List of articles № 82

How does a dog behave if bitten by a tick?

Dogs possess limited sensory detection of tick attachment. The bite itself is painless because tick mouthparts secrete anesthetic compounds, preventing immediate pain signals. Consequently, a dog typically does not react at the moment of attachment.. Date latest changes:

What should be treated first: fleas or worms?

Understanding the development of fleas provides a factual basis for prioritising parasite control. The flea life cycle comprises four distinct stages, each occurring under specific environmental conditions. Egg: Laid on the host or in the surrounding habitat;. Date latest changes:

How should Bars flea drops be used for cats?

Bars flea drops are a topical ectoparasiticide formulated for felines. The product contains a synthetic insecticide, typically imidacloprid or fipronil, combined with a carrier that spreads across the skin after application. The active ingredient penetrates the flea’s nervous system, causing rapid paralysis and death, while also preventing egg development.. Date latest changes:

What diseases does a tick vaccine protect against?

Ticks inhabit all continents except Antarctica, establishing a worldwide reservoir for pathogens targeted by tick‑borne disease vaccines. Their presence in diverse ecosystems creates opportunities for transmission of bacteria, viruses and protozoa that cause illnesses preventable by immunisation.. Date latest changes:

How long do bedbugs grow and when do they reach maturity?

Temperature exerts the strongest influence on egg incubation. Warmer conditions accelerate embryogenesis, shortening the period from laying to emergence, while cooler environments prolong it. Bedbug eggs typically hatch within five to ten days at temperatures between 24 °C and 30 °C;. Date latest changes:

How can you quickly remove lice and nits at home?

Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) complete their development on a single host, progressing through three distinct stages: egg (nit), nymph, and adult. Each stage occurs within a predictable time frame that directly influences the effectiveness of home‑based eradication methods.. Date latest changes:

What does a tick bite site look like without the parasite?

When a tick detaches, the bite usually leaves a small, circular area of erythema. The redness is often pink‑to‑light red, ranging from a few millimeters to about one centimeter in diameter. A tiny puncture mark may be visible at the center, sometimes surrounded by a faint halo.. Date latest changes:

How to differentiate a tick bite from another insect bite?

When a bite is first noticed, the initial assessment focuses on visual and tactile cues that can separate a tick attachment from other arthropod bites. The observer should note the size, shape, and borders of the lesion, as well as any attached organism.. Date latest changes:

How to treat an apartment for bedbugs at home?

The question «What do bed bugs look like?» often arises when confronting a domestic infestation. Correct identification guides effective control measures. Length ≈ 4–5 mm (about the size of an apple seed). Shape: flat, oval, and elongated, allowing easy concealment in tight crevices.. Date latest changes:

Is it safe to wash a dog before applying flea drops?

When a dog is bathed before a topical flea treatment, the composition of the product determines whether washing will compromise efficacy. Active compounds are formulated to spread across the skin and coat, creating a barrier that kills or repels fleas for weeks.. Date latest changes:

What should be done if a tick’s head remains in a dog?

A retained tick mouthpart can introduce bacteria, viruses, and parasites directly into the dermis, creating a pathway for infection. Common bacterial agents include Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease) and Anaplasma phagocytophilum (anaplasmosis).. Date latest changes:

How do professional services treat bedbugs in an apartment?

Recognizing a bed‑bug infestation is the initial step that guides any professional eradication effort. Early detection limits the spread, informs the choice of treatment, and reduces the number of applications required. Typical indicators include:. Date latest changes:

In which direction should a tick be twisted off a cat, and what is the correct technique?

Proper removal of a tick from a cat requires a tool that secures the parasite close to the skin and allows controlled rotation. The tool must keep the mouthparts intact, avoid crushing the body, and enable a smooth clockwise twist until the tick releases.. Date latest changes:

At what temperature do bedbugs and their eggs die in a washing machine?

Heat applied during laundering disrupts the structural integrity of bedbug proteins. Temperatures above 50 °C (122 °F) cause irreversible unfolding of enzymatic and structural proteins, leading to loss of function. Continued exposure at 60 °C (140 °F) for a minimum of ten minutes ensures complete denaturation of heat‑sensitive proteins, preventing repair mechanisms.. Date latest changes:

How should PolySorbe be used to combat bedbugs at home?

Early detection of infestations depends on recognizing specific indicators that appear before populations become visible. Small, reddish‑brown spots on mattresses, sheets, or furniture; these are fecal stains left by feeding insects. Tiny, whitish shells shed as nymphs mature;. Date latest changes:

In how many days do lice appear?

The period between egg deposition and the emergence of a mobile louse, known as the nit incubation period, determines when an infestation becomes observable. Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) require 7–10 days at typical indoor temperatures (20‑25 °C) to hatch.. Date latest changes:

What attracts bedbugs?

Human respiration releases carbon dioxide, a primary cue that guides hematophagous insects toward a host. Bedbugs detect elevated CO₂ levels through specialized sensilla located on their antennae, enabling them to locate sleeping individuals.. Date latest changes:

What is the most effective way to fight bedbugs?

Bedbugs are small, flattened insects that range from 4 mm to 5 mm in length when unfed and expand to about 7 mm after a blood meal. Their bodies are oval, resembling a tiny apple seed, with a reddish‑brown hue that darkens after feeding. Six legs emerge from the thorax, each ending in tiny claws that allow movement across fabric and seams.. Date latest changes:

Can a tick bite unnoticed?

Ticks attach to hosts for several days while feeding. Their success depends on a specialized saliva that contains compounds preventing the host from feeling the bite. The saliva includes: Anticoagulants – inhibit clot formation, keeping blood flowing.. Date latest changes:

How can lice appear in hair?

Human head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) are obligate ectoparasites that feed exclusively on scalp blood. Adult insects measure 2–4 mm, possess six legs with clawed tarsi for grasping hair shafts, and have piercing‑sucking mouthparts adapted to penetrate the epidermis.. Date latest changes:

Can fleas be found on a person's head?

Cat fleas («Ctenocephalides felis») are small, wingless ectoparasites that primarily infest domestic cats and, to a lesser extent, dogs. Adult fleas measure 1–3 mm, possess powerful hind legs for jumping, and feed on the blood of their hosts.. Date latest changes:

How should bed tick bites be treated?

Bed tick bites typically appear as small, raised papules measuring 2–5 mm in diameter. The central point often shows a pinpoint puncture mark where the tick’s mouthparts penetrated the skin. Surrounding the punctum, a halo of erythema may develop;. Date latest changes:

What is the test called for a tick bite?

The diagnostic evaluation after a tick exposure relies on serologic testing for Borrelia burgdorferi, most commonly a two‑tier approach: an enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) screened by a Western blot confirmation. In some settings, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on blood or tissue samples is added to detect early infection when antibodies are absent.. Date latest changes:

Where do ticks bite humans most often?

Ticks that regularly attach to people belong to a limited group of species, each with distinct ecological preferences that determine where on the body they are most likely to feed. Understanding these preferences clarifies the patterns of human bites and informs preventive measures.. Date latest changes:

What should I do about flea bites on a person?

Flea bites appear as tiny, raised red spots, usually 2–5 mm in diameter. The lesions often develop in groups of three or four, forming a linear or triangular pattern that reflects the insect’s jumping behavior. A tiny puncture mark may be visible at the center of each spot.. Date latest changes:

How to treat a Spitz for ticks and fleas?

Ticks and fleas pose immediate threats to a Spitz’s health. Both parasites attach to the skin, feed on blood, and can transmit a range of pathogens that affect the cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and nervous systems. Key health risks include:. Date latest changes:

What to do after removing a tick from a child?

After a tick is taken off a child, the first step is to cleanse the bite area thoroughly. Use plain soap and lukewarm water; scrub gently for at least 20 seconds to remove any residual saliva or debris that may harbor pathogens. Rinse completely and pat dry with a clean towel.. Date latest changes:

Can bedbugs crawl into the ear?

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) measure approximately 4–5 mm in length and 1.5–2 mm in width when fully engorged; unfed individuals are closer to 3 mm. Their flattened body enables passage through narrow gaps, yet the minimum aperture required for entry exceeds the width of a typical human ear canal, which averages 7–10 mm in diameter.. Date latest changes:

Can a tick bite cause a sore throat?

Tick bites often produce immediate skin changes at the attachment site. Redness, swelling, and a small, firm nodule are typical within hours of engorgement. The nodule may persist for several days, gradually diminishing as the tick detaches and the immune response subsides.. Date latest changes:

Will disinfection help in the fight against bedbugs?

Bed bugs are small, wingless insects belonging to the family Cimicidae, with the common species Cimex lectularius infesting human environments worldwide. Adults measure 4–5 mm in length, are reddish‑brown, and possess a flat, oval body that swells after feeding.. Date latest changes:

How to correctly wash a cat with flea shampoo?

When selecting a flea shampoo for a cat, prioritize safety, efficacy, and suitability for the animal’s specific condition. First, verify that the product is formulated exclusively for felines. Many flea treatments designed for dogs contain ingredients that can cause toxicity in cats, such as certain pyrethrins or permethrin.. Date latest changes:

What happens if a tick is not removed from a dog?

Swelling and redness often appear at the site where a tick remains attached to a canine host. The tick’s mouthparts embed in the skin, triggering a localized inflammatory response. Blood vessels dilate, leading to erythema, while immune cells accumulate, causing edema.. Date latest changes:

How can I get rid of fleas at home by myself?

Fleas are wing‑less, blood‑sucking insects belonging to the order Siphonaptera. Adults measure 1–4 mm, possess laterally compressed bodies, and are covered with hardened, scale‑like exoskeletons that aid movement through animal fur and human clothing.. Date latest changes:

How should a flea collar be properly put on a cat?

Various flea collars differ in active ingredients, duration of protection, and safety profile, all of which affect how the device is fitted to a cat. Synthetic insecticide collars – contain chemicals such as imidacloprid or flumethrin;. Date latest changes:

Can cats develop encephalitis after a tick bite?

Ticks that commonly infest cats include several species with distinct geographic ranges and pathogen profiles. The black‑legged tick (Ixodes scapularis) predominates in the northeastern United States and transmits Borrelia burgdorferi, Babesia spp.. Date latest changes:

How to correctly poison bedbugs at home?

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) measure 4–5 mm in length when unfed and expand to about 6–7 mm after a blood meal. Their bodies are flat, oval, and dorsoventrally compressed, facilitating movement within narrow crevices. Color ranges from pale brown in newly emerged individuals to deep reddish‑brown after feeding;. Date latest changes:

What does it mean when you dream of crushing lice on your head?

Dreams in which one crushes lice on the scalp often signal deep‑seated discomfort with personal contamination. The act of crushing emphasizes a desire to eliminate an invasive presence that threatens cleanliness and self‑image. Lice represent unwanted intrusion, suggesting feelings of being invaded by persistent problems.. Date latest changes:

How can you differentiate a tick bite from bites of other insects?

Ticks often attach without causing noticeable pain. The bite site may feel like a faint pressure or be completely painless at the moment of attachment. In contrast, most insects—such as mosquitoes, fleas, or spiders—produce an immediate, sharp or burning sensation when the mouthparts penetrate the skin.. Date latest changes:

On which day do symptoms appear after a tick bite?

Immediate reactions to a tick bite occur within minutes to a few hours after the attachment. The skin around the attachment site may exhibit: Localized pain or a stinging sensation Redness that expands outward from the bite point Swelling that can become palpable within an hour Pruritus developing shortly after removal of the tick Small vesicles or a maculopapular rash appearing within the first 24 hours Allergic responses can emerge rapidly.. Date latest changes:

What pests can bite in the bed besides bedbugs?

Many insects and arachnids that resemble bed bugs can also cause bites while a person sleeps. Recognizing these look‑alikes prevents misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatments. Fleas – Small, laterally flattened, jump readily. Dark brown to reddish, lacking the distinct orange‑red abdomen of bed bugs.. Date latest changes: