About Bugs

With excerpts from "The Best Control"
by Stephen Tvedten

Ants Carpenter Ants Fire Ants Bees Fleas

Gypsy Moths Lice Head Lice Body Lice "Crabs"

Mange Mites & Scabies Dust Mites Scabies Mosquitos

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Mange

Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis, the mite of sarcoptic mange, an intensely pruritic, transmissible skin disease, is a frequent parasite of dogs, and to a lesser degree, cats and humans in Singapore (S. scabiei var. cuniculi, the rabbit scabies mite, is also endemic here). The mites prefer lightly haired regions, and are most common on the elbows, hocks, ears, chest and abdomen. The disease spreads rapidly, and the entire body may be colonised by mites. The female mite tunnels through the skin, depositing eggs as she goes. Once these ova hatch, the larvae burrow to the surface where they browse and feed. The larval stage then rests in a "moulting pocket" and develops to the nymph stage. These also graze the skin surface before returning to moult to the adult stage. The life-cycle is completed in approx. 3 weeks. Transmission occurs mostly through direct contact with an infected animal. Mange Scabie Initially the pruritis is mild until the host develops a hypersensitivity to the mite, usually 3 to 4 weeks post-exposure. At this time, the itching becomes intense - hence the common name "scabies" from the French scabere "to scratch" - leading to self-induced traumatic wounds that exude serum, forming crusts. However, the presenting signs of sarcoptic mange can be varied and misleading, some dogs never developing "classical" lesions. Secondary pyoderma (bacterial infection) and alopecia are common signs, and may be confused with atopic (allergic) dermatitis, food allergies or Staphylococcal pyoderma. Microscopic demonstration of the mites from a skin scraping establishes the diagnosis, although in some cases a response to therapy is needed for confirmation. Sarcoptes mites are quite species-specific, and usually cannot complete their life cycle on a non-definitive host. Nevertheless, this does not prevent opportunistic infection of cats, humans and other species. In such situations, while the clinical signs may be severe, the infection is usually self-limiting with spontaneous regression of lesions once contact with the infected animal ceases. However, if exposure is prolonged or repeated, or if many mites are transmitted, lesions may persist for lengthy periods. Mites More than 50 species of mites live on or in domesticated mammals and birds of North America. These include the parasitic mange and scab mites, ear mites, and internal-living mites. Mites are quite small, most species being either microscopic or under 1 mm in length. The legs are provided with claw-like hooks or suctorial cups. The life cycle of the mite usually begins with laying of the egg, from which a six-legged larva emerges. After feeding, the skin is shed and the eight-legged, sexually mature nymph appears. Following several skin molts, the mature adult male is formed. Sarcoptic Mange Mites Sarcoptes scabiei causes sarcoptic mange or itch. The fertilized females work their way deeply into the epidermis, forming tunnels where they deposit their eggs. Close proximity to nerve endings causes intense puritis. The skin thickens and dense crusts form. Frequently, secondary bacterial infection with Staphylococcus or other pathogens occurs. Infection is common in the laboratory dog, and is particularly a problem in young, short-haired breed dogs. The disease is characterized by a papular dermatitis with subsequent rupture and crusting of lesions, puritis and automutilation. The skin becomes dry, rough, and thickened, with generalized alopecia. Dogs which become infected with secondary bacteria, or who have severe, generalized lesions, may become cachectic and die. Histologically, hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis, crusting, and presence of parasites are observed. Diagnosis is made by skin scraping and identification of the organism. Control is through supportive nutrition, clipping, bathing and weekly application of medications to affected areas. Many different insecticides have been used to control the infestation. Direct transmission to man can occur. Human infections are mild and self-limiting. Notoedric mange mites Notoedric mange mites resemble sarcoptic mites but are smaller. Notoedres cati mange is fairly common in cats. Lesions are first noticed on the face and other areas of the head. Later, lesions spread to various parts of the body, particularly the forelegs. Advanced lesions can give cats an "old age" appearance, caused by the wrinkling of the skin of the face. There is persistent pruritus, alopecia, and self-inflicted trauma. Transient dermatitis in man can occur Otodectes cynotis Otodectes cynotis, the cause of ear canker in the dog, cat, and other carnivores is extremely common. In the United States, 27-100% incidence has been reported in various areas. The mite is usually found deep in the external ear, but sometimes foci of infestation occur on the feet and tip of the tail. Intense irritation occurs, with inflammatory exudates, cerumen and mites accumulating at the external canal. The infestation is usually bilateral. The host shakes its head and scratches violently at the ears. Ulceration of the auditory canal is common, and auricular hematoma, otitis media with torticollis, circling, and convulsions sometimes occur. Otodectic mange is thought to be the most common cause of seizures in the cat. More than 50% of otitis externa cases in the dog can be traced to infestation with Otodectes. As in the rabbit, the ear mites can be readily observed with an otoscope, but when otoscopy fails, microscopic examination of ear contents should be performed. Control is based on eradication by treatment. All newly acquired dogs and cats should be examined on receipt, and periodic examination of colony animals should be performed. Treatment includes removal of cerumen and debris followed by treatment with a mineral oil/insecticide combination. Cesarean derivation will eradicate the disease Demodex canis Demodex canis (Family: Demodicidae) is the common follicle-inhibiting mite of the dog and is the cause of demodectic (red) mange. It occurs worldwide and affects all breeds. Most normal dogs carry the organism without showing clinical signs. The disease is most common in short-haired breeds under 1 year of age. The mites are found in the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. The mode of transmission is unknown; experimental attempts to transmit by direct contact have failed. Neonatal transmission is probable. Its precise role as primary disease agent is unknown, as the organism can frequently be present without lesions being present. Intestinal parasites, malnutrition, or immunologic insufficiency are potentiating factors toward development of demodectic mange. There are 2 types of cutaneous lesions which can occur: squamous or pustular. Both types can occur concurrently. Localized alopecia, dry, scaly dermatitis, and mild induration are typical in the squamous form. Early lesions are seen on the head and on other parts of the body. Frequently, in puppies, lesions are first observed just above the eye. The pustular form occurs as a primary condition or as a sequelae to the squamous type. It is generally associated with secondary bacterial infection and is characterized by chronic, moist dermatitis and purulent exudate. The term "red" mange is applied to a generalized hyperemia with little or no pustule formation. Numerous treatments have been tried, but often dogs recover without therapy. On the other hand, some animals are refractory to treatment and euthanasia is the eventual outcome.

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Mites/Scabies

Dust Mites

HOUSE DUST MITES Dermataphagoides More than 30,000 species of mites have been identified. They are placed in the arachnid order Acarina. Many new mite species (which includes ticks), are found and described every year. They have sack-like bodies, rather than segmented bodies like scorpions. Unlike spiders which have a combined head and thorax where the legs attach and an abdomen that is connected behind, mites have only a single (one part), oval body with legs attached to its sides. All first stage mite larvae have only six legs; both later stages, nymphs and adults, have eight. Most are the size of sesame seed.  Mites are more diverse than spiders; they are found all over the world from deserts to rain forests, mountaintops to tundra, salt water ocean floors to freshwater lakes. They suck plant juices and animal blood, make tumors (galls) in plants, and transmit diseases. Mouthparts are attached at the very front end of a mite's body. These mouthparts consist of a group of small appendages that sometimes look like a head but the brain actually is located behind the mouthparts and eyes. The mouthparts of mites form a tube that ingest plant or animal juices. Very short appendages on either side of the mouthparts guide other mouthparts as they are inserted into food tissues. As the mite sucks, digestive juices gush out of the front of the body, mix with the food juices in the mouth, and are sucked back through the mouth tube. The mite's genital opening is found underneath and between the attachments of the first two pairs of legs. Mites walk by using body muscles to press blood into individual legs. The movement of blood extends into individual legs. The movement of blood extends a leg out or forward. Little muscles in each leg segment, then pull the segment back, and the mite moves forward. Many mites use their first pair of legs like antennae, feeling in front as they walk along. Leg hairs have diverse purpose: some sense touch; others pick up odors; not uncommonly, some hairs have light-sensing cells which allow the mite to distinguish light from dark.

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Scabies

Scabies is a contagious (catching) disorder of the skin caused by very small, wingless insects or mites called the Human Itch mite or Scabies itch mite Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis (Hering). The female insect burrows into the skin where she lays 1 - 3 eggs daily. A very small, hard to see, zigzag blister usually marks the trail of the insect as she lays her eggs. Other more obvious symptoms are an intense itching (especially at night) and a red rash that can occur at the area that has been scratched. The most common locations for scabies are on the sides of fingers, between the fingers, on the backs of the hands, on the wrists, heels, elbows, armpits, inner thighs and around the waist (belt line). If untreated, the female will continue to lay eggs for about five weeks. The eggs hatch and the new mites begin the cycle all over again. The mites themselves are too small to be seen without magnification. One of the great problems with scabies always has been misdiagnosis. Scabies is spread by personal contact, e.g., by shaking hands or sleeping together or by close contact with infected articles such as clothing, bedding or towels. It is usually found where people are crowded together or have frequent contact, and is most common among school children, families, roommates, and sexual partners. Scabies can be spread by the insect itself or by the egg. Prompt action is required to rid a person of the insects and eggs. Sulfur has been used (6 - 10% in lotion or cream) since Roman times as a scabicide, but you might be allergic. If you think your child or someone else in the family has scabies - Try a sauna and/or try bathing, washing or soaking in diluted Lice R Gone® Shampoo, Safe Solutions, Inc. Enzyme Cleaner with Peppermint , or  sulfur and/or borax - then call your medical provider to be sure you are no longer infected. If you are still infected, your medical provider or doctor may prescribe a pesticide (poison) lotion - use the prescribed (poison) lotion on the body (from the neck down) of the affected person(s). Follow the instruction on the bottle - very carefully. Try Lice R Gone® shampoo and/or Safe Solutions, Inc.'s Enzyme Cleaner with Peppermint and borax or a sauna first, if your doctor will allow it. Examine all other family members carefully for the presence of scabies - use a magnifying glass. To avoid reinfestation, all clothing, towels and bedding should be thoroughly laundered once all those with scabies begin their treatment. Use hot water over 120 o F. (equal to hot tap water in most homes). Try washing in Safe Solutions, Inc.'s Enzyme Cleaner with Peppermint and borax. Combs, brushes, barrettes and anything with which your child has had contact should be soaked in hot water (over 120 o F.) and Safe Solutions, Inc.'s Enzyme Cleaner with Peppermint or borax for at least 15 minutes. Periodically check your child for symptoms which may indicate reinfection. Expect the rash to clear up in about two weeks. In most cases your child can return to school after the first treatment and after all clothing, towels and bedding have been washed. Prevention Try routinely using a sauna - try bathing, soaking or washing in diluted Safe Solution's Enzyme Cleaner enzyme cleaners and/or borax and/or sulfur. Try Lice R Gone® shampoo. Regularly change and wash all clothing, bedding, towels and under wear. When laundering towels, clothing and bedding use hot water and enzymes or borax. Children should not share clothing or other personal articles such as hair brushes, combs or towels with one another. When an outbreak of scabies is reported be alert for symptoms in member of your family. If your child has scabies, please notify the school authorities so the school will be alerted to check for any outbreak. The above measures are suggested to help prevent reinfestation. However, even the medicated (poison) lotion treatment for scabies does not provide long-term protection and reinfestation is always possible. So watch and practice proper prevention - Remember to try to avoid the use of poison on your person or child at all costs.  Testing - According to the American Academy of Dermatology the most common test involves applying a drop of sterile mineral oil to the suspected lesion. The site is then scraped with a scalpel and the scrapings are transferred to a slide. Under a microscope, the doctor should be able to find scabies mites, their eggs and/or feces. Another option is an ink test, in which the doctor applies a blue or black felt-tipped pen to the suspected areas. Then the skin is cleaned. Mite burrows can be revealed if the ink sinks into them.

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Mosquitos

Enzyme Cleaner with Peppermint Enzyme Cleaners are organic, enzymatic, bio-catalytic agents which have proven to be outstandingly effective to “clean away” mosquito larva and pupae control.  Enzyme Cleaner with Peppermint enzymes  ALTER THE SURFACE TENSION OF WATER SO THAT LARVAE AND PUPAE HAVE DIFFICULTY MAKING CONTACT WITH THE AIR ABOVE THE WATER SURFACE film.  Adult mosquitoes can not maintain surface contact on water treated with preformed enzymes.  Late winter treatment of potential breeding water will preclude breeding.  Other insects, as well as leaves, etc., do not remain on surface of water treated with Enzyme Cleaner with Peppermint enzymes, but sink below the surface. It is interesting to note that the pupal stage is the most quickly affected by preformed enzymes, whereas larvae tend to persist for longer periods both in field and laboratory experience. The opposite is found to be the case in the use of insecticide poisons, where the larval stage is the one most quickly killed.  In stagnant water, large ponds, bird bathes, etc. you will note ultra-active response of the aquatic organisms upon initial addition of Enzyme Cleaner with Peppermint enzymes, as siphon tubes can no longer make contact with outside air.  Enzyme Cleaner with Peppermint enzymes last indefinitely in still or recirculated water.  In many instances 100% control has been achieved.  It is less effective and has less residual effect in moving water or in a pond with both inlets and outlets.

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