FLEAS AND THEIR CONTROL. 15 



The thorough cleansing of poultry houses and runs and the ai)pli- 

 cation of crude petroleum will be found to aid in the control of other 

 important enemies of fowls, such as mites and chicken ticks or "blue 

 bugs." 



TREATMENT OF FLEA BITES. 



In regions in the United States where the plague is not known to 

 occur no special concern need be felt regarding flea bites. AVhen 

 feeding, the fleas inject a salivary secretion which tends to produce 

 inflammation at the site of the puncture. Usually the bites result in 

 small inflamed spots, but occasionally, where the pests are very nu- 

 merous and in the case of susceptible individuals, more general in- 

 flammation may occur, sometimes followed by swelling and, occasion- 

 ally, especially after scratching, by ulceration. 



Those who are especially annoyed by the bites will find that va- 

 rious cooling applications will give relief. A 3 per cent solution 

 of carbolic acid in water applied to the bites will be beneficial, and 

 such substances as menthol, camphor, and carbolated vaseline will be 

 found to allay the irritation. Iodine in the form of a tincture, if 

 applied to the bites, will alleviate the irritation, but should not be 

 used by persons afflicted with any form of eczema, or applied to the 

 tender skin of 3^oung children, as it may stimulate the eczemic erup- 

 tions or blister the skin, causing undue annoyance. 



