List of articles № 194

What should you do if a cat gets fleas?

Visible fleas are tiny, dark insects about 1–3 mm long that jump when disturbed. They are most often seen crawling on the cat’s neck, base of the tail, and under the belly. Their rapid movement and occasional landing on the skin make them easy to spot during a close inspection.. Date latest changes:

Can cat fleas spread to humans?

Fleas complete their development in four distinct phases, each influencing the likelihood of contact with people and pets. Egg – Adult females deposit thousands of eggs on the host or in the surrounding environment. Eggs are smooth, non‑adhesive, and hatch within 1–10 days depending on temperature and humidity.. Date latest changes:

Can a bite occur without the tick itself?

Ticks attach through a sequence of actions that culminates in the insertion of their mouthparts into host skin. The process includes: Questing – the tick climbs vegetation and waits for a host. Grasping – forelegs detect heat, carbon dioxide, and movement;. Date latest changes:

How to spray tomatoes for spider mite control?

When spider mites attack tomato plants, the first indication is a change in foliage appearance. Leaves turn pale or yellow, often starting at the edges and progressing inward. The discoloration is accompanied by a fine, stippled pattern that resembles tiny white or bronze speckles.. Date latest changes:

How to quickly clean a floor from fleas in an apartment?

Visual confirmation of fleas is essential before initiating any rapid floor‑cleaning operation. Fleas are tiny, dark‑brown insects measuring 1–3 mm; they move in rapid, erratic jumps. Spotting them requires focused observation under adequate lighting.. Date latest changes:

How to remove lice from a cat at home?

Cat lice are small, wingless insects that live exclusively on feline hosts. The most common species affecting domestic cats is Felicola subrostratus , a chewing louse that feeds on skin debris, hair, and occasional blood. Adult lice measure 1–2 mm in length, have a flattened body, and cling tightly to the fur, making visual detection difficult without close inspection.. Date latest changes:

Why do you dream of combing lice out of hair?

Dreams that involve extracting parasites from hair often signal underlying stressors that feel invasive and persistent. The insects serve as a visual stand‑in for problems that cling to the mind, demanding constant attention. When the unconscious mind selects these creatures, it translates vague tension into a concrete, irritating image that can be acted upon through the act of combing.. Date latest changes:

How can I save a rose from spider mite without chemicals?

Spider mite damage on roses appears as tiny, pale spots on leaf surfaces. These stippled lesions often begin on the undersides of leaves and expand outward, giving foliage a dusty or sand‑blasted look. As the infestation progresses, leaves may turn yellow, curl, or become distorted, eventually dropping prematurely.. Date latest changes:

What should be done at home after a tick bite?

Proper removal of a tick reduces the risk of pathogen transmission and minimizes skin damage. The procedure requires specific instruments that allow a secure grip, precise control, and immediate post‑removal care. Fine‑tipped tweezers (or curved‑tip tweezers) – provide a firm hold on the tick’s head without crushing the body.. Date latest changes:

If a tick test shows borreliosis, what should you do?

A positive laboratory result for Borrelia infection confirms that the individual has been exposed to the pathogen transmitted by ticks. The finding does not merely suggest the presence of antibodies; it indicates that the immune system has mounted a response to an active or recent infection.. Date latest changes:

Is hydrogen peroxide effective against lice and nits?

The life cycle of head‑lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) proceeds through distinct stages that determine the timing of any chemical intervention. An adult female deposits 6–10 eggs per day, attaching them to hair shafts near the scalp. These eggs, known as nits, harden within 24 hours and remain viable for about 7–10 days before hatching.. Date latest changes:

How can I lure bedbugs: proven attraction methods?

Bedbugs progress through a defined series of developmental phases that determine their responsiveness to attractants. The cycle begins with the egg, a tiny, oval structure laid singly or in clusters on seams, crevices, or fabric. Eggs hatch in five to ten days under optimal temperatures (20‑30 °C), releasing first‑instar nymphs.. Date latest changes:

How large can an adult tick grow?

The capitulum, commonly called the head, houses the feeding apparatus of a tick. It consists of the chelicerae, which cut the host’s skin, and the hypostome, a barbed structure that anchors the parasite while blood is drawn. The size of the capitulum varies among species but remains relatively small compared to the body, typically ranging from 0.. Date latest changes:

How should a basement be treated for fleas in an apartment building?

Fleas infiltrate a basement primarily through structural gaps that connect the underground space with the surrounding environment. Identifying and sealing these pathways is essential for an effective control program. Cracks in foundation walls and floor slabs Openings around utility lines (water, gas, electrical) Unscreened vents and exhaust fans Gaps beneath exterior doors and interior entry doors Penetrations for plumbing stacks and sewer lines HVAC ductwork tha. Date latest changes:

What symptoms occur after a human is bitten by an encephalitis tick?

Encephalitis‑transmitting ticks belong primarily to the genus Ixodes , with species such as Ixodes scapularis in North America and Ixodes ricinus in Europe serving as principal vectors. These arachnids are obligate hematophages, requiring blood meals at each active stage to progress through development.. Date latest changes:

What are the folk beliefs about the consequences of lice infestation?

Traditional narratives link head‑lice presence directly to personal and domestic uncleanliness. In most societies, an infestation signals that the individual or household fails to maintain adequate grooming standards, reflecting a broader lapse in sanitary habits.. Date latest changes:

How can a rose be treated for spider mites at home?

Tiny specks on rose leaves and stems indicate the presence of spider mites; the specks are usually yellow‑green or bronze and appear where the insects feed. Alongside these discolorations, a fine silken web may be visible on the undersides of leaves, in leaf axils, and around new growth.. Date latest changes:

What should you do if a dog is found with fleas at home?

Visual inspection provides the initial assessment of a flea‑infested dog and the surrounding environment. The responsible party should examine the animal closely, focusing on the following areas: Coat: look for small, dark specks moving between hairs, especially near the neck, tail base, and abdomen.. Date latest changes:

Which insects can be mistaken for bedbugs?

Several arthropods share the flat, oval shape, reddish‑brown coloration, and nocturnal activity that characterize Cimex lectularius, leading to frequent misidentification. Fleas (Siphonaptera) – Small (1–4 mm), laterally compressed, lack the distinct “cushion‑shaped” abdomen of bedbugs;. Date latest changes:

How can I properly use Fitover (Fitoverm) to treat cucumbers for spider mites in a greenhouse?

Fitover (also marketed as Fitoverm) contains the avermectin derivative abamectin as its sole active ingredient. Abamectin belongs to the macrocyclic lactone class and is classified by the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC) in Group 6, indicating a unique target site among miticides.. Date latest changes:

What should be used to treat a room for fleas?

Identifying flea activity is the first step before selecting any environmental control product. Common indicators of an infestation include: Small, reddish‑brown bites on skin, often grouped in clusters. Persistent scratching or irritation in pets, especially around the neck, tail base, and abdomen.. Date latest changes:

Which ticks are dangerous to humans?

Ticks act as vectors by acquiring microorganisms during a blood meal and delivering them to subsequent hosts through their saliva. The pathogen must survive the tick’s immune defenses, multiply, and migrate to the salivary glands before the tick attaches to a new host.. Date latest changes:

How did encephalitis‑carrying ticks appear?

Encephalitis‑transmitting ticks originated from several hard‑tick lineages that adapted to temperate and sub‑tropical ecosystems. Evolutionary divergence, host‑switching events, and climate‑driven range expansions created the conditions for virus acquisition and maintenance in tick populations.. Date latest changes:

What are the causes of flea infestation in an apartment?

Flea populations in a dwelling often begin with the deposition of eggs and the subsequent development of larvae. Adult female fleas lay 20‑50 eggs over several days, depositing them on the host’s fur, in bedding, carpet fibers, or cracks in flooring.. Date latest changes:

What should you do if a tick is found in the house?

Ticks occasionally enter homes, especially in regions where they are abundant outdoors. Recognizing the species most likely to be encountered indoors helps target removal methods and assess health risks. American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) – Frequently found on pets that roam indoors;. Date latest changes:

How to treat a cat for a subcutaneous tick?

When a tick hides beneath the skin, visual cues differ markedly from those of a tick attached to the surface. The animal’s coat may appear normal, yet a small, firm swelling or a faint puncture mark can indicate a subcutaneous location. Palpation often reveals a localized, tender nodule that does not move freely under the fur.. Date latest changes:

How long before bedbugs start biting?

Bedbugs progress through five immature instars before reaching adulthood, and each stage requires a blood meal to molt to the next. The interval between feedings lengthens as the insect ages, reflecting increased body size and reduced metabolic demand.. Date latest changes:

Why do people dream about lice?

Dreams about lice often emerge when the mind processes anxiety tied to monetary concerns. Financial pressure activates the brain’s threat‑detection circuitry, prompting symbolic representations of infestation to signal loss of control. Key pathways linking monetary stress to lice imagery include:. Date latest changes:

ICD-10 code for tick bite in children?

The pediatric population most often encounters the following tick species, each associated with distinct geographic ranges and pathogen profiles. Ixodes scapularis (blacklegged or deer tick) – prevalent in the northeastern and upper midwestern United States;. Date latest changes:

What will happen if you don't get rid of lice?

Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) are small, wing‑less insects that live on the human scalp and feed on blood several times a day. Adult females measure about 2.5 mm, males slightly smaller, and both are tan‑gray with a six‑segment body.. Date latest changes:

Do bedbugs die during washing?

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) exhibit a narrow thermal tolerance window. Temperatures below 10 °C slow development but do not cause mortality, while exposure to temperatures above 45 °C for several minutes can be lethal. Laboratory studies show that a 60 °C water bath for 5 minutes eliminates 100 % of all life stages.. Date latest changes:

How can one eliminate fleas in an apartment?

Fleas are small, laterally flattened insects measuring 1–3 mm in length. Their bodies are covered with microscopic spines that aid in moving through animal fur and household fabrics. Color varies from reddish‑brown to dark brown, becoming paler after a blood meal.. Date latest changes:

Can fleas from a cat bite a human?

Cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) are small, wing‑less insects measuring 1–3 mm in length. Their laterally flattened bodies enable movement through an animal’s fur, and their powerful hind legs allow rapid jumps of up to 150 mm. Adult fleas feed exclusively on blood, inserting a piercing‑sucking mouthpart into the host’s skin to obtain nourishment.. Date latest changes:

Can a tick drop off on its own after a bite?

Ticks undergo a four‑stage life cycle: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. Each stage requires a blood meal before progressing to the next. Egg – laid in protected environments; hatch into six‑legged larvae. Larva – seeks a host, attaches, feeds for several days, then detaches and molts into a nymph.. Date latest changes:

How long can a scabies mite live without a human?

Scabies mites (Sarcoptes scabiei) are microscopic arthropods belonging to the order Sarcoptiformes. Adult females measure about 0.3–0.4 mm in length, possess a rounded body, and lack eyes. Their legs end in hooked claws that enable firm attachment to the epidermis of mammalian hosts.. Date latest changes:

What are the top flea and tick products for dogs?

Fleas serve as vectors for several bacterial, parasitic, and viral agents that can compromise canine health. Transmission occurs when an infected flea feeds, depositing pathogens onto the skin or into the bloodstream. Bartonella henselae – causes bartonellosis, presenting with fever, lymphadenopathy, and occasionally ocular inflammation.. Date latest changes:

How to make a vinegar solution against lice?

Acetic acid, the active component of vinegar, provides the chemical environment that compromises lice survival. Its low pH (typically 2–3 for household vinegar) denatures proteins in the exoskeleton and interferes with respiratory function, leading to rapid immobilization.. Date latest changes:

How should you act when lice appear on a child?

When a child shows signs of infestation, the first decisive step is a thorough visual examination. The purpose is to confirm the presence of lice and assess the severity before any treatment is applied. Begin the inspection under bright, natural light or a high‑intensity lamp.. Date latest changes:

Which is better: drops or a collar for fleas and ticks?

Topical spot‑on treatments deliver insecticide through the skin, but they can cause adverse reactions. Common effects include localized irritation, hair loss, and dermatitis. Systemic absorption may lead to vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or neurological signs such as tremors and seizures, especially in dogs with compromised liver function or in breeds known for heightened sensitivity.. Date latest changes:

How to act when a tick is found on a dog?

When a tick is discovered on a canine, immediate attention to the pathogens it may carry is essential. Tick‑borne infections can progress rapidly and may be fatal if untreated, making accurate identification of risks a critical step in the response.. Date latest changes: