ORDER SIPHONAPTERA (APHANIPTERA) : FLEAS 199 



indigene of South America, was many years ago carried 

 to the Gold Coast, and has since spread to East Africa and 

 become established. From Africa it has been transported to 

 Bombay, but does not seem to have made good its footing 

 there. It is not a specific parasite of man, but also attacks 

 other animals, particularly the pig. Jiggers flourish best in dry 

 sandy places. They usually attack the feet, especially the 

 toe-joints, but merely because the foot is the most accessible 

 part. The presence of the pregnant swollen female naturally 

 causes pain and inflammation, which may lead to indolent 

 ulceration, and even to gangrene and to loss of a toe. 



Genus Echidjiophaga, Olliff (Fig. 84). This is a genus 

 widely distributed in the warmer parts of the world. The 



max.p. 



Fig. 84. — EcAidTio^ftat^a, 



best known species, E. gallinacea, is found on fowls and on 

 many domestic animals. Several species attack rats. 



Destruction of Fleas. — In the tropics, especially at the 

 beginning of the hottest season, fleas are often a fearful pest, 

 more particularly in rooms that have been left unoccupied 

 for a short time. All doors and windows having been closed, 

 the room may either be sprayed with a 5 per cent, solution 

 of formalin, or copiously sprinkled with powdered naph- 

 thalin and then left closed for a day or two. Afterwards 

 the room should be emptied, the mats be taken up and 

 shaken on the spot, and the room be swept and the sweepings 

 burnt to ensure the destruction of any eggs that may remain 

 unaffected by the formalin or naphthalin. Before the mats 

 are laid again the floor should be well washed with 5 per 

 cent, formalin solution or i in 1000 solution of perchloride 

 of mercury. 



