List of articles № 135

Where do head lice come from?

Head lice are tiny, wingless insects that live on the human scalp. Their bodies are flattened and oval, enabling them to move easily through hair shafts. The exoskeleton is semi‑transparent, appearing gray‑white to the naked eye. Six short legs end in sharp claws that grasp individual hair strands.. Date latest changes:

What do flea and bedbug bites look like?

Flea bites appear as tiny, raised spots measuring approximately 1–3 mm in diameter. The lesions are usually circular, with a sharp, pinpoint center that may be surrounded by a faint, reddish halo. The edges are well defined, and the overall shape is uniformly round.. Date latest changes:

How to fight chicken fleas?

The flea that infests poultry progresses through four distinct stages, each offering a point of intervention for effective control. Adult females lay 20‑50 eggs on the bird’s feathers or in the surrounding litter. Eggs hatch within 2‑5 days, releasing larvae that feed on organic debris and adult flea feces.. Date latest changes:

How to treat a bite from a moose tick?

Moose ticks (Dermacentor albipictus) inhabit the northern temperate zone of North America. Their range extends from the boreal forests of Canada to the upper Midwest and New England of the United States. In Canada, established populations occur in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and the Atlantic provinces.. Date latest changes:

Why do bed bugs appear in a house?

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are small, wing‑less insects that feed exclusively on the blood of warm‑blooded animals, primarily humans. Adults measure 4–5 mm in length, have a flattened, oval body, and display a reddish‑brown color that darkens after feeding.. Date latest changes:

What is the difference between lice and fleas?

Lice and fleas are both external parasites, yet they differ markedly in size and visual characteristics. Lice measure approximately 2–4 mm in length, resembling tiny, flattened insects. Their bodies are broad, wingless, and adapted for clinging to hair shafts or feathers.. Date latest changes:

What diseases can bedbugs transmit?

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are hematophagous insects belonging to the family Cimicidae. Adult specimens measure 4–5 mm, are flattened, wingless, and possess a piercing‑sucking mouthpart adapted for rapid blood extraction. The species completes development through five nymphal instars, each requiring a blood meal to molt, and can survive for months without feeding under favorable conditions.. Date latest changes:

How to treat a dog house for fleas?

Fleas leave distinct evidence in a dog’s sleeping area. Look for tiny, dark specks on bedding or the floor; these are flea feces, often described as “sand” because of their gritty texture. Small, raised bumps on the dog’s skin, especially around the neck, base of the tail, and belly, indicate bite reactions.. Date latest changes:

What do bedbug larvae look like?

Bedbug eggs are tiny, oval structures measuring about 0.5 mm in length. Their shells are smooth, translucent to off‑white, and often appear slightly glossy. Eggs are deposited in clusters of 10–50, held together by a sticky cement that the female secretes to attach them to surfaces such as mattress seams, baseboards, or fabric folds.. Date latest changes:

How can an apartment be treated for cat fleas?

Fleas on a cat are usually detected through observable changes in the animal’s condition. Look for the following indicators: Small, dark specks moving on the fur, especially near the neck, base of the tail, and belly. These are adult fleas.. Date latest changes:

How to make a flea trap in an apartment?

Recognizing flea activity is the first step toward constructing an effective indoor trap. Early detection prevents infestations from spreading to pets, furniture, and bedding. Typical indicators include: Small, dark specks on sheets or carpet that resemble pepper grains;. Date latest changes:

What appears on the skin after a tick bite?

A tick attachment typically leaves a small, erythematous papule at the bite site. The lesion measures 2–5 mm in diameter, appears as a flat or slightly raised red spot, and may contain a central punctum where the tick’s mouthparts remain embedded.. Date latest changes:

What is Lyme disease, a tick‑borne illness

Borrelia burgdorferi is a spirochete bacterium responsible for the infection commonly referred to as Lyme disease, a tick‑transmitted illness prevalent in temperate regions. The organism belongs to the family Spirochaetaceae and exhibits a distinctive helical shape that enables motility through viscous host tissues.. Date latest changes:

How do lice infestations occur in children?

Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) complete their development on the human scalp in a rapid, predictable sequence. The cycle begins when a fertilized female deposits eggs, known as nits, on hair shafts close to the scalp. Each nit measures about 0.. Date latest changes:

How can I distinguish an encephalitis tick from a regular tick?

Encephalitis‑transmitting ticks belong primarily to the Ixodes genus, especially Ixodes ricinus in Europe and Ixodes persulcatus in Asia. They are small (≈2–3 mm unfed), dark brown to black, with a rounded posterior body and a distinct, short, scutum that does not cover the entire abdomen.. Date latest changes:

Does wormwood help against bedbugs?

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are small, wingless insects that feed exclusively on the blood of warm‑blooded hosts. Adults measure 4–5 mm, are reddish‑brown, and have a flat, oval body that becomes swollen after feeding. Their life cycle includes egg, five nymphal instars, and adult stages;. Date latest changes:

Can flea drops be applied to a nursing cat?

Flea control products for a lactating cat contain active compounds that can be transferred to kittens through milk. The primary ingredient, typically a neurotoxic insecticide such as fipronil or imidacloprid, interferes with GABA‑gated chloride channels in the nervous system.. Date latest changes:

How can the presence of lice on another person be determined?

The life cycle of lice consists of three distinct stages: egg, nymph, and adult. An egg, commonly called a nit, is firmly attached to a hair shaft near the scalp. Eggs hatch after 7‑10 days, releasing nymphs that resemble miniature adults but lack reproductive capability.. Date latest changes:

How do I put a flea collar on a cat using cleavers?

Applying a flea collar to a cat while employing kitchen cleavers introduces severe risk of physical trauma. The sharp blades can cause lacerations, puncture wounds, and deep tissue damage. Such injuries may result in hemorrhage, infection, and prolonged recovery periods.. Date latest changes:

What should be done if a dog is bitten by an encephalitis tick?

Accurate identification of ticks capable of transmitting encephalitis is essential for prompt veterinary intervention. Recognizing the specific species enables targeted treatment, reduces the risk of severe neurological disease, and informs preventive measures for future exposures.. Date latest changes:

What treatments are available for spider mites on grapevines?

Spider mites represent the most damaging arthropod pests on Vitis vinifera, with several species regularly encountered in vineyards. Accurate identification of the species present guides the selection of effective control measures. Two‑spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) – the most widespread species;. Date latest changes:

Do fleas live on dogs and what are the features of their parasitism?

Fleas on dogs concentrate on body areas that provide optimal warmth, moisture, and limited grooming interference. These regions support rapid blood feeding and egg development while offering protection from the host’s coat and environmental exposure.. Date latest changes:

How to properly wash a cat for fleas at home?

Cat‑specific shampoo is formulated to remove fleas while protecting feline skin and coat. It contains mild surfactants, flea‑killing agents approved for cats, and moisturising ingredients that prevent irritation. When choosing a product, consider the following criteria:. Date latest changes:

How do Bravecto tablets for fleas and ticks work?

Fluralaner, the sole active compound in Bravecto tablets, belongs to the isoxazoline class of ectoparasiticides. After oral administration, the molecule is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream and distributes throughout the canine or feline body.. Date latest changes:

Which is more effective against fleas on cats: drops or a collar?

Cats infested with fleas often display specific physical and behavioral cues. Early identification allows timely intervention and informs the choice between topical applications and wearable devices. Common flea-related signs include: Excessive scratching, especially around the neck, tail base, and hindquarters Red or inflamed skin patches Small black specks (flea feces) on the fur or bedding Hair loss in localized areas Restlessness or difficulty settling Add. Date latest changes:

What is the rate of bed bug reproduction after they appear in an apartment?

The female bed bug deposits between 5 and 7 eggs per day, reaching a total of up to 200 eggs during her lifespan. Each egg is encased in a thin, white shell that hardens within minutes after laying. Incubation lasts 6‑10 days, depending on temperature and humidity;. Date latest changes:

How long should a flea collar be worn on a cat at home?

Chemical flea collars rely on a controlled‑release system that disperses active agents across the cat’s skin and fur. The core compound, typically an insecticide such as imidacloprid, fipronil, or selamectin, is embedded in a polymer matrix.. Date latest changes:

What are effective methods for eradicating ground fleas in private homes?

The life cycle of fleas consists of four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Female fleas lay 20–50 eggs per day on host animals or in surrounding environments such as carpets, bedding, and floor cracks. Eggs hatch within 2–5 days, producing larvae that feed on organic debris, adult flea feces, and microscopic fungi.. Date latest changes:

What does the appearance of lice in a child's hair mean in a girl's dream?

Dreams operate as mental simulations that blend memories, emotions, and unconscious material. They generate imagery that reflects personal concerns, often using everyday objects to convey abstract feelings. The mind selects familiar elements—such as a child's hair—to create a vivid scenario that can be examined without the constraints of waking logic.. Date latest changes:

After a tick bite, what symptoms does a person experience and after how long do they appear?

The area where a tick attaches often appears as a small, raised bump that may be red or pink. In many cases the skin around the bite remains smooth; however, a halo of erythema can develop, especially if an infection such as Lyme disease is present.. Date latest changes:

How to protect a property from ticks?

Accurate identification of tick species is a prerequisite for effective property‑level control because each species has distinct habitat preferences, seasonal activity, and disease vectors. Black‑legged (deer) tick – Ixodes scapularis • Size:. Date latest changes:

How can you treat a chicken coop for lice?

Common types of lice that infest chickens differ in morphology, preferred attachment sites, and the damage they cause. Recognizing each type is essential for effective control in a coop. • «Menopon gallinae» – body louse. Small, brown, and oval, it attaches to the skin on the bird’s neck and back.. Date latest changes:

How does the 8th bedbug differ from the 16th?

Bedbug infestations have recurred throughout history, shaping domestic hygiene, public health policies, and urban development. Early records reveal that societies confronted these pests with rudimentary methods, while later periods introduced systematic control measures.. Date latest changes:

What can be used to eliminate earth fleas?

Earth fleas (Tunga spp.) develop through four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Females lay clusters of 30‑200 eggs in moist soil or leaf litter. Eggs hatch within 2‑4 days, releasing larvae that feed on organic debris and microorganisms.. Date latest changes:

Do ticks crawl up trees: fact or myth?

Ticks undergo a four‑stage life cycle—egg, larva, nymph, and adult—each linked to specific habitats that determine their likelihood of encountering vertical surfaces. Egg: Laid in protected microhabitats such as leaf litter or soil; hatch after several weeks.. Date latest changes:

What marks do bed bug bites leave?

Bed bug feeding sites are most often located on skin that is exposed while a person sleeps. The insects are drawn to body heat and carbon‑dioxide, so they target areas that are uncovered or only lightly covered by clothing. Bites commonly appear in the following regions:. Date latest changes:

How do bedbugs bite?

Bedbug feeding relies on a pair of slender, interlocking stylets that form a functional proboscis. The maxillary stylets are elongated, hollow structures that create a central canal for fluid transport, while the mandibular stylets are solid, sharp needles that pierce the host’s epidermis.. Date latest changes:

Where do bedbugs most often bite in a bed?

The feeding apparatus of the common bed‑infesting insect consists of a slender, retractable proboscis that penetrates the host’s epidermis. The needle‑like stylet pair separates to create a channel through which saliva is injected and blood is drawn.. Date latest changes:

What to do if a flea bites you?

Flea bites appear as tiny, raised welts typically 1–3 mm in diameter. The lesions are bright red at the center and may develop a pale halo as inflammation spreads. A single bite often looks like a pinpoint puncture with a surrounding area of irritation;. Date latest changes:

How many days do bedbug bites take to clear?

Bed‑bug bites manifest within minutes to a few hours after contact. The skin typically shows a small, raised welt that is red or pink. Itching begins almost immediately and may intensify as the reaction develops. Additional signs include: Swelling that can spread a few centimeters around the puncture site A cluster of three to five bites arranged in a line or zig‑zag pattern Slight burning or stinging sensation In some individuals, especially those with heightened s. Date latest changes: