"Invasion" - what is it, definition of the term
An incursion of parasitic arthropods—including ticks, true bugs, lice, and fleas—into a host organism or environment constitutes a biological intrusion that establishes a temporary or sustained presence, leading to infestation, potential disease transmission, and disruption of normal physiological or ecological functions.
Detailed information
Ticks, bugs, lice and fleas represent a class of ectoparasites that can breach human and animal environments, establishing populations that exploit hosts for blood meals. Their entry typically follows the movement of hosts, transport of infested material, or migration of wildlife into residential areas. Once present, these organisms reproduce rapidly, expanding their numbers and geographic reach.
Ticks locate hosts through heat, carbon‑dioxide and movement cues. They attach to skin, insert a feeding apparatus, and remain attached for several days. Bugs—such as bed bugs—are attracted to body heat and shelter in cracks, emerging at night to feed. Lice, obligate human ectoparasites, spread by direct contact or shared personal items, completing their life cycle on the host. Fleas jump onto hosts from infested bedding, pets or wildlife, laying eggs that develop into larvae within the surrounding debris.
Health consequences include transmission of bacterial, viral and protozoan pathogens, skin irritation, allergic reactions and secondary infections. Economic effects arise from medical treatment costs, loss of productivity and expenses for pest control services. Populations can persist despite routine cleaning, necessitating targeted interventions.
Control strategies:
- Regular inspection of bedding, clothing and pet habitats for live specimens or eggs.
- Application of approved insecticides or acaricides following label directions.
- Heat treatment of infested items (temperature > 50 °C for 30 minutes) to kill all stages.
- Isolation and laundering of contaminated fabrics at high temperatures.
- Environmental management, such as sealing entry points and reducing wildlife attractants.
Monitoring programs combine visual surveys with traps or adhesive devices to assess population density and guide treatment timing. Early detection combined with integrated pest management reduces the likelihood of widespread establishment and limits health risks.