List of articles № 49

Are dog fleas dangerous to humans: risks and prevention?

Dog fleas, scientifically known as  Ctenocephalides canis , are small, wingless insects that parasitize canines. Adult fleas measure 1–4 mm, possess laterally compressed bodies, and are adapted for jumping long distances relative to their size.. Date latest changes:

A dog scratches but has no fleas: what to do at home?

A dog that scratches intensely without visible fleas often suffers from an allergic reaction. Allergies trigger inflammation of the skin, leading to pruritus, redness, and secondary infections. Common allergens include environmental pollen, dust mites, mold spores, certain foods, and contact substances such as shampoos or cleaning agents.. Date latest changes:

What is cold fog and how does it affect bedbugs in an apartment?

Cold fog is an aerosol composed of microscopic liquid droplets that remain suspended in air without raising ambient temperature. Generators create this mist by forcing a liquid concentrate through a high‑pressure nozzle, where it is broken into particles typically ranging from 10 to 40 micrometers in diameter.. Date latest changes:

When should blood be tested for tick-borne encephalitis and borreliosis after a tick bite?

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral infection transmitted by Ixodes ticks. The causative agent, TBE virus, belongs to the Flaviviridae family and is endemic in many parts of Europe and Asia. After a bite, the virus replicates locally before entering the bloodstream, leading to a biphasic illness:. Date latest changes:

Do bedbugs bite domestic cats?

Bedbugs (Cimex lectularius) are small, dorsoventrally flattened insects with an oval silhouette. Their exoskeleton is a matte, reddish‑brown hue that darkens after feeding. The head is concealed beneath the thorax, and the antennae consist of five slender segments.. Date latest changes:

How can I get rid of fleas in a barn?

Flea bite identification is essential for effective barn flea control. Early detection allows targeted treatment, reduces animal discomfort, and limits infestation spread. Typical signs on livestock include small, red papules concentrated on the lower abdomen, groin, and hind legs.. Date latest changes:

Do dog fleas bite people?

Dog fleas (Ctenocephalides canis) are obligate ectoparasites of canines. They will bite humans when a dog host is unavailable or when the environment places humans in close contact with infested animals. Human bites produce localized erythema, pruritus, and may trigger allergic dermatitis.. Date latest changes:

What should I drink after a tick bite?

A tick attached to the skin must be taken off promptly to lower the chance of disease transmission. Use fine‑point tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal tool; avoid crushing the body. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure.. Date latest changes:

How can I fight bedbugs in an apartment?

Bedbugs are small, wingless insects whose appearance directly influences control measures. Adult specimens measure 4–5 mm in length, roughly the size of an apple seed, and display a flattened, oval body that expands after feeding. Their coloration ranges from reddish‑brown to dark brown, becoming more pronounced after a blood meal.. Date latest changes:

How do fleas bite a person on the skin?

Fleas are small, laterally flattened insects measuring 1–4 mm in length. Their bodies consist of a hardened exoskeleton, long hind legs adapted for jumping, and a head equipped with piercing‑sucking mouthparts called stylets. The stylets form a narrow tube that penetrates the epidermis and reaches the superficial dermal blood vessels.. Date latest changes:

Is it possible to have lice without scalp itching?

Lice progress through three distinct phases: egg, nymph, and adult. Each phase lasts a specific period, influencing the likelihood of noticeable symptoms. Egg (nit) – Females attach oval eggs to hair shafts near the scalp. Incubation requires 7–10 days at typical body temperature.. Date latest changes:

What to do if a dog is bitten by a tick?

When a tick attaches to a canine, prompt removal depends on having the proper equipment at hand. Fine‑tipped tweezers or a dedicated tick‑removal device Disposable nitrile gloves to protect both handler and animal Antiseptic solution (e.. Date latest changes:

How does Simparica work against ticks?

Simparica delivers systemic acaricidal protection that targets the tick species most frequently encountered on dogs. Recognizing these parasites clarifies the scope of the product’s efficacy. Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) – prevalent in the eastern United States;. Date latest changes:

How can you determine if a parrot has fleas?

Parrots infested with fleas often display distinct alterations in routine. Recognizing these patterns enables early intervention and prevents secondary health issues. Sudden increase in preening frequency, especially focused on the head, neck, and vent area.. Date latest changes:

What happens if a tick bites a cat?

Ticks that commonly attach to domestic cats include several species with distinct geographic ranges and disease‑transmission potential. Accurate identification aids veterinarians in assessing health risks and selecting appropriate treatment.. Date latest changes:

How to properly twist off a tick from a cat?

Visual identification of a tick on a feline requires careful observation of the animal’s coat and skin. Ticks appear as small, rounded or oval bodies attached to the skin, often resembling a dark speck. Their size varies from a few millimeters in early stages to a larger, engorged form after feeding.. Date latest changes:

Where can bedbugs originate from in an apartment?

Bed bugs are small, oval insects that flatten when not feeding. Adults measure 4–5 mm in length, roughly the size of an apple seed, and 2–3 mm in width. Their bodies are reddish‑brown, turning darker after a blood meal. The head is not distinct;. Date latest changes:

What is the name of a specialist who treats lice?

Lice are obligate ectoparasites that complete their development on a host. Their life cycle consists of three distinct stages: egg, nymph, and adult. Egg (nit) – Females embed each egg under hair shafts close to the scalp. The shell protects the embryo for 7‑10 days, after which the nit hatches.. Date latest changes:

What should be applied to the feet to prevent flea bites?

Fleas are small, wing‑less insects belonging to the order Siphonaptera. Adults measure 1–4 mm, have laterally compressed bodies, and possess powerful hind legs for jumping up to 150 times their length. Their life cycle includes egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages;. Date latest changes:

How to differentiate otitis from ear mite in a dog?

The external ear canal is a narrow, curved passage extending from the pinna to the tympanic membrane. Its skin is thin, contains ceruminous glands, and supports a delicate microbiome. Inflammatory conditions and parasitic infestations alter its appearance, secretion composition, and tactile response.. Date latest changes:

Why are some people bitten by bedbugs while others are not?

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are obligate hematophagous insects whose life cycle consists of egg, five nymphal instars, and adult stages. Each nymph must obtain a blood meal to molt, while adults feed repeatedly to sustain reproduction. Females lay 200–500 eggs over several months, depositing them in crevices near host resting areas.. Date latest changes:

How long should a flea collar be worn?

Flea collars vary in formulation, which directly influences the period they remain effective on a pet. Chemical collars release synthetic insecticides that disperse through the skin and coat, providing continuous protection for a defined interval.. Date latest changes:

How can you eliminate spider mites in a greenhouse?

Spider mites progress through four distinct stages: egg, larva, protonymph, and adult. Each stage occurs on the same host plant, allowing rapid population buildup under greenhouse conditions. Egg: deposited on leaf undersides, hatch in 3‑5 days at 25 °C.. Date latest changes:

Do bedbugs survive freezing temperatures?

Bedbug reproduction relies on a short‑lived egg stage that determines the species’ capacity to persist under adverse conditions. Eggs are deposited in clusters within protective paper‑like shells and remain immobile until hatching, typically within five to ten days at optimal temperatures.. Date latest changes:

How can you get rid of fleas in the basement of a private house?

Visual confirmation is the first step in a systematic effort to eliminate fleas from a residential basement. Accurate identification of flea activity prevents unnecessary chemical applications and directs treatment to the most affected zones.. Date latest changes:

What do small domestic bed bugs look like?

Adult bed bugs are wingless insects measuring 4.5–5.5 mm in length, resembling a small apple seed. Their bodies are flat when unfed and become noticeably swollen after a blood meal. The dorsal surface displays a reddish‑brown hue that fades to a lighter tan after feeding.. Date latest changes:

What does a bed bug infestation indicate as a sign?

A bed‑bug problem often manifests through distinct dermatological clues. The insects feed on human blood, leaving characteristic marks that can be identified without laboratory testing. Small, flat or raised welts ranging from 2 to 5 mm in diameter.. Date latest changes:

What does it mean to dream of ticks in your hair?

Ticks are external arthropod parasites that attach to hosts for blood meals. Their mouthparts penetrate skin, forming a secure attachment that can last several days. While feeding, ticks transmit pathogens such as Borrelia burgdorferi, the agent of Lyme disease, and various viruses and protozoa.. Date latest changes:

When should a flea collar be placed on a cat after using drops?

Flea collars and topical treatments contain distinct active compounds that act on different stages of the flea life cycle. Collar ingredients – common actives include imidacloprid, flumethrin, and selamectin. Imidacloprid interferes with nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, causing paralysis and death of adult fleas that contact the cat’s fur.. Date latest changes:

How can you tell if a tick's head remains inside a person?

The hypostome is the central, barbed organ that a tick inserts into the host’s skin to anchor itself while feeding. Its serrated surface penetrates tissue and locks the mouthparts in place, making it the component most likely to remain after the body is removed.. Date latest changes:

How to correctly apply flea treatment to a cat at home?

Applying flea medication to a cat requires precision to ensure efficacy and safety. Begin by selecting a product formulated for feline use and confirming the correct dosage based on the animal’s weight. Read the label for any specific instructions regarding timing, such as applying after a meal.. Date latest changes:

How can fleas be removed using home remedies: proven recipes?

Fleas are small, wing‑less insects that feed on the blood of mammals. Detecting an infestation early prevents discomfort for the animal and reduces the risk of spreading to the household environment. Typical indicators include: Repeated scratching or biting that intensifies after a short walk outdoors.. Date latest changes:

How does a flea collar help if fleas have already appeared on a cat?

Flea collars come in several distinct formulations, each designed to affect adult fleas, larvae, or eggs on a cat that is already infested. Chemical insecticide collars release synthetic agents such as imidacloprid, selamectin, or pyrethroids.. Date latest changes:

How can bedbugs be quickly and effectively eliminated at home?

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are small, wingless insects measuring 4–5 mm in length, reddish‑brown in color, and flattened dorsally. Their mouthparts are adapted for piercing skin and extracting blood. Adult lifespan: 6–12 months, depending on temperature and food availability.. Date latest changes:

What symptoms manifest after a tick bite and when does the disease appear?

Redness and swelling commonly develop at the site where a tick attaches. The inflammatory response is triggered within hours of the bite, producing a localized erythema that may expand over the following days. Swelling accompanies the erythema, often resulting in a raised, tender area around the attachment point.. Date latest changes:

Where do bedbugs hide in an apartment?

Bedbugs are strictly nocturnal insects; they emerge after sunset to locate a blood meal and retreat before daylight. Their activity peaks between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m., when human hosts are most likely to be at rest. During daylight hours, the insects remain motionless in protected micro‑habitats that shield them from light, temperature fluctuations, and disturbance.. Date latest changes:

What does a dream about fleas on a cat mean?

A dream in which a cat is infested with fleas signals the presence of persistent minor irritations. The animal represents a familiar aspect of daily life, while the parasites embody small but recurring annoyances that demand attention. Such symbolism points to situations where seemingly insignificant problems accumulate, creating discomfort comparable to the relentless scratching caused by fleas.. Date latest changes:

What do fleas and their larvae look like?

Fleas are tiny, laterally compressed insects measuring approximately 1.5 to 3.5 mm in length. Their bodies are flattened from side to side, giving a narrow, elongated silhouette that facilitates movement through host fur. The head is small, lacking visible eyes, and the antennae are short, concealed beneath the thorax.. Date latest changes:

How should I treat a tick bite on a cat?

Ticks transmit several pathogens that frequently affect domestic cats. Recognizing the most common tick‑borne diseases enables timely diagnosis and appropriate management after a bite. «Anaplasmosis» – caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum , produces fever, lethargy, and neutropenia.. Date latest changes:

How can I distinguish a mosquito bite from a bedbug bite?

Mosquito bites appear as small, raised papules typically measuring 1–3 mm in diameter. The central area is often a pinpoint puncture surrounded by a uniform erythematous halo that ranges from pink to deep red. Occasionally a tiny vesicle forms at the core, especially after repeated exposure.. Date latest changes: