124 THE AMERICAN MIDLAND NATURALIST 



female lays her eggs loosly in the hair of the cat and dog, and are 

 scattered wherever the animal goes. These eggs hatch out in a 

 few days as larvae. In appearance, they resemble the maggots of 

 the house fly, but are very much smaller. These larvae are full 

 grown in two weeks, when they begin spinning a cocoon about 

 themselves lying in a dormant state from 7 to 12 days, when they 

 come out as an adult flea. 



I. 



The quarters of the cat and dog should be thoroughly cleanei 

 and disinfected so the fleas will not have a chance to lay their eggs. 

 Sometimes they multiply so rapidly, not having anything animal 

 to feed upon, that they attack people, showing a preference for the 

 lower limbs. The bite of the flea is very annoying to most people. 



II. 



Fleas will not breed in places where they are likely to be 

 disturbed, so the shaking of rugs, tarpets and thorough sweeping of 

 floors will aid greatly in keeping them from breeding in the houses. 



III. 

 Gasoline injected in cracks, crevices and places where they 

 cannot be disturbed by any other means, will kill the larvae. 



IV. 



Creoline Dip sprayed in the cracks and corners of the kennel 

 and on the dog will exterminate them. This should be done every 

 two weeks. 



V. - 

 Fresh pyrethrim powder dusted over carpets, rugs and sofas 

 will afford relief. This powder should be left several days before 

 sweeping it up. 



VI. 



Insect powder dusted throughly into the animal's hair will 

 cause the fleas to drop off. 



VII. 



Dogs should be given a lathery bath of warm water and 

 carbolic soap. 



VIII. 



Flower of sulphur contains sulphurous acid and is fatal to 

 this pest, but care must be taken not to use it near colored flannels 

 as it often destroys the color. 



