THE SIPHON APT ERA 337 



is produced in the wounds and when many of the fleas are present the 

 ulcers may run together and cause serious results. Protection from these 

 pests is best obtained by keeping the floors clean, using naphthaline as 

 recommended above; cleaning floors and walls with kerosene ; and wearing 

 shoes or other foot coverings to keep the insects from reaching the skin. 

 When the fleas are already burrowing they may be removed by the use of 

 a needle which has been sterilized by passing it through a flame, followed 

 by a dressing of the wound. A drop of turpentine at each spot attacked 

 will kill the fleas and, if ulceration has not gone too far, the wound will 

 generally ulcerate enough more to expel the animal and then gradually 

 heal. 



Fleas occur in nearly all parts of the world, and, though less than 500 

 kinds are known, their habits and their relation to disease make them an 

 important group of insects. 



