List of articles № 166

What if a tick carries encephalitis?

Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) belongs to the Flaviviridae family, possesses a single‑stranded positive‑sense RNA genome of approximately 11 kb, and encodes structural proteins (C, prM/M, E) and non‑structural proteins (NS1‑NS5) essential for replication and immune evasion.. Date latest changes:

Can bedbugs bite only children?

Bedbugs are opportunistic feeders; they do not target a specific age group. The apparent concentration of bites on children results from several biological and environmental variables that influence host selection. Elevated skin temperature and increased blood flow in younger individuals create stronger thermal cues.. Date latest changes:

When are ticks most active and dangerous?

The egg stage is the first developmental phase of ticks and occurs off the host, typically in leaf litter or soil. Females deposit thousands of eggs after engorgement; each clutch may contain 1,000–5,000 eggs depending on species. Incubation time varies with temperature and humidity:. Date latest changes:

How to effectively clean the head of lice?

The presence of head‑lice infestation manifests through distinct, observable signs that indicate the need for immediate treatment. Primary indicators include: Persistent itching on the scalp, especially after washing or exposure to heat.. Date latest changes:

What sizes do bedbugs come in?

Bedbug eggs are the smallest measurable stage in the species’ development cycle. Each egg measures approximately 0.5 mm in length and 0.3 mm in width, comparable to a grain of rice. The oval shape is encased in a thin, translucent shell that hardens shortly after deposition.. Date latest changes:

How can fleas be eliminated from a kitten within one month?

Fleas pose immediate and serious threats to a kitten’s health. Blood loss from repeated feeding can lead to anemia, especially in young animals with limited blood volume. Anemia manifests as lethargy, pale mucous membranes, and rapid breathing;. Date latest changes:

Can a person be a carrier of fleas?

The flea life cycle proceeds through four distinct stages, each requiring specific environmental conditions. Egg – Adult females deposit thousands of eggs on the host or in the surrounding habitat. Eggs are minute, non‑motile, and hatch within 1–10 days depending on temperature and humidity.. Date latest changes:

How to treat a flower for spider mites?

Effective visual inspection is the first line of defense against spider mite damage on flowering plants. Inspect the undersides of leaves where mites congregate; look for tiny moving specks and stippled discoloration. Identify fine silk threads that connect colonies;. Date latest changes:

When do ticks become dangerous to people?

Ticks pose a health threat when they acquire and transmit pathogens during feeding. Species identity determines which pathogens are carried and where exposure is most likely, making geographic distribution a key factor in risk assessment. Ixodes scapularis (black‑legged or deer tick) – Eastern United States, extending from New England to the Gulf Coast and into the Midwest.. Date latest changes:

Can a domestic cat develop fleas?

Fleas are small, wing‑less insects belonging to the order Siphonaptera. Adults measure 1–4 mm, possess laterally compressed bodies, and are covered with hardened exoskeletons that facilitate movement through animal hair. Their mouthparts are adapted for piercing skin and sucking blood, enabling rapid feeding on warm‑blooded hosts.. Date latest changes:

Can a subcutaneous tick appear in a human?

The term “subcutaneous” designates the anatomical layer situated directly beneath the dermis and above the underlying muscle. This zone consists primarily of adipose tissue, connective fibers, blood vessels, and nerves, providing insulation, energy storage, and vascular supply to the overlying skin.. Date latest changes:

What does it mean when a woman dreams of live bedbugs?

In dream analysis, insects function as potent symbols of underlying psychological states. Their presence often reflects subconscious reactions to irritation, transformation, or perceived threats. Scholars of oneirology consistently associate insect imagery with specific emotional and situational themes.. Date latest changes:

Which immunoglobulin is prescribed after a tick bite?

Ticks transmit a diverse array of microorganisms that cause acute and chronic illnesses in humans. The most frequently encountered agents include: Borrelia burgdorferi – spirochete responsible for Lyme disease; early infection presents with erythema migrans and flu‑like symptoms.. Date latest changes:

How to fight lice: practical recommendations?

Lice that infest humans belong to three distinct species, each with specific biological traits and preferred habitats. Recognizing these differences is essential for selecting effective control measures. Pediculus humanus capitis (head lice) – live on the scalp, attach eggs (nits) to hair shafts, feed several times daily, cause itching and visible scalp irritation.. Date latest changes:

Can a pregnant cat be washed with flea shampoo?

Flea shampoos contain topical insecticides such as pyrethrins, permethrin, imidacloprid, or fipronil. After application, these compounds can penetrate the skin and enter the maternal bloodstream. Systemic absorption varies with the cat’s skin condition, the concentration of the product, and the duration of contact.. Date latest changes:

Where do fleas on a house cat in an apartment come from?

Fleas frequently infest cats that never leave an apartment, contradicting the belief that indoor life provides immunity. The most common errors in understanding this problem are listed below. Myth: Indoor cats are immune to fleas. Fact:. Date latest changes:

How long does it take for a flea collar for cats to become effective?

Repellent collars for cats release active ingredients that spread across the skin and coat, creating a protective barrier against fleas and other parasites. The protective effect does not appear instantly; manufacturers typically state that the collar reaches full efficacy within a specific period after application.. Date latest changes:

What should be used to treat bedbugs at home?

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are small, oval insects measuring 4–5 mm in length when fully fed and 2–3 mm after a blood meal. Their dorsal surface is flat and reddish‑brown, becoming paler after feeding. The antennae are five‑segmented, and the legs are thin, allowing rapid movement across fabric and smooth surfaces.. Date latest changes:

How can a tick be removed from a lemon at home?

Many people assume that removing a tick from a lemon is straightforward, yet several false ideas persist and can damage the fruit or leave the parasite behind. Heat applied directly to the lemon is thought to immobilize the tick. In reality, heat softens the peel, may cause juice loss, and does not guarantee the tick’s death.. Date latest changes:

Where do laundry bedbugs originate and how can you get rid of them?

Bedbugs progress through five distinct developmental stages: egg, first‑instar nymph, second‑instar nymph, third‑instar nymph, fourth‑instar nymph, fifth‑instar nymph, and adult. Each stage requires a blood meal to molt to the next, extending the generation time to approximately four‑six weeks under optimal temperature (25‑30 °C) and humidity (45‑55 %).. Date latest changes:

How to use flea shampoo for cruciferous flea infestations?

Flea shampoo applied to brassica crops reveals damage through distinct visual cues. Early signs appear on foliage, followed by systemic effects that can compromise yield. Yellowing or pale patches on leaves, often uneven and surrounded by a darker margin.. Date latest changes:

What effective home ways exist to get rid of bed bugs?

Bed bugs are small, flat insects whose morphology directly influences the choice of domestic control techniques. Adults measure 4–5 mm in length, are oval‑shaped, and exhibit a reddish‑brown hue that darkens after feeding. Their lack of wings and flattened bodies allow them to hide in narrow crevices, mattress seams, and furniture joints.. Date latest changes:

How can lice be quickly and effectively removed at home?

Lice develop through three distinct stages: egg, nymph, and adult. An adult female lays 6‑10 eggs (nits) each day, attaching them firmly to hair shafts close to the scalp. Eggs hatch in 7‑10 days, releasing nymphs that resemble miniature adults but lack full reproductive capacity.. Date latest changes:

Which antibiotics are prescribed after a tick bite: doctors' recommendations?

Lyme disease, caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi , is the most common infection transmitted by Ixodes ticks. Prompt antibiotic therapy after a recognized bite can prevent dissemination and reduce the risk of chronic manifestations.. Date latest changes:

How to get rid of spider mite on cucumbers in a greenhouse: proven folk remedies?

Spider mites on cucumber vines appear as tiny, moving specks on the undersides of leaves. The insects measure 0.2–0.5 mm, are reddish‑brown or yellow, and form dense colonies that can be seen with a magnifying lens. Damage manifests as stippling:. Date latest changes:

Can ticks jump or fly?

Ticks move exclusively by walking and crawling. Their eight legs are equipped with sensory pits that detect heat, carbon‑dioxide, and vibrations, allowing the arthropod to locate a host while remaining on vegetation. Locomotion is slow; average speed ranges from 0.. Date latest changes:

How do lice and fleas differ?

Both lice and fleas are external parasites that rely on a host’s blood for nutrition. They belong to the class Insecta, possess a three‑part body plan (head, thorax, abdomen), and undergo incomplete metamorphosis, progressing from egg to nymph to adult without a pupal stage.. Date latest changes:

How many days do lice live on the head?

The egg, commonly called a nit, represents the first phase of the head‑lice life cycle. Female lice attach each egg to a hair shaft with a cement‑like substance, positioning it within 1 mm of the scalp where temperature remains stable. Under optimal conditions—ambient temperature around 30 °C (86 °F) and high humidity—embryonic development requires approximately 7 to 10 days before hatching.. Date latest changes:

How to remove ground fleas from a house?

Ground fleas, also known as rabbit fleas (Spilopsyllus cuniculi), progress through four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Understanding each phase is essential for effective eradication in a dwelling. Egg : Females deposit 30‑50 eggs on the host’s fur or in the surrounding environment.. Date latest changes:

How to treat subcutaneous mites on the face?

Demodex mites are microscopic, elongated arthropods that inhabit the pilosebaceous units of human skin. Two species predominate on the face: Demodex folliculorum , which resides chiefly in hair follicles, and Demodex brevis , which occupies sebaceous glands.. Date latest changes:

How does a tick embed itself into human skin?

Ticks locate an optimal attachment site before insertion. They scan the host’s surface with sensory organs on their front legs, detecting temperature, carbon‑dioxide, and movement. Once a suitable area is identified, the tick evaluates skin thickness and hair density.. Date latest changes:

Which oil is effective against ticks?

Tick bites transmit a range of pathogens that can cause severe illness in humans and animals. The most common agents include bacteria such as Borrelia burgdorferi , which leads to Lyme disease, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum , responsible for anaplasmosis.. Date latest changes:

Is it possible to eliminate bedbugs from a couch?

Bed bugs, scientifically known as «Cimex lectularius», are small, wingless insects that feed exclusively on the blood of warm‑blooded hosts. Adults measure 4–5 mm in length, exhibit a flattened, oval body, and display a reddish‑brown coloration after feeding.. Date latest changes:

How to determine that a bite was from a tick?

Tick bites display distinct visual characteristics that separate them from other arthropod injuries. The bite site typically presents as a small, localized lesion with a central puncture point where the tick’s mouthparts were attached. Surrounding the punctum, a reddened halo may appear, often expanding gradually over hours or days.. Date latest changes:

Why are lice found only in children?

Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) are tiny, wing‑less insects that live on the human scalp and feed on blood several times a day. Adult lice measure 2–4 mm, have six legs with clawed tarsi for grasping hair shafts, and reproduce rapidly:. Date latest changes:

What can be used to eliminate bedbugs at home?

Bedbugs are small, oval insects measuring 4–5 mm in length, flat-bodied, and reddish‑brown after feeding. Their wings are absent, and their antennae are short. These visual traits distinguish them from other pests and allow precise identification during inspection.. Date latest changes:

Can fleas appear due to dampness?

Fleas develop through four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Each stage depends on specific environmental parameters that influence survival and progression. Egg – deposited on the host or in the surrounding environment; requires adequate moisture to prevent desiccation.. Date latest changes:

How to combat earth fleas inside a house?

Earth fleas, commonly referred to as springtails, belong to the order Collembola. They are minute, wingless arthropods typically measuring 1–3 mm in length. Their bodies are soft, elongated, and often exhibit a gray, brown, or white coloration.. Date latest changes:

How to determine if a tick is infectious?

Tick-borne pathogens represent the primary indicator of a tick’s capacity to transmit disease. Identification of these microorganisms guides risk assessment and informs preventive measures. Bacterial agents Borrelia burgdorferi – causative organism of Lyme disease;. Date latest changes:

How often can a cat be treated for fleas?

Flea reproduction relies on rapid egg production; a single female can lay up to several hundred eggs within 24 hours. Eggs fall off the host and disperse in the environment, where they hatch in 2–5 days under optimal temperature and humidity.. Date latest changes: