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Richard I. Ecker, M.D. Certified by American Board of Dermatology Physician and Surgeon
Diplomate American Board of Dermatology
Dermatology Dermatologic Surgery MOHS Surgery
Offices: (Click office for directions) 706 N.E. Evans McMinnville, Oregon 97128 (503) 472-1405 Toll Free (866) 661-0319
Fax: (503) 434-5950 310 N. Villa Road Suite 106 Newberg, Oregon 97132 (503) 538-0668
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There are two different insect bites that we commonly see. They are: Flea bites and Spider bites. Click on the one you're interested in to view the information.
FLEA BIOLOGY Fleas are small, brown insects about 1/16 inch long. They lack wings and are flattened sideways which enables them to move easily between the hairs of host animals. The hind legs, adapted for jumping, allow some species to leap as far as 8 inches vertically and 16 inches horizontally.
Fleas pass through egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages in the process of metamorphosis. The time required for metamorphosis, depending primarily on temperature and humidity can be from a few weeks to a year or more. Mild winters and hot summers in Oregon increase flea breeding greatly.
An untreated pet supports about 100 fleas. A female flea can lay about 25 eggs per day (2000 in her six- to eight-week life span). Fortunately, most of these eggs remain unhatched. Flea eggs are up to 5 mm long, glistening white, and easily seen with the naked eye. Female fleas usually deposit their eggs on the animal and the eggs roll off the pet onto the floor or ground. These eggs mature in cracks, upholstery, and carpet, especially deep-pile carpet. The eggs then pass through the several stages and emerge as breeding adults.
Adult fleas, which rarely leave the host animal, must have blood meals before they can produce viable eggs. Adults can live for long periods without feeding. They can lie dormant for months and then respond to the stimuli of light, vibration, and carbon dioxide. This is why fleas suddenly reappear in living areas that have been vacant for long periods of time.
Another factor, which makes eradicating the fleas more difficult, is that your pet may have no symptoms. A dog or cat may be loaded with fleas and never scratch at all. If the source of the fleas is not apparent, pets should be examined by a veterinarian for fleas.
THE BITE Fleabites are red, hive-like bumps that usually occur on the lower extremities below the knee. If pets are allowed on the furniture, the rash may occur on the upper body as well. Fleabites are more common in warmer weather and usually more than one family member has them.
FLEA INFESTATIONS AND CONTROL Although there are over 240 species of fleas known in North America, the average householder in Oregon is likely to come in contact with only the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) which preys on both cats and dogs. In rare instances, rodent fleas may become pests as a result of rodent populations in the building. Another rarity is the occurrence of the so-called human flea on people.
Elimination of a flea infestation requires an orderly and persistent approach. Pets are the usual source of fleas and must be treated before an infestation can be arrested. Inspect pets frequently for fleas or fleabites. Take note of unusual scratching or fur chewing. Check pet bedding for adult fleas and eggs.
A veterinarian should be consulted regarding specific treatment. He may recommend bathing infested pets with anti-flea soap, treating them with flea powder or spray, or using flea collars. Be sure the product is intended for the type of pet involved and that the pet is old enough (some products are not for use on puppies or kittens).
Launder pet bedding frequently. Carpets, rugs, floors and upholstered furniture should be frequently and thoroughly vacuumed. Furniture cushions should be removed. Rugs and rug pads should be taken up to make vacuum cleaning more effective. Auxiliary attachments should be used to thoroughly vacuum along baseboards and in cracks and crevices. Vacuuming will pick up many eggs and some larvae, pupae, and adults.
Insecticides are available for controlling fleas in homes, pet quarters, and yards. Check the label to make sure the product is intended for use against fleas in the situation (indoors, outdoors, etc.) where it is to be used. If it does not carry instructions for flea control, find another insecticide that does. Insecticides for flea control commonly contain Malathion, methoxychlor, pyrethrin, carbaryl, ronnel, or baygon. Pet sleeping areas, outdoor pet runs, baseboards, and cracks or crevices where fleas might concentrate should be thoroughly treated. Retreatment may be necessary as adult fleas emerge from areas not reached by the insecticide. Use insecticides only as directed on the label.
If rodents are the source of fleas, rodent control will be necessary.
CAREFULLY FOLLOW ALL LABEL INSTRUCTIONS AND PRECAUTIONS WHEN USING PESTICIDES. STORE PESTICIDES OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. USE OF TRADE NAMES IS FOR IDENTIFICATION PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE ENDORSEMENT BY OUR OFFICE.
For more information on Fleas, visit these sites: http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2081.html http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/696_flea.html
SPIDERS Spiders form an important ecological niche by being predators to flies, crickets and even other spiders. However, they can be a nuisance with unsightly webs and occasional biting of humans. Most spiders found in Oregon are harmless to humans.
Spiders are reclusive and will not usually bite unless provoked by being startled. Often the spider will attack when a person accidentally disturbs a web or nest. Spiders will also inadvertently bite humans when foraging for food. By nature, they wander at night looking for a meal and are often attracted by the warmth of a sleeping human. This is why the bite victim will often awake to find multiple spider bites on the extremities, neck, or head but never actually see the spider or be aware of the bite episode. Spiders are increasing in Oregon due to our recent mild winters.
Most spider bites to humans are small and resolve in a few days. Sometimes the bites can be a problem for, two reasons. The first is the toxin that accompanies the spider bite. The toxin, which is used to kill the predator's insect victims, often causes a severe inflammatory reaction. This can result in redness, swelling, and superficial ulceration of the skin. The second is infection, which can be caused by the spider itself or as a secondary infection due to scratching of the bite by the affected person. If either of these problems occurs, the patient should see a physician for treatment.
Although many species of spiders cause bothersome bites, the hobo spider (Tangenaria agrestis) is probably the most dangerous spider in Oregon. Usually found in window wells, crawl spaces, and dark, damp basements, the hobo's bite causes immediate redness, blister formation within 24 hours, and ulceration within the next 2-3 days. Headache, nausea, shortness of breath, and pain often follow. Healing of the ulcer averages about 5 weeks.
Brown recluse spiders (Loxosceles reclusa) are common in the Midwest and eastern United States, but are extremely rare in Oregon. The black widow spider is common in the eastern and central United States (Latrodectus mactans) as well as the western states (Latrodectus hesperus), including Oregon.
CONTROLLING SPIDERS IN THE HOME Regular and thorough housecleaning is the most effective way to eliminate spiders and discourage their return. A vacuum cleaner or broom is very effective for removing spiders, webs, and egg sacs.
As spiders prefer quiet and undisturbed areas, reducing clutter in closets, garages, utility rooms, basements and attics will also discourage spiders. Move piled lumber and other building materials, firewood, and debris away from foundations. Clipping shrubs, vines and other vegetation back from the foundation will further reduce areas appealing to spiders and hinder migration into the home.
Install tight-fitting screens and door sweeps to exclude spiders and other insects. Repair all screen holes. In general, older homes have more spider problems due to numerous cracks in doors and windows, and older decaying wood and overgrown vegetation.
Yellow incandescent or sodium vapor light bulbs around entrances will be less attractive to night-flying insects. This will, in turn, attract fewer spiders than fluorescent or white incandescent bulbs.
For more information on Spiders, visit this site: http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2060.html
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