List of articles № 198

How often should you wash hair with lice shampoo?

Lice‑specific shampoos rely on a limited set of pharmacologically active compounds that target the parasite’s nervous system or physical structure. The most common agents include: Permethrin (1 %): A synthetic pyrethroid that binds to voltage‑gated sodium channels in lice nerves, causing prolonged depolarization and paralysis.. Date latest changes:

How does a tick bite, and what are the mechanics and consequences?

The hypostome is a hardened, barbed structure located on the ventral side of a tick’s mouthparts. Its primary function is to secure the parasite to the host’s skin during blood ingestion. The barbs interlock with the epidermal tissue, creating a mechanical lock that resists removal by the host’s movements or grooming.. Date latest changes:

How can I eradicate fleas from the house using a comprehensive approach?

Visible fleas are adult insects measuring 1–3 mm, dark‑brown to reddish, with laterally flattened bodies that enable rapid jumping. Their movement is erratic, often observed on pets, bedding, or carpet edges, where they seek blood meals. Because adults are mobile, spotting them confirms an active infestation and signals the presence of immature stages hidden in the environment.. Date latest changes:

What are the consequences of leaving a tick in the skin for a long time?

Ticks locate a host by sensing heat, carbon dioxide, and movement. Upon contact, the mouthparts—specifically the hypostome—penetrate the epidermis. The hypostome, equipped with backward‑facing barbs, secures the tick and prevents detachment.. Date latest changes:

How should you treat the area after tick removal?

After a tick is removed, the bite site must be cleansed with an appropriate antiseptic to reduce the risk of infection. Selecting the right disinfecting solution is a key element of post‑removal care. 70 % isopropyl alcohol: rapid bactericidal action, evaporates quickly, may cause mild stinging.. Date latest changes:

What do dreams about lice in another person's hair mean?

Dreams that place lice on another person’s hair often draw on the broader symbolic weight of lice themselves. Lice represent unwanted intrusions, minor yet persistent problems, and feelings of being parasitized by external forces. Common interpretations of lice in dream imagery include:. Date latest changes:

Can bedbugs live in dark places like basements?

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are small, oval‑shaped insects measuring 4–5 mm in length when unfed and expanding to about 7 mm after a blood meal. Their dorsally flattened bodies are covered with a thin, translucent exoskeleton that appears reddish‑brown after feeding.. Date latest changes:

How can a doghouse be treated for ticks?

Ticks that infest a canine shelter can transmit a range of pathogens that affect dogs and, occasionally, humans. Understanding these diseases is essential for effective tick control measures inside the doghouse. Lyme disease – caused by Borrelia burgdorferi ;. Date latest changes:

What should be done if a kitten has fleas at home?

Fleas on a kitten are often detectable through specific physical cues. The most reliable indicators include: Small, dark specks moving on the fur, especially near the neck, tail base, and behind the ears. Red or pink patches of skin, commonly found on the abdomen, inner thighs, and lower back, resulting from flea bites.. Date latest changes:

How can spider mites be controlled on greenhouse tomatoes?

Visual inspection provides the earliest reliable indication of spider‑mite activity on greenhouse tomatoes. Inspectors should examine the upper and lower leaf surfaces, stems, and fruit clusters for the following signs: fine webbing, stippled or yellowed leaf tissue, and the presence of tiny, moving mites.. Date latest changes:

What do dreams about fleas mean for a woman associated with a dog?

A dog that accompanies a woman often represents loyalty, protection, and emotional grounding. In dream symbolism, the animal’s presence can amplify personal concerns, reinforce intuitive insights, or mirror relational dynamics. When a woman shares a close bond with her dog, the pet’s traits filter into the dream narrative.. Date latest changes:

Which drops for ticks and fleas are best for dogs?

Topical spot‑on products for dogs work by delivering active chemicals through the skin into the bloodstream, where they circulate to reach parasites on the animal’s surface and in the environment. The formulation usually contains a solvent that spreads the active ingredient evenly across the coat, allowing rapid absorption into the epidermis and dermis.. Date latest changes:

From what age should puppies be treated for fleas and ticks?

Anemia in puppies can develop quickly when blood‑feeding parasites such as fleas and ticks infest a young animal. Early parasitic blood loss reduces red‑cell volume, leading to diminished oxygen transport and potentially fatal outcomes if left untreated.. Date latest changes:

How can I permanently eliminate bedbugs in my apartment and sofa by myself?

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are small, wingless insects that feed exclusively on the blood of humans and other warm‑blooded hosts. Adults measure 4–5 mm in length, about the size of an apple seed, and have a flattened, oval body that expands after feeding.. Date latest changes:

How can I quickly get rid of spider mites on cucumbers at home using folk remedies?

Spider mites appear as tiny, moving specks on cucumber foliage, often mistaken for dust. Their bodies are elongated, pale to reddish, and they leave fine webbing along leaf veins and stem joints. The web is most visible when sunlight catches it, revealing a silvery sheen.. Date latest changes:

Basement fleas: how to eliminate them?

Fleas that infest basements belong primarily to a limited group of species adapted to low‑light, humid environments and to the presence of small mammals or birds that seek shelter underground. Identification of the species present is essential for selecting an effective control strategy.. Date latest changes:

What happens if you swallow a flea?

Accidental ingestion of fleas occurs when the insect enters the digestive tract without deliberate intent. The most common pathways involve direct contact with contaminated surfaces or substances that later reach the mouth. Consumption of food that has been exposed to fleas or their feces, especially raw or poorly washed produce, meat, or pet food left uncovered.. Date latest changes:

Which diseases do ticks transmit?

Ticks undergo a four‑stage life cycle—egg, larva, nymph, and adult—each requiring a blood meal to progress. Eggs are deposited in protected microhabitats such as leaf litter or soil. After hatching, larvae, often called seed ticks, seek small vertebrates (rodents, birds) for their first meal.. Date latest changes:

What are Frontline flea drops for cats?

Frontline flea drops for cats are a liquid formulation applied to the skin that spreads across the animal’s surface and enters the bloodstream. The medication targets external parasites without requiring oral administration, making it suitable for cats that refuse pills.. Date latest changes:

What does a dream about ticks on the body signify?

Dreams in which ticks attach themselves to the body commonly mirror heightened anxiety. The sensation of tiny parasites clinging to skin symbolizes a persistent, intrusive worry that refuses to detach. This imagery aligns with the mind’s tendency to externalize internal tension through vivid, unsettling visuals.. Date latest changes:

What happens if a tick is not removed?

Ticks locate a host by detecting carbon dioxide, heat, and movement. Upon contact, the tick climbs onto the skin and inserts its hypostome, a barbed feeding tube, into the epidermis. Salivary secretions containing cement proteins solidify around the mouthparts, anchoring the parasite and preventing dislodgement.. Date latest changes:

Where can I buy Hector traps for bedbugs?

Hector traps are adhesive devices specifically engineered to capture bed‑bug insects. The core of each unit consists of a flat, white cardboard panel coated with a non‑toxic, high‑strength glue. The surface is treated to remain tacky for several weeks, allowing insects that walk across it to become immobilized instantly.. Date latest changes:

How to treat chickens for lice: step‑by‑step plan?

The primary ectoparasites that infest poultry are three lice species, each with distinct morphology and behavior. Menacanthus stramineus (shaft louse) – Small, flattened, reddish‑brown insects that feed on feather shafts and blood. Infestations cause feather damage, reduced insulation, and anemia in severe cases.. Date latest changes:

Can cat fleas be transmitted to humans?

Fleas belong to the order Siphonaptera and comprise several species that differ in preferred hosts, geographic distribution, and medical relevance. Ctenocephalides felis (cat flea) – the most widespread flea on domestic cats and dogs; readily bites humans, causing itchy papules and serving as a vector for Bartonella henselae and Rickettsia typhi.. Date latest changes:

How to determine if a person has lice?

Detecting an infestation requires systematic inspection of the areas where adult lice feed and females deposit nits. The scalp provides the primary environment, but additional regions often harbor the insects. • Hair shafts close to the scalp, especially behind the ears, at the nape of the neck, and along the hairline.. Date latest changes:

What should I do if I find a bedbug in my bed?

Finding a small, reddish‑brown insect on your mattress or nearby furniture does not automatically mean a bedbug infestation, but accurate identification is the first step toward effective control. Adult bedbugs measure about 4–5 mm, are oval, flat when unfed, and become more swollen after feeding.. Date latest changes:

How should a pregnant cat be treated for fleas?

Flea infestations place a pregnant cat under physiological stress that can compromise uterine environment and fetal development. Blood loss from heavy feeding may lead to anemia, reducing oxygen delivery to the placenta. Allergic reactions to flea saliva provoke inflammation, potentially disrupting hormonal balance essential for gestation.. Date latest changes:

Why do fleas bite some people and not others?

Fleas locate potential hosts by detecting a combination of physical and chemical cues. The primary attractants include: Carbon dioxide exhaled by mammals and birds, which creates a gradient that guides fleas toward a source. Body heat emitted from the skin, providing a thermal signal that distinguishes living organisms from the environment.. Date latest changes:

What to do if a tick head remains?

When a tick’s mouthparts stay embedded after removal, visual inspection is the first decisive step. The area should be examined under adequate lighting; magnifying lenses or a dermatoscope improve accuracy. Look for any portion of the exoskeleton protruding from the skin, discoloration, or a raised lesion indicating retained tissue.. Date latest changes:

How can ticks be eliminated from houseplants?

Spider mites are tiny arachnids that commonly infest indoor foliage. Adults measure less than 0.5 mm, making them difficult to see without magnification. Their webs appear as fine, silvery threads on leaf undersides, where they feed by piercing plant cells and extracting sap.. Date latest changes:

What does a dream about fleas on a cat mean for a man?

Dream analysis rests on three foundational ideas: symbols represent personal or universal meanings; the emotional tone of the dream guides interpretation; and the dreamer’s current life circumstances provide the framework for decoding. Symbols function as condensed images that trigger associations.. Date latest changes:

Can you get rid of lice with flea shampoo?

The life cycle of head lice consists of three distinct stages: egg, nymph, and adult. An adult female lays 6‑10 eggs (nits) per day, attaching them to hair shafts near the scalp. Eggs incubate for about 7‑10 days before hatching. After emergence, nymphs undergo three molts over a period of 9‑12 days.. Date latest changes:

Where should a discovered tick be taken for analysis?

When a tick is found, proper collection and transport are essential for reliable laboratory evaluation. Collection tools Fine-point tweezers or forceps designed for arthropod removal Sterile, leak‑proof vials or microcentrifuge tubes (glass or polypropylene) Alcohol pads (70 % isopropyl) for surface decontamination of the container Labeling material resistant to moisture (water‑proof tape or pre‑printed barcode stickers) Portable cooler with ice packs for short‑. Date latest changes:

How can I detect fleas on a dog through diagnosis and inspection?

Fleas are small, wing‑less insects belonging to the order Siphonaptera. Adult fleas measure 1–4 mm, possess laterally compressed bodies, and are adapted for jumping, enabling rapid movement between hosts. Their mouthparts are specialized for piercing skin and sucking blood, which provides the nutrients required for reproduction.. Date latest changes:

Can a tick bite through nylon stockings?

Ticks possess a pair of chelicerae that function as cutting instruments. Each chelicera consists of a sclerotized, blade‑like structure capable of shearing skin and piercing tissue. Muscular contraction drives the chelicerae together, generating a focused force sufficient to breach the epidermis of vertebrate hosts.. Date latest changes:

How can you treat an area for ticks yourself?

Ticks transmit a range of pathogens that can cause serious illness in humans. The most common diseases include Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi ; anaplasmosis, resulting from Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection; babesiosis, a malaria‑like illness produced by Babesia parasites;. Date latest changes:

Why does my scalp itch constantly without lice or dandruff?

Persistent scalp itching without visible parasites or flakes often prompts a search for less obvious triggers. Distinguishing this symptom from typical scalp disorders requires careful evaluation of pattern, associated signs, and patient history.. Date latest changes:

Why don't bedbugs bite me?

Bed bugs require a blood meal to reproduce, so they constantly search for suitable hosts. Their search relies on a combination of sensory cues that indicate a warm‑blooded animal is nearby. Carbon dioxide released by respiration creates a gradient that bugs follow up to several meters away.. Date latest changes:

What interval should be used for revaccination against ticks?

Ticks transmit a range of pathogens that cause acute and chronic illnesses in humans and animals. Effective prevention relies on understanding the disease spectrum to inform appropriate revaccination timing. Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi):. Date latest changes:

What can be used to treat flea infestations on a cat at home?

Visible fleas on a cat appear as small, dark, jumping insects moving across the fur or clinging to the skin. They are most active near the base of the tail, under the belly, and around the neck. Adult fleas are 1–3 mm long, have flattened bodies, and leave tiny black specks (flea dirt) that resemble pepper.. Date latest changes: