List of articles № 169

What do dreams about lice and fleas mean?

Dream interpretation treats nightly imagery as a language that reflects unconscious concerns, personal history, and emotional states. Originating in ancient divination practices and refined by modern psychology, the discipline relies on symbolic analysis rather than literal reading.. Date latest changes:

Is it safe to wet a tick bite site?

When a tick is found attached to the skin, act without delay. Grasp the tick as close to the epidermis as possible with fine‑point tweezers, pull upward with steady pressure, and avoid squeezing the body. After extraction, disinfect the bite area with an alcohol swab or iodine solution.. Date latest changes:

How should a dog be treated after a tick bite?

After a tick attaches to a dog, immediate removal reduces the risk of pathogen transmission. Effective extraction requires specific instruments that minimize tissue damage and ensure the entire mouthparts are withdrawn. Fine‑tipped, straight‑pointed tweezers:. Date latest changes:

How can you distinguish a dead tick from a live one?

Identifying whether a tick is alive or deceased is essential for evaluating the threat it poses. Physical cues separate viable specimens from inert ones. Live ticks exhibit movement when gently stimulated; dead ticks remain motionless. Viable ticks retain a firm, elastic exoskeleton;. Date latest changes:

What traces do bedbugs leave on wallpaper?

Bed bugs frequently select wallpaper as a travel corridor because the material offers a stable, flat surface that facilitates movement between the bed and surrounding walls. The adhesive backing and textured patterns create micro‑grooves where insects can grip without expending energy.. Date latest changes:

Which essential oil repels ticks?

Ticks attach to skin, break the epidermal barrier, and introduce saliva that contains anticoagulants, anti‑inflammatory compounds, and pathogens. The bite itself can cause local inflammation, itching, and secondary bacterial infection if the wound is scratched or contaminated.. Date latest changes:

What to do when you discover lice on yourself?

Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) are tiny, wing‑less insects that live on the scalp and feed on human blood. Adult specimens measure 2–4 mm, are tan to gray, and have six legs equipped with claws that grip hair shafts. They cannot survive more than 24 hours away from a human host.. Date latest changes:

Can bedbugs be permanently eradicated?

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) develop through a predictable series of stages that directly influence control efforts. An egg, approximately 0.5 mm in length, is deposited in protected crevices and hatches in 6–10 days under typical indoor temperatures (21–27 °C).. Date latest changes:

What should be applied to flea bites to relieve itching?

Over‑the‑counter hydrocortisone creams are a first‑line topical option for easing the pruritus caused by flea bites. The active ingredient, a low‑potency corticosteroid, reduces inflammation by inhibiting the release of histamine and other mediators from mast cells.. Date latest changes:

Which flea control product works best indoors?

Effective indoor flea management must address the egg and larval stages, because most of the population exists in these forms before emerging as adults. Eggs are deposited in hair, bedding, and carpet fibers; they hatch within two to five days under warm, humid conditions.. Date latest changes:

What to use to treat strawberries in autumn against ticks?

Strawberry ticks (Phytoseiidae mites) complete a four‑stage development cycle that directly influences the timing of effective autumn interventions. Adult females lay clusters of 30–70 eggs on the underside of leaves and fruit stems. Eggs hatch within 3–5 days, producing mobile larvae that lack functional silk glands and feed primarily on soft plant tissue.. Date latest changes:

How should Lyme disease contracted from a tick be treated?

Lyme disease is an infectious illness caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi , transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Ixodes ticks. The bacterium colonizes the tick’s midgut and migrates to the salivary glands during feeding, entering the host’s skin within 24–48 hours of attachment.. Date latest changes:

Can Yorkshire Terriers have fleas?

Fleas are tiny, wing‑less insects of the order Siphonaptera that survive by feeding on the blood of mammals and birds. Adult fleas measure 1–4 mm, possess laterally compressed bodies, and are equipped with powerful legs for jumping up to 150 times their length.. Date latest changes:

What are the symptoms of Lyme disease after a tick bite?

Lyme disease is an infectious illness caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and, in rare cases, related species. The pathogen is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected nymphal or adult Ixodes ticks, commonly known as deer ticks.. Date latest changes:

Should you remove belongings when treating for bedbugs?

When a bed‑bug infestation is identified, the insects concentrate in concealed locations that protect them from detection and treatment. Common refuges include: Mattress seams, folds, and tags Box‑spring cavities and under‑frame spaces Upholstered furniture cushions and springs Wall cracks, baseboard gaps, and electrical outlet covers Luggage, backpacks, and other personal items that are stored close to sleeping areas Clutter such as books, clothing piles, and car. Date latest changes:

How to properly apply ointment to a tick bite site?

Effective treatment of a tick bite begins with safe extraction of the parasite. The following instruments ensure complete removal while minimizing tissue damage and the risk of pathogen transmission: Fine‑point tweezers or flat‑tip forceps, stainless steel, with a locking mechanism for secure grip.. Date latest changes:

How to remove lice from hair: step‑by‑step guide?

Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) are obligate ectoparasites that inhabit the human scalp and feed exclusively on blood. They survive only on humans, completing their entire life cycle on the host. Typical adult lice measure 2–4 mm in length, have a flattened body, six legs with clawed tarsi, and range in color from light gray to brown.. Date latest changes:

What should be done when fleas appear in a house, and how can they be eliminated?

Visual confirmation of fleas provides the evidence needed to initiate an effective eradication program. Fleas appear as small, dark, wingless insects roughly 1–3 mm long, often moving in rapid, erratic jumps. Their presence is indicated by visible insects on pets, bite marks on skin, or fine black specks (flea dirt) on bedding and carpets.. Date latest changes:

When can kittens be treated for fleas and worms?

Kittens are highly susceptible to flea and worm infestations because their physiological defenses are still developing. Immature immune systems lack the antibody levels needed to neutralize parasites and the toxins they release. Their low body weight means that a small number of parasites can cause a proportionally larger blood loss or nutritional deficiency compared to adult cats.. Date latest changes:

What should I do if a cat is poisoned by flea drops?

When a cat absorbs toxic flea medication, the nervous system can be affected within minutes. Rapid identification of neurological signs is essential for lifesaving intervention. Typical neurologic manifestations include: Tremors or uncontrolled shaking of the limbs and facial muscles Incoordination, frequent stumbling, or inability to walk straight Muscle twitching that spreads from the head to the body Seizure activity, ranging from brief convulsions to prolonged e. Date latest changes:

How many days can bedbugs survive without feeding on human blood?

The egg stage represents the first developmental phase of Cimex lectularius. Females lay eggs on surfaces near host activity, embedding them in a protective gelatinous coating that shields embryos from desiccation. Incubation proceeds without any need for a blood meal;. Date latest changes:

How do fleas bite humans: bite mechanism and prevention?

Fleas develop through four distinct stages, each influencing the likelihood of human contact and the effectiveness of control measures. The adult female deposits eggs on the host or in the surrounding environment. Eggs are small, oval, and hatch within 2–5 days under favorable temperature and humidity.. Date latest changes:

What should be done in an apartment before a bedbug treatment?

Before any eradication effort, confirming the presence of bedbugs is essential. Accurate identification prevents unnecessary chemical use and ensures that the chosen treatment targets the correct pest. Typical indicators include: Small, rust‑colored spots on bedding or furniture, representing crushed insects.. Date latest changes:

What to do if a person develops itching after a flea bite?

Flea bites appear as small, red punctures, often grouped in clusters of two to three. The lesions typically develop on the lower legs, ankles, and feet, where fleas have easy access. Each bite may be surrounded by a slightly raised halo, and the central point can be a pinpoint papule.. Date latest changes:

How long can bed bugs survive without blood in an empty apartment?

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) pass through a defined series of developmental phases that determine their capacity to endure periods without a blood meal. The cycle begins with the egg, laid singly and encased in a protective shell. Under optimal conditions (20‑30 °C, 70‑80 % relative humidity) an egg hatches in 6‑10 days.. Date latest changes:

Can a dead tick be submitted for analysis?

A deceased tick can be accepted for laboratory examination when the goal is to detect pathogenic organisms. Acceptance criteria include intact exoskeleton, proper labeling, and preservation in a suitable medium (e.g., 70 % ethanol) to prevent DNA degradation.. Date latest changes:

How can a greenhouse be treated for spider mites in autumn after harvest?

Autumn follows the harvest when greenhouse conditions begin to cool, yet spider mites remain active inside the structure. Their ability to survive on residual plant material and on the greenhouse framework creates a reservoir that can quickly repopulate new crops.. Date latest changes:

How to correctly dilute Fitovarm for spraying cucumbers against spider mite in a greenhouse?

Fitovarm is a biopesticide formulated from the entomopathogenic fungus  Beauveria bassiana . It targets spider mites by penetrating the cuticle, proliferating within the mite’s body, and causing mortality through fungal infection. The product’s specificity limits impact on beneficial insects, preserving pollinator activity and natural predators within greenhouse ecosystems.. Date latest changes:

What mark does a tick bite leave?

A tick bite commonly produces a small, red, raised area on the skin. The lesion typically measures a few millimeters in diameter and may appear as a pinpoint spot or a slightly larger bump. The coloration reflects localized inflammation caused by the tick’s saliva, which contains anticoagulants and irritants.. Date latest changes:

How can you effectively kill a tick?

Deer ticks (Ixodes scapularis) are small arachnids that attach to hosts for blood meals, transmitting pathogens such as Borrelia burgdorferi. Their hard exoskeleton protects them from many superficial treatments, requiring precise actions to ensure mortality.. Date latest changes:

Do lice die when hair is dyed?

Hair‑coloring products contain oxidizing agents such as hydrogen peroxide and ammonia. These chemicals penetrate the hair shaft but have limited ability to breach the protective coating of lice eggs. Laboratory tests show that standard commercial dyes reduce adult lice viability slightly but do not destroy nits within 30 minutes of exposure.. Date latest changes:

How to get rid of fleas on the head?

Head fleas, commonly referred to as head lice, are tiny, wing‑less insects that inhabit the scalp and hair shafts of humans or animals. Adult specimens measure 2‑4 mm, possess six legs, and feed exclusively on blood from the skin’s surface. Their life cycle comprises three stages:. Date latest changes:

How is a tick treated in a budgerigar?

Knemidocoptes pila, commonly known as the scaly‑face mite, infests the facial skin of budgerigars and may be confused with tick infestations because both produce visible lesions. The mite burrows into the stratum corneum, creating dry, crusted plaques around the beak, nostrils, and eyes.. Date latest changes:

How can you tell if a parrot has a tick?

Parrots infested with ticks often exhibit distinct alterations in routine activities. Reduced appetite is common; the bird may ignore favorite foods or eat significantly less than usual. Lethargy follows, with the animal spending prolonged periods perched motionlessly, avoiding the usual bouts of flight or play.. Date latest changes:

What should I do about fleas on a one‑month‑old puppy?

Fleas on a newborn puppy become apparent through two visual clues: live insects and their excrement, commonly called flea dirt. Recognizing both signs enables prompt intervention before an infestation spreads. Adult fleas measure 1–3 mm, are dark brown, and move in a rapid, hopping pattern.. Date latest changes:

How can you find out if there are bedbugs in an apartment?

Bedbug detection relies heavily on recognizing the insect’s visual traits and dimensions. The species is a small, oval-shaped arthropod with a flattened dorsal surface that enables it to hide in tight crevices. Body length: 4–5 mm (approximately the size of a sesame seed).. Date latest changes:

What to do if the tick's leg remains?

Staying calm prevents rash decisions and reduces the risk of further injury. A steady approach allows accurate assessment and proper removal of the remaining tick fragment. When a tick’s leg stays attached, follow these steps: Clean the area with antiseptic solution.. Date latest changes:

Can chicken lice live on humans?

The question of whether chicken lice can survive on human hosts requires understanding the taxonomy and biology of the lice that infest poultry. Several species specialize in different regions of the bird’s body, and each exhibits adaptations that limit cross‑species survival.. Date latest changes:

Can bedbug bites be itch‑free?

Bedbug bites typically provoke a skin response, yet the reaction can range from pronounced to barely perceptible. Absence of itch does not guarantee that a bite has not occurred; the insect’s saliva may trigger subtle inflammation that goes unnoticed.. Date latest changes:

How can cat fleas be eliminated from the house?

Visual confirmation of adult fleas is a prerequisite for any effective eradication program. Adult fleas are 1–3 mm long, laterally compressed, and move by jumping; they appear as dark specks on the animal’s coat or in the environment. Inspect the cat’s neck, base of the tail, and belly folds;. Date latest changes: