List of articles № 160
How dangerous is a Lyme tick to humans
Borrelia burgdorferi is a spirochete bacterium responsible for Lyme disease, the most common tick‑borne infection in temperate regions. The organism measures 10–30 µm in length, possesses a flexible helical shape, and harbors a linear chromosome of approximately 910 kb together with multiple linear and circular plasmids that encode virulence factors.. Date latest changes:
How to eliminate genital fleas in an apartment?
Pubic lice (Pthirus pubis) progress through three stages: egg (nit), nymph, and adult. Female lice attach 0.5 mm eggs to coarse hair shafts, usually near the base. Eggs hatch in 6–10 days, releasing nymphs that resemble miniature adults but lack reproductive capacity.. Date latest changes:
How does a tick that has just attached look?
A newly attached tick presents a compact, flattened body that conforms closely to the host’s skin. The overall length typically measures between 1 mm and 3 mm, depending on species and developmental stage. Adult females of larger species may reach up to 4 mm, while larvae rarely exceed 0.. Date latest changes:
How quickly do bedbugs spread in an apartment?
Bedbug eggs are tiny, about 1 mm in length, and are deposited in clusters called oothecae. A female can lay 200–500 eggs during her lifetime, spreading them across cracks, seams, and the undersides of furniture. Each egg hatches in approximately 6–10 days under typical indoor temperatures (22–26 °C).. Date latest changes:
How can you control spider mite on balsam?
Spider mites leave unmistakable evidence on balsam foliage. The most common indicator is a fine stippling pattern: tiny, pale spots appear between leaf veins, giving the surface a sand‑paper texture. As feeding intensifies, affected areas turn yellow or bronze, eventually developing a mottled appearance.. Date latest changes:
How many times can a single bedbug bite?
A bed‑bug bite begins when the insect inserts its elongated, needle‑like mouthpart, the proboscis, through the skin. The proboscis consists of two slender stylets that act like a syringe, one delivering saliva and the other drawing blood. Saliva contains anticoagulants, vasodilators, and anesthetic proteins that keep the blood flowing and delay the host’s sensation of the puncture.. Date latest changes:
Why does a Yorkshire Terrier itch when there are no fleas?
Yorkshire Terriers that scratch or rub their skin despite a negative flea examination are frequently affected by atopic dermatitis, an immune‑mediated response to airborne or contact allergens. The condition arises when the skin’s barrier function is compromised, allowing proteins such as pollen, mold spores, dust‑mite enzymes, or chemicals to penetrate and trigger IgE‑driven inflammation.. Date latest changes:
Which flea and tick collar should be chosen for a dog?
Flea and tick collars are wearable devices that release insecticidal compounds from a polymer matrix surrounding the dog’s neck. The compounds diffuse across the skin surface, creating a protective barrier that repels or kills fleas and ticks on contact.. Date latest changes:
How do fleas reproduce on cats at home?
Fleas must locate a suitable cat before they can begin their reproductive cycle inside a household. Adult females emerge from the pupal stage already primed to seek a blood meal, which provides the nutrients required for egg development. The search for a host relies on a combination of sensory inputs and environmental conditions that direct the insect toward a potential feline victim.. Date latest changes:
How many days after disinfection do bedbugs disappear?
After a disinfection procedure, the interval until bedbugs are no longer detectable varies with the chosen control technique. Chemical sprays and dusts – Neurotoxic insecticides kill on contact and through residual action. Visible reduction usually occurs within 24–48 hours;. Date latest changes:
How does a subcutaneous mite appear on a cat and how should it be treated?
Mites that infest cats belong to several distinct families, each producing characteristic skin changes and requiring specific therapeutic approaches. Demodex cati – a follicular mite residing in hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Infestations appear as localized alopecia, papules, or crusted lesions, often confined to the face, neck, or limbs.. Date latest changes:
What pests can appear in a bed besides bedbugs?
Dust mites are microscopic arthropods that thrive in the warm, humid environment of a mattress, pillow, and bedding. They feed on dead skin cells shed by humans and pets, reproducing rapidly when humidity exceeds 50 % and temperature stays between 20‑25 °C.. Date latest changes:
What does it mean to dream of many fleas?
Dreams populated by countless tiny insects often symbolize persistent, low‑level stressors that occupy mental space. The imagery of numerous fleas points to an accumulation of petty grievances that, while individually minor, collectively create a sense of discomfort and loss of control.. Date latest changes:
What are the best products to eliminate bed bugs?
Recognizing an infestation is the first step toward choosing an effective control method. Small, reddish‑brown bites appearing in lines or clusters on exposed skin. Dark, rust‑colored spots on bedding, mattress seams, or furniture; these are fecal deposits.. Date latest changes:
Bed bugs are small, wingless insects measuring approximately 5–7 mm in length. Adults have a reddish‑brown, oval body that flattens when not feeding and becomes engorged and lighter after a blood meal. Nymphs resemble adults but are smaller, translucent, and develop through five molts before reaching maturity.. Date latest changes:
How many days after a bedbug treatment can you re-enter the apartment?
The type of bed‑bug control applied determines how long occupants must stay out of the dwelling before it is safe to return. Chemical spray treatments, such as pyrethroid‑based aerosols, dry‑powder formulations, or residual foggers, typically require a minimum of 24 hours before re‑entry.. Date latest changes:
What measures should be taken to fight spider mite on cucumbers in a greenhouse during fruiting?
Visual inspection is the first line of defense against spider mite infestations in cucumber production within greenhouse environments during the fruiting stage. Inspectors must examine the undersides of leaves, where mites congregate, using a hand lens or portable microscope at a magnification of 10‑30×.. Date latest changes:
Is a tick bite dangerous for a cat?
Ticks regularly attach to domestic cats, especially those with outdoor access. Identifying the tick species present is essential because each vector carries a distinct set of pathogens. Ixodes ricinus (castor bean tick) – widespread in temperate Europe and parts of Asia;. Date latest changes:
Can lice appear due to stress?
Head lice, scientifically known as «Pediculus humanus capitis», are obligate ectoparasites that inhabit the human scalp. Adult lice measure 2–4 mm, have a flattened body, and possess clawed legs adapted for grasping hair shafts. Their primary function is to feed on blood from the scalp, causing irritation and itching.. Date latest changes:
How do cat fleas and lice look?
Accurate recognition of feline ectoparasites prevents misdiagnosis and ineffective treatment. Fleas present as small, laterally flattened insects, typically 1–3 mm long, with dark brown bodies and powerful hind legs adapted for jumping. Lice appear as elongated, wingless arthropods, 1–2 mm in length, exhibiting a more cylindrical shape and often a grayish‑white or tan coloration.. Date latest changes:
The first contact with a flea bite is usually perceived as a brief, sharp prick. The puncture is caused by the flea’s mouthparts, which penetrate the epidermis in a fraction of a second. The immediate feeling is often described as a faint sting or a subtle pinprick, sometimes accompanied by a fleeting sensation of warmth at the site.. Date latest changes:
How can you cure ear mites in a dog?
Ear mites are microscopic, eight‑legged parasites that inhabit the external ear canal of dogs. The most common species, Otodectes cynotis , feeds on earwax and skin debris, causing irritation and inflammation. Adult mites measure 0.2–0.3 mm, making them invisible to the naked eye;. Date latest changes:
If a tick bites, what should be done?
Ticks that attach to humans differ in species and preferred environments. Identifying the likely species and its habitat guides prompt removal and reduces infection risk. Blacklegged (deer) tick – prevalent in wooded areas, leaf litter, and shaded grass.. Date latest changes:
Where can you submit a tick sample for analysis?
Submitting a tick specimen to a qualified laboratory enables detection of several pathogenic agents. Molecular assays, serology, and culture techniques identify bacterial, protozoan, and viral infections transmitted by ticks. The following disease agents are routinely screened:. Date latest changes:
Will there be blood if you crush a bedbug?
Bedbugs possess a multi‑layered exoskeleton composed of chitin reinforced with proteins and sclerotized cuticle. The outermost epicuticle provides waterproofing, while the underlying procuticle splits into an exocuticle and an endocuticle that give rigidity and flexibility.. Date latest changes:
How long do forest ticks live in an apartment?
Forest ticks that enter a dwelling complete their life cycle in four stages; the egg stage is the first and determines how long the population can persist indoors. After a fertilized female deposits her clutch on a protected surface—typically cracks in flooring, baseboards, or hidden corners—the eggs remain dormant until environmental conditions trigger development.. Date latest changes:
Do lice fly according to experts?
Lice belong to the order Phthiraptera, a group of obligate ectoparasites that lack any form of wing structure. Morphological examinations consistently reveal a flattened dorsal surface, reduced thoracic musculature, and the complete absence of wing buds or vestigial remnants.. Date latest changes:
How should I properly treat a house for bedbugs?
Recognising the signs of bed‑bug feeding is the first step in confirming an infestation and initiating an effective response. Bites typically appear in clusters or linear patterns, often referred to as “breakfast, lunch, and dinner” arrangements, because the insects feed sequentially along exposed skin.. Date latest changes:
Which scents repel fleas on animals?
Fleas are hematophagous parasites that infest dogs, cats, and other mammals, causing itching, skin infections, anemia, and transmission of bacterial diseases such as Bartonella and Rickettsia. An adult female can lay up to 50 eggs per day, leading to rapid population growth and persistent environmental contamination.. Date latest changes:
How to quickly get rid of fleas on a kitten?
Rapid flea control in a kitten can precipitate anemia, a condition where red blood cell count falls below normal. Fleas feed on blood; heavy infestations may cause chronic blood loss, especially in very young cats whose total blood volume is limited.. Date latest changes:
What should be done if bitten by a Lyme tick
Effective removal of a potentially infected tick depends on using the right instruments. The tools must grasp the tick close to the skin without crushing its body, allowing a clean extraction. Fine‑pointed tweezers (stainless steel) – provide precise control;. Date latest changes:
What should you do if you become infected with spider mites?
Spider mite infestations reveal themselves through distinct leaf patterns. Stippled, yellow‑green or bronze speckles appear where mites feed, often forming a fine webbing on the leaf underside. Leaves may curl, become brittle, or show a stippled “mosaic” effect as chlorophyll is destroyed.. Date latest changes:
How to treat a room for fleas and ticks?
Flea bites appear as small, red punctures, often clustered in groups of three to five. The central spot may swell and itch intensely, while surrounding lesions remain flat. Bites typically occur on the ankles, calves, and lower torso, where clothing provides limited protection.. Date latest changes:
How quickly can a tick be detected on a human body?
Early identification of attached ticks prevents pathogen transmission and reduces the likelihood of severe illness. Most tick-borne bacteria, viruses, and parasites require a minimum attachment period—often 24–48 hours—to move from the arthropod into the host’s bloodstream.. Date latest changes:
Can an allergy develop from bedbug bites?
Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius and Cimex hemipterus) are hematophagous insects that complete their life cycle on a single host species, typically humans. Adult females lay 1–5 eggs per day, depositing them in concealed cracks, seams, or crevices near sleeping areas.. Date latest changes:
How long must a tick remain attached to transmit infection?
Ticks acquire pathogens while feeding on infected hosts and retain them through successive blood meals. During attachment, the mouthparts embed in skin, creating a feeding channel that supplies the tick with blood for several days. This prolonged contact enables pathogens to move from the tick’s midgut to its salivary glands and then into the host.. Date latest changes:
What are bedbugs afraid of and how to get rid of them at home?
Bedbugs exhibit negative phototaxis, meaning they move away from bright illumination. Exposure to intense light disrupts their normal hiding patterns and forces them into open areas where they become more vulnerable to treatment. Effective light sources include:. Date latest changes:
How should flea treatment be correctly applied to a cat?
Topical spot‑on products deliver a single dose of insecticide directly onto the cat’s skin, providing systemic protection against fleas for up to one month. The medication spreads through the bloodstream, killing fleas that bite the animal and preventing new infestations.. Date latest changes:
How to treat a room to get rid of fleas?
Flea bites provide the first tangible evidence that a room harbors an active infestation. Prompt identification enables targeted environmental measures before the population expands. Typical bites appear as small, red punctures surrounded by a halo of inflammation.. Date latest changes:
How can I eliminate fleas in the house with folk remedies?
A flea infestation becomes evident through specific indicators. Adult insects may be seen moving on floors, carpets, or pet fur. Small dark specks resembling pepper, known as flea feces, appear on bedding and upholstery. Bites present as itchy red spots, often clustered on ankles or lower legs.. Date latest changes: