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step. Insecticides approved for direct insecticide to carpets, baseboards, cracks
application to pets as spot treatments, and crevices, and other areas where fleas
dips, dusts, sprays, or shampoos may be present.
are available from the pet owner’s Delusional parasitosis
veterinarian and pet shops. Unfortunately, a flea treatment request
Once the pet has been treated, efforts may result from dilusional parasitosis, an
should focus on the indoor premises, unexplained bite-like skin irritation, or
particularly to the areas of the home crawling sensation that is assumed to be
where the pet sleeps or spends the caused by insects but for which no insects
majority of its time. Blankets or rugs or mites can be seen or found.
that may be used as pet bedding should https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/delusory-parasitosis
be discarded or laundered in hot, soapy
water. All carpeted areas and upholstered Before making any treatment, perform
furniture should be thoroughly vacuumed, a thorough inspection and identification.
and the sweeper bag contents discarded. If you suspect delusional parasitosis,
be patient and understanding but also
If the flea infestation is light, frequent professional and frank. Don’t improvise.
and thorough vacuuming may eventually Do not apply insecticides until you
eliminate the problem. However, moderate are confident of the pest and that the
to heavy infestations will usually treatment is warranted and appropriate.
necessitate the application of a residual
Page 6 IPMA Connection • 4th Quarter, 2020
