List of articles № 93

Is immunoglobulin administration necessary after a tick bite?

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi , transmitted through the bite of infected Ixodes ticks. The pathogen enters the skin at the attachment site, where it can proliferate before disseminating via the bloodstream.. Date latest changes:

How long can a tick remain on a person and feed?

Tick development proceeds through egg, larva, nymph, and adult stages. Only the larval and nymphal phases involve feeding on a human host, and each stage has a distinct attachment period. The larva, a six‑legged form, seeks a blood meal shortly after hatching.. Date latest changes:

How do bedbugs reproduce in an apartment and where do they hide?

Bedbugs reproduce through traumatic insemination, a method unique among insects. The male uses a hardened genital organ to pierce the female’s dorsal abdominal wall, depositing sperm directly into her hemocoel. Sperm travel through the hemolymph to reach the ovaries, where fertilization occurs.. Date latest changes:

Do bedbugs fear bleach?

Bedbugs (Cimex lectularius) possess a thin, waxy cuticle that limits penetration of many chemicals. Their respiratory system consists of spiracles opening directly to the tracheal network, allowing rapid absorption of volatile substances. Detoxification relies on cytochrome P450 enzymes and glutathione‑S‑transferases, which can metabolize certain oxidizing agents but are less effective against strong oxidizers.. Date latest changes:

How can a tick be properly removed from a dog at home?

Effective tick extraction relies on appropriate instruments. The most reliable devices are: Fine‑point tweezers with a straight or curved tip, designed to grasp the tick’s head without crushing the body. Tick‑removal hooks (often called “tick key” or “tick spoon”), featuring a shallow, serrated edge that slides beneath the attachment.. Date latest changes:

Is it possible to get head lice without washing the hair?

Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) complete their development on the scalp, so the presence or absence of hair washing does not interrupt the biological sequence. An egg, called a nit, is glued to a hair shaft near the scalp within 1 mm. The nit hatches in 7–10 days, releasing a nymph that resembles an adult but is smaller and unable to reproduce.. Date latest changes:

How should a tick be removed from a dog after it has fully fed?

Ticks that have reached full engorgement remain attached for several days, extending the interval during which they can transmit bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. The longer the parasite stays attached, the greater the probability that pathogens such as Borrelia burgdorferi , Anaplasma phagocytophilum , or Ehrlichia species will be transferred into the host’s bloodstream.. Date latest changes:

Which drops are suitable for small‑breed puppies against fleas and ticks?

Small‑breed puppies often exhibit heightened reactivity to topical ectoparasitic agents. Their thin dermis, rapid metabolism, and immature hepatic and renal systems limit the amount of active ingredient that can be safely absorbed. Consequently, products formulated for larger dogs may deliver excessive doses, increasing the risk of cutaneous irritation, systemic toxicity, or hypersensitivity reactions.. Date latest changes:

How can I quickly remove lice at home from girls with long hair?

Lice infestations become apparent through several distinct signs. The most reliable indicator is the presence of live insects or their dark brown, oval eggs (nits) attached firmly to the hair shaft, typically within one centimeter of the scalp.. Date latest changes:

Can sweat cause lice?

Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) are tiny, wing‑less insects that live on the human scalp and feed on blood. Adult specimens measure 2–3 mm, have a flattened body, six legs with clawed tarsi, and a coloration ranging from grayish‑white to brown.. Date latest changes:

How should I treat a bed to eliminate bedbugs?

Detecting an infestation early prevents spread and simplifies eradication. Visual cues on the sleeping surface provide the most reliable evidence. Small, oval, reddish‑brown insects, approximately 4‑5 mm long, visible on mattress seams, box‑spring corners, or headboard.. Date latest changes:

What do bedbugs symbolize in dreams?

Dream interpretations that involve bedbugs draw heavily on the universal aversion to insects. The repulsion, fear of disease, and sense of invasion that insects provoke become central to the meaning of such nocturnal images. Disgust generated by visible crawling bodies Association with contamination and illness Perception of uncontrolled spread or infestation Symbol of hidden, unwanted presence These negative attributes converge in the symbolism of bedbugs during. Date latest changes:

What is the risk of death from a tick bite?

Ticks belong to the subclass Acari and are obligate ectoparasites of vertebrates. Their bodies consist of a capitulum for feeding and a scutum protecting the dorsal surface. Two families dominate human encounters: Ixodidae (hard ticks) and Argasidae (soft ticks).. Date latest changes:

Can lice leave the head on their own?

Nits are the egg shells of head lice, firmly attached to hair shafts near the scalp. The adhesive secreted by the female louse hardens within 30 minutes, creating a bond that resists most mechanical forces. Because the attachment is chemical rather than physical, the eggs do not detach spontaneously;. Date latest changes:

How can one check for bedbugs in a house?

Bed bugs are tiny, wing‑less insects belonging to the species Cimex lectularius. Adults measure approximately 4–5 mm in length, have a flat, oval body, and display a reddish‑brown coloration that darkens after feeding. They survive by consuming the blood of humans or warm‑blooded animals, typically during nighttime hours when hosts are immobile.. Date latest changes:

What do black fleas on a dog indicate?

Black fleas on a dog are often assumed to signal a specific problem because of their color, but flea pigmentation does not reliably indicate disease or infestation severity. Most adult cat‑and‑dog fleas (Ctenocephalides spp.) appear dark brown to black;. Date latest changes:

Are dust mites dangerous to humans?

Dust mites are microscopic arthropods that thrive in warm, humid environments, especially within household textiles such as bedding, upholstery, and carpets. Their size, typically 0.2–0.3 mm, renders them invisible to the naked eye, yet they produce large quantities of fecal particles and body fragments that become airborne.. Date latest changes:

How can you submit a tick for analysis for free?

Tick analysis provides precise species identification, pathogen detection, and prevalence data. Accurate results guide medical treatment, inform personal protective measures, and support epidemiological monitoring. Benefits include: Confirmation of disease‑causing agents, allowing targeted therapy.. Date latest changes:

Will dichlorvos be effective against bedbugs?

Dichlorvos, also known as 2,2-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate (DDVP), is an organophosphate insecticide introduced in the 1960s. It functions as a cholinesterase inhibitor, disrupting neural transmission in insects and causing paralysis. The compound is a clear, volatile liquid with a faint odor;. Date latest changes:

What does a tick bite look on the skin?

A tick bite typically manifests as a small, red bump on the skin. The lesion is often no larger than a pinhead and may appear as a solitary spot or a cluster of tiny papules if multiple ticks have attached. Color: bright red to pink, occasionally developing a darker central point where the tick’s mouthparts remain embedded.. Date latest changes:

Does Actara work against spider mites?

Spider mites are tiny arachnids belonging to the family Tetranychidae, with most species measuring less than 1 mm in length. They possess a flattened body, four pairs of legs, and a pair of chelicerae used for feeding. The most common species in agricultural settings are Tetranychus urticae (two‑spotted spider mite) and Tetranychus cinnabarinus (carmine spider mite).. Date latest changes:

Can lice appear from cold water?

Lice do not originate from exposure to cold water; they develop exclusively on a human host. Understanding the life cycle clarifies why temperature alone cannot generate an infestation. Egg (nit) : Female lice lay 6‑10 eggs per day, attaching them to hair shafts near the scalp.. Date latest changes:

Can the abdomen hurt after a tick bite?

A tick bite often triggers a localized skin response at the attachment site. The reaction results from the insect’s saliva, which contains proteins that can irritate the epidermis and provoke an immune response. Typical manifestations include:. Date latest changes:

Do bedbugs live outdoors: fact or fiction?

Bed bugs are almost exclusively found inside human dwellings because indoor environments provide the precise conditions they require for survival and reproduction. Stable temperatures between 20 °C and 30 °C maintain metabolic activity. Artificial heating and cooling systems keep these ranges constant year‑round, eliminating the thermal extremes that occur outdoors.. Date latest changes:

Why do earth fleas bite not all people?

Earth‑flea larvae, commonly called chiggers, develop in environments that retain moisture and organic matter. Typical habitats include forest leaf litter, grassy fields, shaded garden borders, and the upper layers of soil where humidity remains high.. Date latest changes:

What does a flea bite look on a human?

Fleas that commonly bite humans belong to several species, each with distinct habits and bite patterns. The cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) is the most frequent human parasite; it thrives on cats and dogs but readily jumps onto people. Bites appear as small, red punctures often grouped in clusters of three to five, commonly on ankles, legs, and waist.. Date latest changes:

Which insects resemble bedbugs?

Insects that share size, color, and flattening with bedbugs often cause confusion during pest assessments. Accurate identification separates true Cimex infestations from harmless relatives such as bat bugs, carpet beetles, or booklice. Reasons for precise identification include:. Date latest changes:

Do bedbugs really live in books?

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are small, wing‑less insects that feed exclusively on the blood of warm‑blooded hosts. Adults measure 4–5 mm in length, have a flattened oval shape, and display a reddish‑brown coloration after feeding. Their life cycle includes egg, five nymphal instars, and adult stages, each requiring a blood meal to progress.. Date latest changes:

What should I do if the tick's head is left in a cat?

When a tick’s mouthparts remain embedded in a cat, the first step is a thorough visual examination. Use a bright, focused light and a magnifying lens if available. Carefully part the fur around the bite site to expose the skin. Look for the following indicators:. Date latest changes:

Can humidity promote the appearance of bedbugs?

Optimal environmental conditions for bed bugs combine specific temperature and humidity ranges that support development, reproduction, and survival. Temperatures between 21 °C and 29 °C (70 °F–85 °F) accelerate egg hatching and nymph growth.. Date latest changes:

What diseases do ticks carry and what illnesses can they transmit?

Ticks are small arachnids belonging to the order Ixodida. Adult individuals range from 2 mm to 1 cm in length, with a flattened, segmented body that expands markedly during blood feeding. Their mouthparts form a specialized hypostome equipped with backward‑pointing barbs, enabling secure attachment to the host’s skin.. Date latest changes:

How should a cat's ears be properly treated for ear mites?

Ear mites are microscopic arachnids, primarily Otodectes cynotis , that colonize the external ear canal of felines. They feed on skin debris and ear secretions, causing irritation and inflammation. The parasite’s life cycle progresses through egg, larva, nymph, and adult stages within a span of two to three weeks.. Date latest changes:

Is the BarS spray effective against fleas and ticks for dogs?

BarS spray contains a combination of insecticidal and repellent compounds designed to interrupt the life cycle of common canine ectoparasites. The formulation relies on three principal active substances: Imidacloprid (10 %) – a neonicotinoid that binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the nervous system of fleas and ticks, causing persistent neuronal excitation, paralysis, and death.. Date latest changes:

How can carbofos be safely diluted for bedbug control?

Carbofos, an organophosphate insecticide, inhibits acetylcholinesterase, leading to accumulation of acetylcholine at neuronal synapses. This mechanism disrupts normal nerve transmission in humans and can produce rapid onset of toxic symptoms after exposure.. Date latest changes:

Why might a teenager's scalp itch if there are no lice?

Teenagers often experience scalp irritation without the presence of lice because of conditions that involve excess skin cell turnover and fungal activity. Dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis are the most frequent culprits. Dandruff appears as white or yellowish flakes that detach easily from the scalp.. Date latest changes:

How can a tick be quickly removed from a human at home?

Effective tick extraction at home relies on proper tools. Selecting instruments designed for secure grasp and minimal skin trauma reduces the risk of pathogen transmission. Fine‑point tweezers (straight or angled) with a non‑slipping grip.. Date latest changes:

How many days after hatching do lice start laying eggs?

Nits are the eggs of head‑lice (Pediculus humanus capitis). A female louse attaches each egg to a single hair shaft using a cement‑like secretion, positioning it within 1 mm of the scalp where temperature and humidity are optimal for development.. Date latest changes:

What does a tick look like in close‑up, including forest and encephalitis varieties?

A microscopic view of a tick reveals a clearly demarcated body divided into two principal sections. The anterior part, the capitulum, houses the mouthparts (palps, chelicerae, and hypostome) and is distinct from the larger posterior section, the idiosoma, which contains the legs, respiratory openings, and the dorsal shield (scutum).. Date latest changes:

Which ear drops are suitable for dogs for ear mite and inflammation?

Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) are common parasites that colonize the external ear canal of dogs, causing irritation and secondary inflammation. Infestation often leads to the accumulation of dark, crumbly debris and a distinct odor, signaling the need for targeted treatment.. Date latest changes:

Which flea and tick tablets for dogs are the most effective?

Systemic action refers to the process by which an oral tablet is absorbed into the canine bloodstream and distributed to peripheral tissues, where it reaches parasites feeding on the host’s blood. After ingestion, the active ingredient penetrates the gastrointestinal wall, enters plasma, and circulates to skin, hair follicles, and the dermal microvasculature, ensuring exposure to fleas and ticks during attachment.. Date latest changes: