List of articles № 18
What should be given to a dog after a tick bite – home recommendations?
Lyme disease, transmitted by Ixodes ticks, can develop in dogs after a bite if the tick has been attached for 36‑48 hours or longer. The bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi invades the bloodstream, producing joint inflammation, fever, and potential kidney involvement.. Date latest changes:
What treatments are available for spider mite control at home?
Spider mites infest many indoor and outdoor plants; accurate identification of the pest is essential for selecting an appropriate home‑based remedy. Common species encountered in residential settings include: Two‑spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) – Light green to yellow body about 0.. Date latest changes:
How to treat cucumbers for spider mites in open field?
Visual inspection is the first line of defense against spider mite infestations on field‑grown cucumbers. Regular scouting allows growers to detect early symptoms before populations reach damaging levels. During each inspection, examine the undersides of leaves for the following indicators:. Date latest changes:
What should you give a dog for tick protection, per veterinary recommendations?
Ticks transmit a range of pathogens that can cause serious illness in dogs. Recognizing these diseases clarifies why veterinarians advise specific preventive products. Lyme disease – caused by Borrelia burgdorferi ; symptoms include fever, lameness, kidney damage.. Date latest changes:
How to quickly and effectively remove a tick from a person at home?
Effective tick extraction requires proper instruments to minimize skin trauma and reduce the risk of pathogen transmission. The following items constitute a reliable toolkit for home use: Fine‑point tweezers or curved‑tip forceps, stainless steel, with smooth jaws to grip the tick’s head without crushing it.. Date latest changes:
Does dichlorvos help against bedbugs?
Dichlorvos (2,2-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate) is a colorless, oily liquid with a molecular formula C₄H₇Cl₂O₄P and a molecular weight of 221.0 g mol⁻¹. It exhibits high volatility at room temperature, evaporating rapidly to form a vapor phase that readily penetrates porous materials.. Date latest changes:
Insecticide‑based flea collars contain a controlled‑release matrix that distributes an active ingredient across the pet’s skin and coat. The matrix typically incorporates an insect growth regulator, a pyrethroid, or a combination that eliminates adult fleas and prevents egg development for several months.. Date latest changes:
Does a quartz lamp kill fleas?
UV‑C radiation occupies the 200‑280 nm wavelength band, where photon energy is sufficient to break molecular bonds in nucleic acids. Absorption of UV‑C photons by DNA causes pyrimidine dimer formation, disrupting replication and leading to cell death.. Date latest changes:
How to get rid of chicken ticks?
Chicken ticks comprise several species that target poultry, each differing in life cycle, habitat, and impact on flock health. Tropical fowl tick (Ornithodoros moubata) – a soft tick prevalent in warm, humid regions; feeds rapidly, often at night, and can transmit diseases such as spirochetosis.. Date latest changes:
What does the smell of bedbugs indicate and why?
The odor emitted by bedbugs signals that the colony has reached a size capable of producing detectable chemicals. Adult insects and nymphs release volatile compounds from their defensive glands; fecal deposits add a sweet, musty aroma often likened to ripe fruit or coconut.. Date latest changes:
Why do fleas appear in an apartment?
Fleas that infest residential spaces belong to a limited group of species adapted to live on pets, wildlife, or humans. Identification of the specific type helps target control measures and prevents recurrence. Cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) – most common indoor flea;. Date latest changes:
How can you effectively kill lice on the head?
The life cycle of head‑lice consists of three distinct stages, each with a defined duration that influences control measures. Egg (nit): a microscopic oval attached to the hair shaft within 1 cm of the scalp; incubation lasts 7–10 days. Nymph:. Date latest changes:
Can bedbugs be killed with hot steam?
Bedbugs (Cimex lectularius) are hematophagous insects belonging to the order Hemiptera. Adults measure 4–5 mm, have a flattened oval body, and lack wings. They feed exclusively on warm‑blooded hosts, inserting a proboscis to draw blood for several minutes before retreating to concealed harborages.. Date latest changes:
Do human lice live on animals?
Lice belong to the order Phthiraptera, divided into two suborders: Anoplura (sucking lice) that feed on blood, and Mallophaga (chewing lice) that feed on skin debris. Within these groups are several families that specialize on particular hosts.. Date latest changes:
What should you do about ground fleas in the house?
Ground fleas (also called sand fleas or springtails) differ from common household insects in size, movement, habitat, and appearance. Recognizing these traits prevents misidentification and ensures appropriate control measures. Size: Adults measure 1–3 mm, markedly smaller than cockroaches (up to 30 mm) or carpet beetles (5–7 mm).. Date latest changes:
How to treat grapes against ticks?
Identifying the tick species that infest grapevines is essential for effective management. The most frequently encountered ticks on vineyards include: Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) – brown to reddish‑brown scutum with white markings;. Date latest changes:
Lice locate a host by detecting body heat, carbon dioxide, and the scent of scalp secretions. Upon contact, the adult female clings to a strand of hair near the scalp, where she can feed continuously on blood. Eggs, called «nits», are glued to the hair shaft with a cement that hardens within hours, securing them until hatching.. Date latest changes:
What are the best flea and tick drops for cats?
Flea and tick drops are topical liquid medications applied to a cat’s skin, typically along the back of the neck. The formulation spreads across the skin surface, creating a protective layer that kills or repels parasites for a specified period.. Date latest changes:
Bedbugs (Cimex lectularius) measure approximately 4–5 mm in length and 1.5–2 mm in width when unfed; after a blood meal they expand to about 6–7 mm. Their bodies are flattened dorsoventrally, with a smooth, oval outline that tapers slightly toward the rear.. Date latest changes:
What do fleas eat at different developmental stages?
Fleas progress through four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Each stage requires a specific source of nutrition that supports development and survival. Egg – No feeding occurs; eggs are deposited on the host or in the environment and rely on ambient humidity for viability.. Date latest changes:
How to treat an area for ticks and mosquitoes?
Tick‑borne diseases represent a primary health risk when an environment harbors large tick populations. Effective management of such areas requires understanding the pathogens transmitted by ticks, their clinical impact, and the relationship between tick control and mosquito control strategies.. Date latest changes:
When are bedbugs most active during the day?
Bed bugs exhibit a strictly nocturnal activity pattern, emerging from hiding places only after ambient light diminishes. Their locomotion and feeding behavior concentrate in the dark period, reducing exposure to visual predators and minimizing disturbance of human hosts.. Date latest changes:
How to correctly remove a tick's head without risk?
Removing a tick’s mouthparts carries a measurable risk of infection. Pathogens residing in the salivary glands or gut of the arthropod can be transferred during the extraction process, especially if the head is crushed or left embedded. The bite site itself also presents an entry point for skin‑flora bacteria when the wound is not properly cleaned.. Date latest changes:
How can you safely remove a tick from human skin?
Ticks attach to the skin for several days before detaching naturally. During this period they may transmit bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Early and correct extraction limits the window for pathogen transfer. Improper removal—crushing the body, pulling with excessive force, or using unsterile tools—can force saliva and infected fluids deeper into the host tissue.. Date latest changes:
Can I treat a cat for fleas with dichlorvos?
Dichlorvos (dimethyl 2,2-dichlorovinyl phosphate) is a colorless liquid with a faint, chlorinated odor. Its molecular formula is C₄H₇Cl₂O₄P and the molecular weight is 220.98 g·mol⁻¹. The compound is miscible with most organic solvents and exhibits limited solubility in water (≈0.. Date latest changes:
What does the wound look like after a tick bite in humans?
Redness and swelling are the most common immediate signs after a tick attaches to human skin. The bite site typically appears as a small, well‑defined area of erythema, ranging from pink to deep red, often extending a few millimeters beyond the point of attachment.. Date latest changes:
Why can't you apply flea drops after bathing?
Flea spot‑on treatments rely on a small amount of liquid that spreads across the animal’s skin and fur. The active ingredients—commonly imidacloprid, fipronil, selamectin, or a combination of pyrethrins and pyriproxyfen—penetrate the sebaceous layer and distribute through the lipid matrix of the coat.. Date latest changes:
How can I take a high‑quality close‑up photo of a tick?
High‑resolution macro images of ticks provide precise visual references for species identification, enabling students and researchers to distinguish morphological features such as scutum pattern, mouthpart structure, and leg segmentation. Accurate identification reduces misdiagnosis of tick‑borne diseases and supports targeted public‑health interventions.. Date latest changes:
Do dogs get lice and how can they be identified?
Lice are obligate ectoparasites that feed exclusively on the blood, skin debris, or secretions of their hosts. They belong to the order Phthiraptera and are divided into two major groups: chewing lice (Mallophaga) that consume skin scales and hair, and sucking lice (Anoplura) that extract blood.. Date latest changes:
What are the symptoms of an encephalitic tick bite in humans?
Ticks of the genus Ixodes serve as primary vectors for several encephalitic viruses, notably the Powassan virus and the tick-borne encephalitis virus. The arthropod acquires the pathogen during a blood meal from an infected reservoir host, typically small mammals.. Date latest changes:
How can basement fleas be eliminated from an apartment on your own?
The flea life cycle consists of four distinct stages, each requiring specific conditions that influence the success of a basement infestation. Egg – Female fleas deposit up to 50 eggs per day on host animals or in surrounding debris. Eggs are microscopic, non‑motile, and hatch within 2–5 days when temperature exceeds 10 °C and humidity is above 50 %.. Date latest changes:
How to clean a cat’s ears from ear mites at home?
Ear mites are microscopic parasites belonging mainly to the genus Otodectes , with Otodectes cynotis being the most common species affecting felines. They reside in the external ear canal, feeding on earwax and skin debris, and reproduce rapidly;. Date latest changes:
What does a tick bite mark look like on a dog without the tick present?
A tick bite on a dog, once the parasite has detached, usually appears as a small, round area of erythema. The skin around the site may be mildly to moderately swollen, giving a raised, firm contour that can be felt when palpated. The central point often shows a tiny puncture or a faint depression where the tick’s mouthparts entered.. Date latest changes:
How many days do fleas live: lifespan of the life cycle?
Flea reproduction occurs primarily in sheltered environments where adult females can deposit eggs safely. Common sites include: Bedding material of pets, such as blankets, cushions and collars. Carpets, rugs and floor coverings that retain moisture and organic debris.. Date latest changes:
How long do tick treatment products remain effective?
Topical tick treatments, applied directly to the animal’s skin, typically provide protection for a period that depends on the product’s active ingredient, formulation, and the animal’s environment. Synthetic pyrethroids, such as permethrin and fipronil, maintain efficacy for 30 – 45 days when used according to label directions.. Date latest changes:
How can I independently remove a tick from a person and treat the bite site?
When extracting a tick, the design of the tweezers determines grip precision and the risk of crushing the parasite. Flat‑tip tweezers provide parallel jaws that clamp the tick’s mouthparts without slipping. Their broad surfaces distribute pressure evenly, allowing a clean pull.. Date latest changes:
Soldier bug: does it bite or not?
The insect known as the soldier bug belongs to the order Hemiptera, the group of true bugs characterized by piercing‑sucking mouthparts. Its taxonomic hierarchy is: Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Arthropoda Class: Insecta Order: Hemiptera Suborder:. Date latest changes:
Flea bites are puncture wounds created when an adult flea inserts its mouthparts into the skin to feed on blood. The bite produces a tiny, raised spot about 1–3 mm in diameter, often surrounded by a reddened halo. Typical locations include the lower legs, ankles, and feet, where the insect can easily reach the host’s skin.. Date latest changes:
Fleas achieve extraordinary propulsion through a highly specialized leg architecture. Each hind leg comprises a compact femur, an elongated tibia, and a reduced tarsus, arranged to maximize leverage while minimizing mass. The femur houses a pair of powerful muscles that contract rapidly, generating initial force.. Date latest changes:
Are chicken ticks dangerous to humans?
Poultry ticks are ectoparasites that infest chickens, turkeys, ducks, and other domesticated birds. Their presence can affect animal health, and some species are capable of transmitting pathogens to people handling the birds or their environment.. Date latest changes: