List of articles № 177
What to do if a tick attaches to a dog?
Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi , is transmitted primarily through the bite of infected Ixodes ticks. In dogs, the pathogen can induce joint inflammation, fever, lethargy, and renal complications if left untreated.. Date latest changes:
Does the bite site hurt after a tick is removed?
When a tick is detached, the skin around the attachment point often experiences a brief, sharp sensation. This initial pain results from the mechanical action of pulling the mouthparts out of the epidermis. The discomfort usually lasts only a few seconds to a minute, after which the area becomes numb or mildly tender.. Date latest changes:
How to treat a two‑month‑old kitten for fleas?
Fleas pose immediate and serious threats to kittens that are only two months old. Their small body mass means that even a modest number of blood‑feeding parasites can cause rapid blood loss, leading to anemia. Anemic kittens display pale gums, weakness, and may deteriorate within hours if untreated.. Date latest changes:
What should be drunk after a tick bite for prophylaxis?
After a bite from a tick that may carry Borrelia burgdorferi , the only proven prophylactic measure is a single dose of oral doxycycline (200 mg) taken within 72 hours of removal, provided the tick was attached for ≥ 36 hours and the local incidence of Lyme disease exceeds 20 cases per 100 000 population.. Date latest changes:
What is the most effective treatment for lice?
Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) are obligate ectoparasites that live on the scalp and feed on human blood. They belong to the order Phthiraptera and are specialized for clinging to hair shafts with clawed legs. The life cycle comprises three stages:. Date latest changes:
What actions should be taken if a tick embeds in a person?
When a tick attaches to the skin, removal must be swift and precise to prevent pathogen transmission. Effective extraction depends on using appropriate instruments that grasp the parasite without compressing its abdomen. Fine‑point tweezers (straight or curved) with smooth, non‑slipping jaws;. Date latest changes:
Why can the scalp itch in women without lice or dandruff?
Scalp itching in women who show no signs of lice or dandruff often originates from allergic reactions or sensitivities to substances that contact the skin. Common triggers include: Shampoos, conditioners, or styling products containing sulfates, parabens, formaldehyde‑releasing preservatives, or synthetic fragrances.. Date latest changes:
What can be used to treat fleas on a dog at home?
Flea infestations manifest through distinct physical signs that alert owners to the need for immediate intervention. Dogs commonly exhibit intense scratching, especially around the neck, tail base, and abdomen. Excessive licking of the same areas often accompanies the scratching.. Date latest changes:
Can a cat be allergic to a flea collar?
Pyrethroids and pyrethrins are insecticidal compounds commonly incorporated into flea collars for cats. Pyrethrins are natural extracts from Chrysanthemum flowers; pyrethroids are synthetic analogues designed for greater stability and potency.. Date latest changes:
How can I quickly and effectively eliminate fleas in the house?
Flea infestations begin with eggs that hatch within 24‑48 hours, producing larvae that develop in carpet fibers, bedding, and cracks. Targeting these eggs eliminates the source of new adult fleas and accelerates control. Eggs accumulate in areas where pets rest, under furniture, and along baseboards.. Date latest changes:
How should belongings be properly treated for bedbugs when moving?
Detecting a bed‑bug problem before packing prevents spreading insects to a new residence. Visible evidence includes small, reddish‑brown spots on sheets, mattresses, or furniture; these are excrement marks left by feeding insects. Live insects appear as tiny, oval, flattened bodies about 5 mm long, often seen near seams, folds, or cracks.. Date latest changes:
Which flea collar is best suited for dogs?
Flea collars for dogs rely on a limited set of active ingredients that disrupt the life cycle of fleas and prevent infestations. Understanding these compounds helps select a collar that matches the dog’s health status, environment, and regulatory approvals.. Date latest changes:
How can you get rid of lice on a child: parents' recommendations?
Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) are obligate ectoparasites that inhabit the scalp and hair shafts of humans. Adult insects measure 2–4 mm, have a flattened body, six legs adapted for gripping hair, and lack wings. They feed exclusively on blood, piercing the skin with specialized mouthparts.. Date latest changes:
How long before flea drops can be reapplied?
Proper dosing determines both the safety and the efficacy of topical flea treatments. Accurate measurement aligns the amount of active ingredient with the animal’s weight, ensuring the product reaches the therapeutic threshold without exceeding toxic limits.. Date latest changes:
At what temperature do bed bugs and their larvae die?
Bed bugs progress through a distinct series of developmental stages. The cycle begins with the egg, a tiny, opaque capsule laid in clusters within crevices. Eggs hatch after approximately ten days at moderate temperatures, releasing first‑instar nymphs.. Date latest changes:
How should you treat a tick bite in a human at home?
When removing a tick, use instruments that allow a firm grip and precise control to avoid crushing the mouthparts. A pair of fine‑pointed, non‑slip tweezers made of stainless steel provides the most reliable leverage. Commercial tick‑removal hooks, often shaped like a small “S” or “U,” slide beneath the tick’s head and lift it away without pinching.. Date latest changes:
How many days after a tick bite do the first symptoms appear in adults?
The time between a tick attachment and the onset of clinical signs in an adult varies considerably. Variation stems from multiple biological and environmental elements that alter pathogen replication, host response, and tick behavior. Key determinants include:. Date latest changes:
What should I do if bedbugs appear in my apartment, and how can I get rid of them at home?
Physical evidence of a bedbug infestation consists of visible signs that confirm the presence of the insects and guide effective eradication measures. Typical evidence includes: Live insects spotted on mattresses, box springs, headboards, or furniture seams;. Date latest changes:
Fleas are small, laterally compressed insects ranging from 1 to 4 mm in length. Their bodies consist of three main regions: head, thorax, and abdomen. The head bears large, compound eyes and short antennae concealed in grooves. The thorax supports six powerful legs equipped with spines that enable rapid jumping;. Date latest changes:
How can you get rid of flour mites?
Flour mites (Acarus siro) complete their development within stored grain, flour, or other dry food products. The cycle consists of four distinct phases: egg, larva, two nymphal stages, and adult. Eggs are deposited directly onto the food source.. Date latest changes:
Human lice are obligate ectoparasites that survive exclusively on the human body. Three species infest humans, each adapted to a specific habitat and mode of transmission. Head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis) – resides on the scalp and attaches to hair shafts.. Date latest changes:
What can be used to eliminate fleas on a kitten?
Fleas on kittens produce unmistakable signs that indicate a parasitic infestation and potential health risks. Visible evidence includes tiny, dark specks moving through the fur, especially along the neck, back, and tail base. The kitten may exhibit intense scratching, biting, or licking of affected areas, leading to irritated skin and hair loss.. Date latest changes:
When do ticks go into dormancy during summer?
Dormancy in ticks refers to a reversible state of reduced metabolic activity that enables survival under unfavorable environmental conditions. During this period, ticks lower their heart rate, suppress feeding behavior, and minimize energy consumption.. Date latest changes:
How to remove a tick with a syringe?
Improper removal of a tick with a syringe can lead to several serious complications. When the needle does not grasp the tick’s mouthparts securely, the parasite may be torn, leaving portions embedded in the skin. Retained mouthparts act as a conduit for pathogens and provoke local inflammation, increasing the likelihood of secondary bacterial infection.. Date latest changes:
Stink bugs are phytophagous insects that obtain nutrients by piercing plant tissues with their stylet mouthparts and sucking cellular fluids. Their feeding activity is concentrated on specific plant structures, each providing distinct nutritional benefits and varying degrees of susceptibility to damage.. Date latest changes:
What should adults apply for bedbug bites?
Bedbug bites typically appear as small, red papules ranging from 1 to 3 mm in diameter. The lesions often form a linear or clustered pattern, reflecting the insect’s feeding behavior. Central puncta may be visible, and surrounding erythema can be slightly raised.. Date latest changes:
Is the velvet tick dangerous to humans?
The velvet tick is a three‑host arachnid measuring 2–5 mm as an unfed adult, expanding to 8–10 mm when engorged. Its dorsal surface displays a dense, silky integument that varies from deep brown to reddish‑orange, while the ventral side is lighter.. Date latest changes:
How to treat the head for lice with vinegar?
Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) are tiny, wing‑less insects that live on the human scalp and feed on blood. Adults measure 2–4 mm, are tan to gray, and have six legs adapted for grasping hair shafts. Nymphs resemble adults but are smaller and develop through three molts before reaching maturity.. Date latest changes:
How long can bedbugs survive without a human host?
Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) exhibit markedly different survival periods when deprived of a blood meal, and ambient temperature is the principal determinant of those periods. At temperatures near freezing (0 °C to 5 °C), metabolic activity slows dramatically, allowing individuals to persist for up to six months without feeding.. Date latest changes:
How should Cifox be used for fleas in the house?
Cifox contains fipronil and (S)-methoprene as its principal active substances. Both agents are registered for indoor flea management and are formulated to penetrate carpet fibers, upholstery, and cracks where adult fleas and developing stages reside.. Date latest changes:
Budgerigars are small, highly active parrots whose physiology creates an environment unsuitable for flea development. Fleas require warm, humid conditions and a host that provides frequent blood meals without excessive preening. The high metabolic rate of budgerigars raises body temperature above the optimal range for most flea species, while rapid wing beats and constant movement disrupt flea attachment.. Date latest changes:
During which season are ticks most active?
The egg stage represents the initial phase of a tick’s life cycle, occurring after adult females detach from the host to lay thousands of eggs in protected microhabitats. Egg development depends on ambient temperature and humidity; optimal conditions are found in warm, moist environments typical of late summer and early autumn.. Date latest changes:
How should watermelons be treated for spider mites?
Regular monitoring of watermelon vines is essential for early detection of spider mite activity. Inspect the foliage weekly, focusing on the undersides of leaves where mites congregate. Use a magnifying lens or hand lens to reveal the tiny arachnids, which appear as moving specks less than 1 mm in length.. Date latest changes:
How to eliminate fleas on a two‑week‑old kitten?
Fleas feeding on a two‑week‑old kitten can remove enough blood to cause anemia, a condition that threatens survival in such a fragile animal. The parasite’s saliva also irritates the skin, leading to excessive scratching and secondary infections that further increase fluid loss.. Date latest changes:
How does the remaining tick head appear in the skin?
The hypostome is a hardened, chitinous structure located on the ventral side of a tick’s mouthparts. It functions as a barbed anchor, securing the parasite to host tissue during feeding. The device consists of multiple rows of backward‑facing teeth that interlock with dermal fibers, creating a firm attachment that resists traction.. Date latest changes:
What is the condition called when lice appear?
Lice infestation, medically termed pediculosis, denotes the presence of parasitic insects of the order Phthiraptera on the human body. The condition arises when adult lice, nymphs, or eggs (nits) attach to hair shafts and feed on blood, leading to localized irritation.. Date latest changes:
How do symptoms of a tick bite manifest in a dog?
Ticks that commonly attach to dogs include several species whose bites produce distinct clinical signs. Recognizing the vector helps predict the likely manifestation of a tick‑borne problem. Ixodes scapularis (black‑legged tick) – prevalent in the eastern United States and parts of Canada.. Date latest changes:
How to clean the head of lice at home?
Head lice, scientifically known as Pediculus humanus capitis, are obligate ectoparasites that inhabit the human scalp. Adult insects measure 2–4 mm, possess six legs, and cling to hair shafts near the scalp. Key characteristics include: Flattened body adapted for navigating hair.. Date latest changes:
What should be done if a cat licks off flea medication?
Mild reactions after a cat removes topical flea treatment can include localized redness, slight swelling, or a brief itch at the application site. Occasionally, a cat may develop a mild, transient drooling or a few small patches of skin irritation where the medication was licked.. Date latest changes:
Which flea drops are most effective for cats?
Flea drops for cats fall into two pharmacologic categories: systemic agents that are absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream, and contact agents that remain on the coat and kill parasites on contact. Systemic products deliver active ingredients such as nitenpyram, lufenuron, or spinosad into the circulatory system, where they reach feeding fleas and disrupt their nervous or metabolic functions.. Date latest changes: