PARASITES OF ANIMALS. 15 



said to have the fifth joint longer than Figure 19. 



the second, while in the cat-flea the second 

 is longer than the fifth. The habits are 

 essentially the same, except that tins one 

 seems to prefer the dog's blood. It will 

 also attack human beings when oppor- 

 tunities offer. 



The Hen-Flea (Pulex gallince Schank) lives upon the hen 

 and about poultry-houses and yards. 



The Pigeon-Flea (Pulex columboe Gervais) lives upon do- 

 mestic pigeons and in pigeon-houses. 



Other species infest rats, mice, bats, rabbits, swallows, and 

 various other wild animals and birds. 



Remedies for Fleas. 



From the description of the habits of the larvae given above, 

 it is evident that dirt and filth of all kinds afford facilities for 

 the increase of fleas, and that dogs and cats are the means of 

 diffusing their own peculiar species, and also, no doubt, the 

 true human flea. The first care, therefore, should be to see 

 that the dogs and cats, if such are kept, are freed from their 

 parasites. To this end they should be made to sleep. on some 

 material like shavings or chips, that can be easily burned, 

 and their sleeping places should be often cleaned and their 

 beds renewed. To remove the fleas themselves from the 

 animals a wash of water containing 6 to 10 per cent, of petro- 

 leum, naphtha, or benzine, well shaken together, may be used. 

 A weak solution of carbolic acid in water, about 2 or 3 parts 

 of the acid to 100 of water, will also be efficacious for fleas 

 and other parasites. Decoctions of tobacco and strong soap 

 suds are also recommended. 



When fleas are troublesome in dwelling houses, a thorough 

 cleaning of the floors and an equally thorough beating and 

 cleaning of the carpets, rugs, etc., will generally be effectual. 

 When cracks or crevices exist in the floors, a thorough wash- 

 ing with the petroleum, naphtha, or carbolic acid water, will 

 be useful to destroy the eggs and young. Persian Insect 



Figure 19. Head of Dog-flea (Pulex cants Curtis), much enlarged. The parts 

 are the same as in Figure 16. From Duges. 



