PREVENTION OF FLEAS, TICKS, MITES, AND BEDBUGS

Question 1

Distinguishing Characteristics of Fleas

Answer 1

-Fleas are ectoparasites of birds and mammals.
-Small, laterally compressed, hard-bodied insects that lack wings, but are equipped with
legs especially adapted for jumping.
-They feed at frequent intervals, usually once a day.

Question 2

This flea is an exception, burrowing into the skin of its host, particularly between the toes, under toe nails, and in the tender part of the feet.

Answer 2

The chigoe flea

Question 3

Disease importance. Oriental rat flea.

Answer 3

(a) Chief vector of bubonic plague and flea borne typhus.
(b) Introduced in all sections of the world with Norway and roof rats.
(c) Most abundantly found in the south and southern California.
(d) Predominantly found in the summer and fall, becoming scarce in the winter months.

Question 4

Control Methods of Fleas treatment of breeding areas: in infested buildings

Answer 4

Apply residual sprays as emulsions or suspensions on floor, rugs, and on wall surfaces to a height of about 2 feet above the floor.

Question 5

Control Methods of Fleas treatment of breeding areas:

Answer 5

-Flea infested areas, such as yards and under buildings should be treated with a residual
emulsion.
-To prevent entries to structures, spray the foundation to a height of 2-3 feet.
-When flea-borne diseases are present, rat burrows should be dusted with an insecticide prior to conducting rodent control measure

Question 6

Hard Tick Characteristics

Answer 6

Identifiable by their distinct hard covering called the scutum.

Question 7

Hard Ticks Transmissible Diseases

Answer 7

(a) Lyme disease.
(b) Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (Tick Typhus).
(c) Tick-borne Rickettsioses of Eastern Hemisphere

Question 8

Soft Ticks Characteristics.

Answer 8

-Lack a scutum.
-Hides in cracks and crevices in houses or in nests of their hosts and coming out at night to feed on the blood of the host for a short period.

Question 9

Soft Tick Disease importance

Answer 9

Relapsing fever, bacterial infection that causes a recurrent fever with headache, muscle and joint aches, and nausea.

Question 10

Control Methods for Ticks

Answer 10

a. Avoid infested areas.
b. Wear protective clothing.
c. Apply insect repellent.
d. Remove all ticks found on the body at once.
e. Clear vegetation from infested areas.
f. Apply insecticides as early in the year as the ticks are noted.