects belonging to the order Siphonaptera. Their bodies are laterally compressed, allowing rapid movement through the fur or feathers of a host. Adults range from 1 to 4 mm in length, possess strong hind legs for jumping up to 150 times their body length, and have a hard exoskeleton that resists desiccation.. Date latest changes:

How to distinguish a bedbug bite from a flea bite?

Correct identification of insect bites guides appropriate medical response and prevents unnecessary complications. Bedbug bite health concerns include: Localized itching that can progress to intense dermal inflammation. Secondary bacterial infection from scratching, presenting as redness, swelling, or pus.. Date latest changes:

What should you do if chickens have ticks?

Regular visual checks are essential for early detection of tick infestations in poultry. Examine each bird from the beak to the vent, paying close attention to feather bases, leg joints, and underwing areas where ticks often attach. Use a bright light and a handheld magnifier if necessary to spot small, darkened bodies or moving parasites.. Date latest changes:

Are there still unknown tick species

Ticks belong to the phylum Arthropoda, class Arachnida, subclass Acari and order Ixodida. Within Ixodida three families are recognized. The hard‑tick family Ixodidae contains the majority of described species; the soft‑tick family Argasidae includes species that lack a scutum;. Date latest changes:

What are body lice and how can you combat them?

Body lice (Pediculus humanus corporis) are small, wing‑less insects that inhabit the seams of clothing and feed on human blood. Adults measure 2–4 mm in length, have a flattened, elongated body, and display a gray‑brown coloration that darkens after a blood meal.. Date latest changes:

How to fight spider mites on cucumbers?

Spider mites quickly colonize cucumber foliage, and their presence is evident through distinct visual and physiological changes. Recognizing these symptoms early enables timely intervention before the infestation spreads. Fine, web‑like strands on the underside of leaves, especially near leaf veins.. Date latest changes:

What should be done before treating for bedbugs?

Visual inspection is the first critical step prior to any bed‑bug eradication effort. It establishes the presence, extent, and specific locations of infestation, enabling targeted treatment and preventing unnecessary chemical application. During inspection, follow a systematic sweep of sleeping areas, furniture, and adjoining walls.. Date latest changes: