Skin Mites and Bed Bugs

There are a number of different types of mites that choose to live on our skin, or that of our pet cats and dogs and other animals, and they are widespread across the world. Most take up residence on animals, a few choose to live in our homes – often unnoticed – and some can result in rather nasty ailments that we should strive to avoid.
So what exactly are skin mites? Mites are not to be confused with lice, the creatures that affect children and live on our scalp, and are usually members of the arachnid family; some of the larger mites are just big enough to be seen while others are so minute they manage to live among thin layers of dust and not be noticed.

Great Sufferers Of Skin Mites

Great sufferers from mites, cats have to put up with several different types of skin mites, but in particular are prone to ear mites – which, of course, live in the ear – and to the scabies, or itch, mite which is also prevalent in people. Mites on dogs tend to be of these two types, two, although animals that are prone to roam can pick up harvest mites and some forms of tick – particularly the sheep tick – that live on other animals.
Ear mites, however, do not only live in the ear and can be found anywhere on the body of a cat or dog, yet it is the ear canal that provides food for the creatures; scabies mites cats suffer from actually burrow into the skin, as they do when they are present in humans and on dogs, and cause great problems as a result.
A proliferation of either mite on a cat or dog causes added aggravation and scratching which, in turn, leads to further irritation, while a congregation of scabies mites on cats or dogs can be the cause of the affliction known as mange (or scabies when it occurs in people.)
If you want to learn more about mites there are many websites that cover the subject, complete with mites pictures that are quite fascinating, from which you can learn a great deal about how these parasites live.

Getting Rid Of Mites

How to get rid of mites is a question that is often asked; the best method is to use one of the many insecticide mite and lice creams and lotions, or if you are not happy putting chemicals on your pet, to browse the internet and look up many of the home remedies that are said to the job equally well.

All About Skin Mites.

How To Kill Fleas

How many of you own a cat or dog, and of those how many have experienced the problems presented by fleas? Fleas are tiny, absolutely microscopic parasites that live on cats, on dogs and on humans and other animals, and feed off our blood. They are so small that they are nigh on impossible to catch, so killing fleas becomes a challenge that has many different approaches.
First, it is important to understand that the flea will most likely lay eggs on your carpets and furniture, bedding and other soft places, so these have to be attended to in time, but the initial detective work involves finding out where the fleas are coming from.
If you have cats or dogs they are very likely to be the culprits; fleas are so common and widespread that it is said no domestic cat or dog will go through life without experiencing fleas. Killing fleas on cats and fleas on dogs involves the application of an insecticide powder or spray (something that, I can tell you from experience, cats in particular will find very annoying indeed!) The chemicals in these are designed to kill the fleas although getting rid of fleas also involves destroying the eggs.
The best way to approach this is to get into a regular routine of vacuuming, including going over the furniture as well as the carpets; this will remove the majority of eggs and reduce the likelihood of the infestation spreading, but you also need to make sure your beloved cat has not gone out to meet his friends and brought yet more home – he will, in time.

More About Fleas

Fleas are often thought of as irritating but harmless creatures, yet they can – in kittens and puppies especially – induce anaemia from the feeding on blood and also cause allergic reactions in some. These can be dangerous conditions for infant pets to undergo, and must be kept at bay if an infestation is found. No contact with an infected animal should be allowed for kittens or puppies, and also young children should be kept away from infected animals for the same reason.
While the common dog flea and cat flea are actually different creatures from the same family, they are adaptable and can live on each others named host, but while they bite us they will not live on us. The human flea is in fact a rare occurrence, and instances of fleas living on humans are not of the commonest variety.

Controlling And Killing Fleas

Victor Ultimate Flea Trap

The non-toxic Victor Ultimate Flea Trap detects and controls indoor flea problems. The unique lighted dome attracts fleas in 360 degrees, from up to 30 feet away, while the “Super Grabber” glue holds them fast.

The Ultimate Flea Trap includes:

• One (1) Trap
• Two (2) Super Grabber Glue Discs

The light bulb allows for easy viewing of results and a heat source to attract the fleas out of upholstery and carpeting, while the unique open dome design allows for quick glue trap replacement.

All About Killing Fleas.

Getting Rid of Bed Bugs

Bed bugs represent one of the commonest problems in terms of insect infestation across the world today, and are found almost ubiquitously across the world; these tiny creatures live in our bedding as it provides the ideal environment for them to survive, and bed bugs come out nightly to feed on our blood. Symptoms of bed bugs include the effects of bites of bed bugs, yet the itching and red marks are difficult to use as a diagnosis as they are not prone to appear in all cases. For this reason, getting rid of bed bugs involves finding the creatures first, and to do so we must look in the places that they like to live.

Bed bugs are creatures that hide away in the daytime, so look for the dark areas of the bedding and the mattress, and surrounding areas; anywhere that is dark, cosy and not normally inspected by us is likely to be a valuable place for the bed bugs, so look there and known what you are looking for – a tiny creature without wings and with a strangely flat body, no more than 8mm long and generally much less.

Bed Bugs Are Thought To Have Become Prevalent Again

Bed bugs are thought to have become prevalent again – their numbers declined with the advent of advanced medicine and better living conditions in the second half of the 20th century – thanks to our propensity to travel around the world, and it is a known fact that the creatures are brought into our houses by way of being carried on luggage or clothing from all over the world. They are common in hotels and other places where many people will stay over a period of time, yet rare in houses where the occupants do not travel or do not have travelling guests.

These creatures (the bed bugs) are notoriously resilient and have been known to go several months without eating, hence getting rid of an infestation is much more difficult than you may think; the best method, should you find bed bugs are present, is to start by thoroughly washing – and maybe disposing of – the bedding and mattress, and any clothes that may have been infested. This sounds drastic, but as the alternative is to fumigate the property – an unpleasant procedure that may be necessary anyway in more serious cases – it represents the lesser of two evils.

Bed bugs are parasites that we have known for all time, and no matter how much we learn about bed bugs they will remain; the best thing we can do is keep up regular checks, particularly if you have had visitors that have stayed in multiple occupancy dwellings. How to kill bed bugs?

How To Kill Bed Bugs?

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All About Bed Bugs.

Fleas on Dogs

We love to keep pets – the companionship and the enjoyment we get from caring for a cat or dog is something that cannot be found elsewhere – yet fleas on dogs are an almost ubiquitous problem, just as the tiny parasites affect cats to such a great degree, too.
Fleas are everywhere; these microscopic and very resilient creatures are said to affect every single dog and cat at some point during its lifetime (and in most cases more than once) and treating them is made more difficult still by the absolutely minute size.

Fleas On Dogs : Creatures Feed on the Animal’s Blood

The problem with fleas on dogs is that the creatures feed on the animal’s blood; in young dogs especially this can lead to added infection as the fleas cause blood problems and other infections which can lead to serious illness and even death in very young animals.
Dogs that associate with others are likely to contract fleas by contact; fleas cannot fly yet they have an amazing ability to jump more than 200 times the length of their body, a feat that is not matched by any other creature. This means they can easily transfer between hosts, and that they spread very quickly indeed.
One problem that is prevalent in flea infestations on dogs – and in fleas on humans, too – is that some can be subject to allergenic reactions to the presence of the creatures. This is another way in which the parasites can cause greater problems if they are left untreated.
Fleas are not just a minor problem, therefore, but one that should be treated with a serious intent. If you have more than one dog then the fleas will undoubtedly spread between the animals, making successful treatment ever more important.
Getting rid of fleas is best done by way of one of the many insecticide treatments available from vets and pharmacies widely, and these are known to have very successful results. Further help can be given by frequent and thorough vacuuming and keeping the animals washed, while combing through the hair of the pet can allow you to see fleas as they fall off onto a carefully placed sheet of white paper.
Any animals that are suspected of having fleas should be kept away from others until the infestation is known to have been destroyed, while any suspected cases of fleas need to be diagnosed quickly and correctly, and the very best possible treatment administered as quickly as possible.

How to treat fleas on dogs?

Use Advantage – For Dogs & Puppies For Fleas on dogs! Advantage is a long-lasting, once a month topical flea treatment. This over-the-counter formula is for puppies and dogs 8 weeks or older. Advantage contains imidacloprid, this fast acting flea preventive stops fleas from biting in 3-5 minutes, begins killing fleas within the first hour of application and eliminates 98%-100% of adult fleas within 12 hours of use. The ingredient imidacloprid works by affecting the flea or tick’s nervous system. Because Advantage works fast and has been found to be ideal for dogs suffering from Flea Allergy Dermatitis.
All About Fleas.

Bed Bug Treatment of Signs & Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of Bed bug bites will usually affect only the skin surface.  Bed bugs inject an anticoagulant to keep your blood flowing as they suck, along with a numbing agent to keep you from feeling them while they are feeding off of their victim. The bites appear as small itchy red bumps known as papules or wheals. If you find the bumps in a linear or clustered fashion this usually indicates repeated feedings by a single Bed bug. Bed bugs do not carry pathogens like ticks and mosquitoes.  Bed bugs aren’t known to spread disease to humans, although they may be carriers of the organisms that cause hepatitis B and Chagas’ disease.

Adult Bed bugs are generally flattened and reddish brown in color. They closely resemble apple seeds in appearance and size. Newly hatched nymphs look very much like the adults of the species but they are almost colorless. The reddish brown color is gained as they mature. The adult Bed bug is capable of laying up to 5 eggs daily. These eggs are extremely hard to see with the naked eye and resemble a speck of dust on a dark surface.

Bed bug treatment as pertains to bites is aimed at relieving symptoms. Bites usually resolve within one to two weeks. Topical creams can be used to relieve itching.  Those with cortisone or a similar ingredient work well. Scratching should be avoided if at all possible to prevent infection. Consult your doctor if you have severe reactions. Some people are actually allergic to Bed bugs. An oral antibiotic may be recommended if infection occurs. Oral corticosteroids may be recommended for severe allergic reaction. Antihistamines are suggested to help relieve allergic reactions symptoms. A rare possibility exists that anaphylactic shock may occur as an allergic reaction to the substances the Bed bug inject while feeding. Bed bug bites do not normally require medical attention. They will go away in a few days. If you have bites that do not go away or that look infected, see your doctor for Bed bug treatment.

When trying to prevent Bed bugs some factors to consider that will increase your chances of a Bed bug infestation are climate, type of housing, and living with pets in your home.  Bed bugs love tropical areas, although they are not limited to these areas.  Infestation is more likely in apartments and homeless shelters where there is a high turnover.  This is much more so than in single-family homes.  Pets like cats and dogs can carry Bed bugs right into the home.

Because of their small size of less than one fourth of an inch Bed bugs can hide in the seams of baggage when you travel or boxes shipped from an infested source. College dorms, hotels, motels, shelters and even apartment complexes are a great food source for the Bed bugs. Anywhere where there are plenty of mattresses and warm blooded bodies are the favorite spots.  Even renting to a new roommate could be an invitation to Bed bugs. The Bed bugs can come along in boxes, bags and hidden in furniture. Use of a high quality Bed bug spray is a good idea for frequent treatment in any hotels, motels, personal dwellings and anywhere Bed bugs could pose a potential problem.

If you suspect Bed bugs are already present in your home and you haven’t been able to get rid of Bed bug yet, wearing nightclothes that cover as much skin as possible is a viable option until you can kill Bed bugs living in your home.  Look for these signs that will let you know that Bed bugs are present:
-    Small bloodstains on sheets and mattresses
-    Specks of blood behind wallpaper or other sites of heavy infestation
-    Insect excrement at the entry to hiding places in furniture crevices and walls
-    A strong pungent odor caused by Bed bugs’ oil secretions

Mites or Bed Bugs?
Mites are a collection of tiny creatures that live as parasites on both humans and animals, and are members of the arachnid family along with spiders. They are a common pest all across the world and are very widely spread, and are particularly troublesome when found on domestic pets such as cats and dogs, and on us.
There are several types of mites that like to exert their parasitical living style, and among the most problematic is the scabies mite. One of the more disgusting facts about the scabies mite – which is not uncommon on humans – is that it burrows into the skin to lay its eggs; this action results in a tiny silvery line that appears to be on the skin, the giveaway sign of the scabies mite.
On animals the problems occur when large numbers of the creatures congregate, and create a condition that can be very nasty indeed called sarcoptic mange; this results in loss of hair and severe skin infection for the creature concerned and is particularly prevalent in dogs.
The problem in humans is known as scabies, and results in a very ugly and irritating rash that can spread to many parts of the body and become so severe it may affect the sleeping patterns of the infected.
Another very common type of mite that is found abundantly in our lives is the house dust mite, a particularly annoying creature that is difficult, if not impossible, to see. It lives among the dust that settles on household objects – it is that small – and affects us as it causes an allergenic reaction in the respiratory system; this can be very dangerous in some cases, and it is helpful for sufferers of such as asthma if they do everything to keep the chances of the dust mite affecting them down.
To get rid of dust mites entirely is thought to be impossible, for they are simply too small and too mobile; the best advice is to carry out regular hoovering and cleaning and to do away with as much carpet and soft furnishings – the mites chosen habitat – as you can. The subject of how to get rid of scabies mites is another thing entirely, and involves the application of insecticide lotions and creams that kill the insects and their eggs, and enable to the patient to live a normal life again.
Skin mites have been with us for millions of years and, as we are seeing, are unlikely to be eradicated during our lifetime or in the foreseeable future.

Mites Cats  – don’t confuse with Bed Bugs
When it comes to mites cats do not have it easy; our feline companions are prone to suffering from a number of different types of skin mites, and can be quite badly affected should the condition be left to escalate.
Let’s get something clear before we go on: mites are not fleas, which are another common parasite found on cats, but members of the arachnid family that come in many forms and, like fleas, drink blood to survive.
Mites cats may have to suffer are widely found and come in many forms: the harvest mite is one that is often found on cats that roam outdoors, while the ear mite is a common mite that – as the name suggests – likes to live in the ear where it is warm, moist and cosy, but will also exist anywhere eon the cats body, and scabies mite – or itch mite – is perhaps the most troublesome of the three and also occurs on humans. All three, too, can also be found as skin mites on dogs with similar worrying results.
Dealing with the scabies mite first, this little creature is one that has a disgusting habit: feeding off our blood is one thing, but actually burrowing under our skin to lay its eggs is quite another. This makes it difficult to find when present on cats, and as a result the best indication of mites – as it is with all – is the appearance of irregular scratching in a particular area, and possible hair loss as a result.
Indeed, it is the scabies mite that is the cause of the serious skin condition we know as mange, and this occurs when an infection is allowed to get out of control and the colony to multiply, resulting in a lot of burrowing in one area and the attendant scratching. In people, this condition is known as scabies, and has much the same results.
Ear mites may be indicated by an animal repeatedly shaking its head as if to get rid of something attached; appropriately so, as that is exactly the case. Ear mites are more prevalent in cats than dogs, but can affect canines too.
Treating ear mites is different to treating scabies mites and harvest mites, and any indication of mites on cats should be followed by a proper examination by a vet, after which either the appropriate insecticide lotion or cream or, if preferred, a natural based remedy can be applied.

Fleas

Fleas are famous as the tiny creatures, microscopic even, that infect our pet dogs and cats and force them to itch uncontrollably; anyone who owns a dog or cat will undoubtedly have had an experience with fleas, as it is practically impossible to stop these tiny parasites from taking up residence on your beloved pet’s hair.
Despite common belief fleas on dogs are different creatures to fleas on cats or, indeed, to fleas on humans; while one will jump from a cat to a dog it will not survive for very long, hence treating each animal individually is essential. Getting rid of fleas can be a time consuming exercise, and you can be almost certain that there will never only be one infestation of fleas. A cat that goes out into the neighbourhood, for instance, is bound to catch them from other cats in the area, and dogs likewise.
Fleas are, in fact, quite remarkable creatures which have fascinated scientists and biologists for as long as we have been aware of them; measuring no more than a little over 3mm, and often much less, fleas have a quite remarkable ability to jump more than 200 times their own body length, an achievement enabled by specially designed back legs which are made for the purpose. Contrary to many tales they cannot fly, and it is by jumping that they move between hosts.
Killing fleas is a problematic concern; it is nigh on impossible to catch a flea with the fingers, and even when it has been caught it is difficult to crush such a small animal, hence there are a number of insecticide treatments for dogs, cats and humans – make sure you have the right one for each may be dangerous to another – that are made to deal with the flea problem. Also advised is vacuuming, as in the case of the dust mite, for fleas will undoubtedly be present on soft furnishings and other household items present in the average home, and there are also pest control services that will try and eliminate the creatures from your home.
It is common in those who wish to use home remedies to obtain Borates, and this is known to kill the flea eggs at source. All of these methods should be treated with caution, however, for the use of potentially dangerous chemicals and substances is not something that should be done without first making sure the correct diagnosis has been made.

Mites on Dogs

Dogs are loved the world over as loyal and rewarding pets, and we put up with their propensity to be affected by skin mites and fleas as we enjoy their company to a great degree. Indeed, where mites on dogs are concerned there are two very common varieties, and while they are easy to treat it is equally easy to miss their presence and inadvertently allow the colony to grow beyond all expectation.

While know primarily as dog mites cats are also prone to the same sort of mites, although the ear mite is relatively uncommon as an infection found on dogs.
Looking at the two most common mites on dogs brings us to the subject of mange; mange is a condition that is not uncommon in dogs and cats (and also occurs in humans where it is more commonly known as scabies) and is caused by one of two types of mite that likes to live on dogs. Mites feed off the blood and, in doing so, have to pierce the skin, and where this causes irritation it can be exaggerated by the animals desire to scratch, something that we often succumb to.

The scabies mite, otherwise known as the itch mite, is a common cause of mange in dogs; this irritating little parasite – like all mites a member of the arachnid family – actually burrows into the skin to lay its eggs, and it is this action, when occurring with many mites in the same place, that helps to bring about the onset of sarcoptic mange, to give the variety its full title.
Demodectic mange is the second type, and is caused by a mite known as demodex canis which is unique to dogs and, in fact, occurs naturally among the hair follicles. For most dogs the mites cause no problem at all and the two exist happily together, but should the animal be weak or suffer from a damaged immune system the reaction to the mites presence induces a mange that is caused by these tiny parasites.

Treatment for both types of mange mite is generally by insecticide lotion and shampoo, which helps to soothe the skin while killing the mites, or by a number of ‘natural’ remedies that are said to have the same effect. The choice of which method to follow is up to the owner of the suffering pet, but a vet’s opinion is highly recommended in order that the correct affliction is treated.

Getting Rid of Fleas
Fleas occur everywhere, and it is believed that every domestic cat or dog – our favourite pets of choice – will succumb to an infestation of these miniature parasites during its lifetime, and most of them more than once. While they cause itching and irritation, fleas on dogs and cats are actually more dangerous than that, as we shall see.
Fleas are blood sucking creatures that can occur on dogs, cats and humans as well as many other domestic and wild animals. Cats that tend to roam outdoors are prone to infestations more so than many, but it is a mistake to believe that they will only occur on animals that are let out of doors.
The speed at which fleas can spread is quite alarming; although not able to fly the flea is a creature that is able to perform some amazing feats of movement – it can leap up to 200 times its own body length thanks to specially formed rear legs, a performance that is simply unequalled elsewhere by any other creature.
One animal – or person – who comes into contact with an otherwise clean house can, therefore, be unwittingly responsible for a rapidly spreading infestation of fleas. Fortunately there are several different species of flea, many of which are unique to their chosen hosts. Cat and dog fleas are different species of the same creature and tend to infest there chose host – but cat fleas can live on dogs, and vice versa – but will not live on humans, whereas human fleas are not liable to infect animals. The widely famed hedgehog flea, for instance, is absolutely unique to those spiny nocturnal garden friends.
A flea infestation can have devastating effects on a cat or dog – particularly a young one – as its propensity for drinking blood can lead to instances of anaemia which can be very serious, or even fatal, in puppies and kittens. Likewise, allergies can develop which lead to further complications, making getting rid of fleas essential.
Getting rid of fleas is a case of choosing the right treatment, and supplementing it with routine vacuuming and cleaning of the infected house; insecticide treatments, and additionally a range of home and natural treatments, are widely available and the choice is up to the individual. Trying to catch fleas is futile as the incredibly small size of the creatures makes it nigh on impossible, so killing fleas is best done by one of the proven and tried methods – and must be done quickly, too.