Lice, Mites, and Cleanliness. "4 
‘ “STICK-TIGHT ” FLEAS. 
In many of the Southern and Southwestern States fowls and chicks 
are often infested by a species of flea commonly known as the “ stick- 
tight ” flea, taking the name from its habit of sticking to one place 
on the bird instead of moving about like lice and mites. They are 
usually found in clusters on the comb and wattles and around the eyes. 
Chicks when infested often die quickly. Old fowls, while usually 
stronger and more resistant, will cease laying, or nearly so, and some- 
times die as a result of the attacks of these fleas. 
“ Stick-tight” fleas breed in cracks and crevices of the floors of 
brood coops and poultry houses, also in dry animal or vegetable refuse, 
but will not breed in damp or wet places. Therefore to get rid of them 
it is necessary to clean and spray the houses and runs thoroughly as 
well as to treat the birds. Grease the comb and wattles of the fowls 
and chicks with a preparation of kerosene and lard (1 part kerosene to 
3 parts of lard), being very careful not to use too much of the mixture 
or get any of it in the birds’ eyes or on other places where it is not 
necessary, as it may cause injury if used too freely. Clean and spray 
the coops and houses thoroughly the same as for poultry mites; also 
wet or spray the yards or runs, especially any dry soil about the poul- 
try houses, such as dirt floors or ground underneath a board floor, 
with a solution of salt and water, which helps to keep the ground 
moist and prevents the fleas from breeding. 
