FLEAS. 17 



discussion. In the case of the Human Flea {Pulex 

 irritans) it is said that the female, or ' mother' flea, 

 after taking a sumptuous feast of blood from her host, 

 repairs to the larvae and disgorges part of her meal 

 for the benefit of her offsprings. We know that 

 Earwigs look after and tend their young, and it 

 may be that this is also the case amongst that nimble 

 but obnoxious group of parasites the Fleas. 



That the larvae of the Hen-Flea feed upon the 

 scaly productions of the quills of the feathers seems 

 also possible. The exact food, however, is still 

 unsatisfactorily settled ; possibly they feed upon a 

 variety of substances. 



One of the most important things for us to 

 remember in regard to not only the Hen-Flea, but to 

 all fleas, is that they love dirt, bad air, and any 

 unhealthy conditions. Wherever we find dark, 

 dirty, and badly ventilated hen-roosts, there shall we 

 find also innumerable creeping things. 



Prevention and Destruction of Fleas* 



By doing away with the above conditions, we shall 

 to a large extent do away with this pest. 



The frequent use of limewash, especially if a small 

 quantity of paraffin or kerosene oil be added, will not 

 only block up those crevices in which the young 

 pulices pass part of their lives, but it will destroy 

 the larvae, and at least drive out the adults. It is a 

 good plan to put a small quantity of size in the wash, 

 which should be as liquid as possible, so as to make 



C 



