Submitted by Marjorie Bronk

 This article is a continuation from last month, with focus this month on ectoparasites that live on the body, in clothing and in beds. I am referring to bedbugs, fleas, lice, ticks and mites. Fleas, bedbugs and lice are insects that live and feed on humans. Mites live in peoples skin and cause scabies. Ticks and mites take blood meals from humans.

Bedbugs, head lice and crab lice do not carry disease, but their biting can be a serious nuisance. Certain fleas and lice can transmit disease like typhus, and plague, while biting mites can carry scrub typhus. Ticks can cause Lyme disease and viral diseases.

 Bedbugs have become more prevalent in hotels, motels and even department stores. In hotels, do not leave your bags on the floor. Check the bedding before you climb into bed. Their excreta may be visible as small dark brown or black marks on bed sheets, walls and wallpaper.

When returning from a trip, wash all your clothing in HOT water and try to keep the used clothing from contact with "clean" areas. Even the best hotels and motels are experiencing some issues currently. Repellents are useful for travelers, but may not last the entire night.

 Fleas feed on mammals and birds. Their bites can cause irritation, discomfort and loss of blood. Cat fleas can transmit tapeworms. Fleas avoid light and are found in the hairs of animals, in beds and in people's clothing. Fleas move around by jumping and leave marks on clothing and bedding of undigested blood ejected by the flea. Humans are most commonly bitten by the cast flea and less commonly by the dog flea. Heavy infestations may cause allergic reactions and dermatitis. Repellents may be used by humans and the animals need to be treated routinely. The sand flea or jigger is unique among fleas because the female burrows into the skin. It feeds on body fluids and deposits eggs. An infestation causes irritation and itching. After hiking, wash all your clothing in hot water and take a hot bath using lots of soap. Should an infected area appear, clean with alcohol or iodine.

 There are 3 kinds of lice. The head louse, the crab louse and the body louse. Children often have head lice and the louse lives in the hair on the head. The eggs or nits are found at the base of hair at the back of the head and behind ears. Head lice are spread by close contact and yes, by using each others comb. There are effective shampoos and lotions for treatment.

 As we travel, be aware of the cleanliness of the lodging. Even the very best accommodations could have these culprits waiting for us. I often travel with bug spray and people spray. I have been known to "fog" the room before we get too comfortable or settled.

 Food and drink in the room can be an attraction for insects, also. 

 These critters are disgusting I know, but some of us live with them every day. I tutor second grade and have dealt with a few head lice problems and horrified parents.  

    If you have any questions or issues with these parasites, contact the health department or your physician. Your health could be at issue.