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 this one « 
seems to prefer the dog’s blood. It will 
also attack human beings when oat 
tunities offer. : 
The Hen-Flea (Pulex galline Schank) lives upon the hen 
and about poultry-houses and yards. 
The Pigeon-Flea (Pulex columbe 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 larve 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 (Pwex canis Curtis), much enlarged. The parts 
are the same as in Figure 165 RIOR ED WR oso: ® 
