List of articles № 67

What do flea bites look on a child?

Flea bites on a child appear as tiny, raised red papules, often 2–4 mm in diameter. The centre may be a pinpoint puncture surrounded by a slightly larger erythematous halo. Lesions frequently develop in clusters or linear rows, reflecting the flea’s jumping pattern.. Date latest changes:

How can subcutaneous ticks be eliminated?

Subcutaneous ticks reside beneath the skin’s outer layer, whereas surface ticks attach to the epidermis and remain visible. The distinction influences diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Location: embedded ticks are located in the dermis or subdermal tissue;. Date latest changes:

Which tablets should be taken after a tick bite?

After a tick bite, the primary concern is preventing Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi . Prophylactic treatment is indicated when the tick has been attached for ≥36 hours, the local infection rate in ticks exceeds 20 %, and the patient is not allergic to the recommended drugs.. Date latest changes:

What diseases do ticks transmit to humans?

Ticks acquire a blood meal by inserting their hypostome into the host’s skin and secreting saliva that contains a complex mixture of bioactive molecules. These compounds suppress host hemostasis, modulate immune responses, and create a microenvironment conducive to prolonged feeding.. Date latest changes:

What should you do if a dog has many fleas?

Fleas leave distinct evidence on a dog’s body and behavior. The most reliable indicators include: Small, dark specks on the skin, often found near the neck, base of the tail, and belly. These specks are flea feces, composed of digested blood.. Date latest changes:

What do ticks eat in nature besides blood?

Ticks belong to the subclass Acari, order Ixodida, and are external parasites of vertebrates. Their bodies consist of a capitulum bearing the mouthparts and an idiosoma that encloses the digestive and reproductive systems. The exoskeleton is hardened in hard ticks (Ixodidae) and softer in Argasidae, influencing mobility and host attachment.. Date latest changes:

Can you bite a tick without it attaching?

Ticks develop through four distinct stages: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. Each stage, except the egg, requires a blood meal to progress to the next phase. Egg – laid on the ground, hatches into a six-legged larva within weeks. Larva – seeks a small host (often a rodent or bird), attaches, and feeds for several days before dropping off to molt.. Date latest changes:

Can bedbugs survive after disinfection?

Bedbugs progress through a defined series of developmental stages that influence their capacity to endure chemical treatments. The cycle comprises: Egg: oval, ~1 mm, deposited in clusters; resistance to many surface disinfectants is high.. Date latest changes:

What happens if a regular tick bites?

Ticks attach through a precise sequence of actions that enable prolonged blood feeding. First, a questing tick detects a host by sensing heat, carbon dioxide, and movement. Upon contact, the tick climbs onto the skin and searches for a suitable site, usually a hair‑rich or thin‑skinned area.. Date latest changes:

What methods help eliminate bedbugs?

Accurate identification of bed‑bug bites is essential for any eradication effort. Bites typically appear in clusters of three to five punctures, often aligned in a straight line or triangular pattern. The lesions are raised, red, and may develop a central swelling within minutes to hours.. Date latest changes:

How to determine if your pet has fleas?

Fleas are small, wing‑less insects belonging to the order Siphonaptera. Adult specimens measure 1–4 mm, possess laterally compressed bodies, and are equipped with powerful hind legs that enable rapid jumping. Their mouthparts are adapted for piercing skin and sucking blood, which provides the nutrients required for development.. Date latest changes:

When should blood be tested after a tick bite?

Tick bites demand prompt medical assessment because pathogen transmission often begins within hours of attachment. Early evaluation reduces the likelihood of severe disease and guides timely laboratory work. Most tick‑borne infections follow a characteristic incubation schedule.. Date latest changes:

Why does a cat itch after flea treatment?

Cats often develop itching after flea control because the products contain active chemicals that can trigger skin reactions. When a feline’s immune system identifies a compound as foreign, it may launch an inflammatory response, producing redness, swelling, and pruritus.. Date latest changes:

Can fleas from a kitten transfer to a human?

Fleas are small, wing‑less insects belonging to the order Siphonaptera. They possess laterally compressed bodies that enable movement through fur or hair, and their legs are adapted for jumping up to 150 times their length. Adult fleas feed exclusively on the blood of mammals and birds, using specialized mouthparts that pierce the skin and draw fluid.. Date latest changes:

Are bedbug bites dangerous to humans?

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are small, wingless insects measuring 4–5 mm in length, reddish‑brown in color, and flattened from top to bottom. They belong to the order Hemiptera and are obligate hematophagous parasites that feed exclusively on the blood of warm‑blooded animals, primarily humans.. Date latest changes:

Can fleas jump from a cat to a human?

Fleas achieve remarkable leaps through specialized anatomical structures that convert minimal muscular effort into explosive propulsion. Their hind legs contain a compact arrangement of muscles that contract rapidly, storing energy in an elastic protein called resilin.. Date latest changes:

What do bed bugs fear in an apartment, and how can they be eliminated?

Extreme temperatures are among the few conditions that directly threaten bed‑bug survival in a dwelling. Both heat and cold can be employed as stand‑alone measures or as components of an integrated control plan. Heat kills insects by denaturing proteins and disrupting cellular membranes.. Date latest changes:

Which medicines should be taken after a tick bite?

Proper extraction of a tick minimizes pathogen transmission and prepares the site for any subsequent pharmacological intervention. The following instruments are recommended for safe removal: Fine‑tipped, straight‑pointed tweezers (metal or stainless steel) Tick‑specific removal device (plastic hook or slide) Disposable nitrile gloves Antiseptic wipes or alcohol swabs Magnifying glass (optional, for visual confirmation) The procedure begins with gloves to prevent. Date latest changes:

What should be done after removing a tick from a human?

After a tick has been extracted, the bite site should be cleaned immediately. Rinsing with running water removes surface debris, while soap disrupts bacterial contaminants that may have been transferred from the tick’s mouthparts. Wet the area with lukewarm water.. Date latest changes:

How quickly can fleas be eliminated from a Spitz at home?

Fleas trigger noticeable shifts in a Spitz’s routine and demeanor. Within hours of infestation, the dog may display heightened scratching, biting, or licking of the coat, especially around the neck, base of the tail, and behind the ears. These actions often intensify as the parasite population expands, leading to visible skin irritation and occasional hair loss.. Date latest changes:

What should you do if your scalp itches without lice or dandruff?

Dry scalp often causes itching even when lice and dandruff are absent. The condition results from insufficient moisture, barrier disruption, or irritation from harsh hair products. Identifying the underlying factor helps target relief effectively.. Date latest changes:

How long after does a tick start biting?

Ticks initiate feeding only after specific environmental signals indicate a suitable host. The interval between attachment and the first bite is governed primarily by temperature, humidity, carbon‑dioxide concentration, and host‑derived chemicals.. Date latest changes:

How soon can a dog be bathed after flea treatment?

Topical spot‑on flea products are applied directly to the skin, usually between the shoulder blades, where they spread across the surface through the animal’s natural oils. The medication forms a thin film that is absorbed into the bloodstream, providing systemic protection against fleas and ticks.. Date latest changes:

How were bed bugs historically controlled in homes?

Ancient societies regarded bed‑bug infestations as signs of impurity, malevolent spirits, or divine punishment. Egyptians linked the insects to the goddess Isis, believing that incense and sacred oils could appease offending deities. Greek physicians described the bugs as carriers of disease, recommending fumigation with aromatic herbs to cleanse the household.. Date latest changes:

How can you remove fleas from a cat at home using folk remedies?

Fleas are small, dark insects that move quickly through a cat’s coat. Their presence is often confirmed by a combination of observable signs. Frequent scratching or biting at the skin, especially along the neck, tail base, and behind the ears.. Date latest changes:

How to treat cabbage for fleas at home using folk methods?

Flea beetles on cabbage appear as tiny, shiny insects, usually 1‑3 mm long, with black or metallic green bodies and noticeably enlarged hind legs for jumping. Their movement is rapid, often causing a sudden scattering when the plant is disturbed.. Date latest changes:

How can you get rid of moose lice?

Moose lice are obligate ectoparasites that feed exclusively on the blood of Alces alces. Adult females lay eggs (nits) on hair shafts near the skin surface, where the environment provides constant temperature and humidity. The insects lack wings and move by crawling, relying on the host’s movement for dispersal among individuals in dense populations.. Date latest changes:

Why does a Spitz itch even though there are no fleas?

Allergic reactions are a common cause of persistent pruritus in Spitz dogs when ectoparasites are absent. The immune system mistakenly identifies harmless substances as threats, triggering the release of histamine and other mediators that irritate the skin.. Date latest changes:

How to apply flea drops on a cat's neck?

Flea drops are topical insecticidal solutions formulated for direct application to a cat’s skin, typically along the dorsal cervical region. The product contains an active ingredient—commonly a neonicotinoid (e.g., imidacloprid) or a pyrethroid (e.. Date latest changes:

What is the name for flea treatment?

Topical flea control, often referred to as spot‑on treatment, consists of liquid or gel formulations applied directly to the animal’s skin. The product spreads across the coat, reaches the bloodstream, and eliminates fleas through contact or ingestion during feeding.. Date latest changes:

Can bedbugs live under laminate flooring?

Bedbugs (Cimex lectularius) are small, flattened insects measuring 4–5 mm in length and 1.5–2 mm in width. Their dorsoventral compression allows them to slip into narrow crevices as thin as 1 mm. The exoskeleton is a tough, chitinous shell covered with a waxy layer that reduces water loss, enabling survival in dry environments such as the space beneath flooring panels.. Date latest changes:

Does a smoke bomb help against fleas?

Smoke bombs rely on pyrotechnic compositions that generate dense, visible smoke. The primary chemicals responsible for the visual effect are typically potassium chlorate, lactose, and a coloring agent such as dye‑based pigment. These components produce no insecticidal activity;. Date latest changes:

How can cucumber mites be removed?

Cucumber mites are minute arachnids, typically measuring 0.2–0.4 mm in length. Their bodies are oval, flattened, and covered with a soft, waxy cuticle that gives a pale green to yellowish hue, often matching the cucumber foliage. Eyes are reduced to simple ocelli, rendering vision limited;. Date latest changes:

What to do after a human tick bite?

After a tick bite, improper removal can raise the chance of infection and disease transmission. The following actions must be avoided during the extraction process. Do not squeeze the tick’s body, especially the abdomen, because pressure can force saliva or infected material back into the bite site.. Date latest changes:

How long can a tick survive without breathing?

Ticks respire through a pair of external openings called spiracles, located on the ventral side of the idiosoma. Each spiracle is protected by a thin cuticular plate that can close to prevent desiccation, yet remains permeable enough to allow passive diffusion of gases.. Date latest changes:

How can you tell if there are fleas in an apartment?

Flea sightings provide the most direct evidence of an infestation. Adult fleas are small, dark, and move quickly through the air when disturbed. Their presence is often confirmed by spotting them on flooring, furniture, or pet fur. Typical indicators include:. Date latest changes:

Does the tick bite site hurt in humans?

A tick inserts its mouthparts with minimal pressure, often bypassing the skin’s surface nerves. The feeding apparatus, a hypostome, penetrates only a few millimeters, insufficient to trigger immediate pain receptors. The delayed sensation results from several physiological factors:. Date latest changes:

How to get rid of house dust mites?

House dust mites (Dermatophagoides spp.) are microscopic arachnids, typically 0.2–0.3 mm long, lacking eyes and wings. Their exoskeleton contains chitin, providing resistance to desiccation but requiring high humidity (≥ 75 % RH) to maintain metabolic activity.. Date latest changes:

At what time of day do bedbugs usually bite?

Bedbugs concentrate their feeding activity during the nocturnal period, with the highest incidence occurring between midnight and the early hours of sunrise. Their circadian rhythm aligns with human sleep cycles, allowing them to locate a dormant host while skin temperature and blood flow are elevated.. Date latest changes:

When should adults receive a tick vaccine?

Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi transmitted through Ixodes ticks, remains the most prevalent vector‑borne infection in temperate regions. Adult risk peaks during late spring and summer when nymphal ticks are most active, particularly in endemic areas such as the northeastern United States, parts of Europe, and certain Asian locales.. Date latest changes: