Fleas! 

+Assassination_6 Parasites can be fascinating to learn about. Not so much when you have to deal with them.

Yeah, that is true

It's a nice nontoxic insecticide, but it's not the most efficient. It needs to be in direct contact with the flea for several hours to kill them and needs to be reapplied several times to get through the full life cycle as the new ones hatch.

+1wolfgirl300 I do not recomend them. It has been my experience that DE has little value versus fleas.

+1wolfgirl300 I have used Diatomaceous Earth before to knock out a problematic flea infestation (2 cats and 2 dogs). You basically have to live in white powder for about 2 weeks. Vacuum and reapply to EVERYTHING daily. Wash all materials that can fit in your machine at the beginning of treatment and again at the end. It is not poisonous, but can dry out your skin a little and be a bit irritating. It worked for me, and I didn't have to use poison. Super cheap and I can use it around the garden too. I would only recommend if you are ready to do A LOT of vacuuming.

My family had fleas once and diatomaceous earth was one of the first things we used. It was pretty horrible because it was all in the air and it made it a bit difficult to see. Also, I was the only one in my family who experienced this but breathing became very difficult and uncomfortable for me so I would not recommend it

I have used diatomaceous earth to control insect populations in my home. My then-boyfriend and I were looking for a non-chemical way to deal with the fleas that were brought in when we got our youngest (then a kitten). She received a flea treatment at her initial checkup by the vet, and she got a bath immediately upon coming into the house, but the fleas remained. There soon began a war. We gave everyone regular baths and applied DE throughout the house...I will admit that it was sometimes a little hard to breathe normally, but diligent application and vacuuming have proved successful. Plus, other bugs like roaches die from coming in contact with the stuff, so I recommend it! Just be sure to get "food grade" DE, as other varieties can be dangerous.

+MrAlisterH just thinking that!

+Llama king I'm pretty sure you're talking about their powder feathers. It's completely natural, and in fact necessary for them to keep clean, dry, and parasite-free. One of the things you have to consider about owning a bird like a cockatiel is that they produce a lot of powder from their feathers. In some cases, it gets bad enough that it clogs up air filters, but it's very important to keep their area well ventilated to prevent respiratory problems. And yes, allergies from their powder feathers is fairly common. Think of it like dander on mammals. A lot of people are allergic to the dander rather than the pet themselves. Also, tiels shouldn't need showers normally, as they can usually keep themselves clean on their own. Showers are a good way to bond with your bird though, so that's a plus. Birds tend to love baths, but only if they're comfortable with you first. Until then, spraying them with a spray bottle is your best way to give them a quick alternative if you're determined to give them showers.

The room that you spend most of your daytime in is where the bird should be. Windows are great for birds who like the stimulation of outside, but it can be stressful for others. Half and half works well for some. Be careful it doesn't get too cold though. Sometimes a smaller bedtime cage works with the personality of the bird and your relationship, but it's not necessary. Keep the bird out of the kitchen and bathroom, both are filled with perilous places to land/fall and dangerous chemicals.

*because it made him really itchy

The way you used it was great! It's a nice option for prevention if you're in an area that frequently is exposed to fleas, but the chances of misapplying is high which makes the use of it less desirable for actual infestations.

+AnimalWonders Montana There is actually a company that has a technician come in and apply it for you - they guarantee effectiveness for a year. We had a really bad infestation due to the recent CA drought, and after the technician came in they disappeared! (After six weeks, since it has to go through their whole life cycle.)

Can you teach is more about parasite different person

+Eric Loesch With the Green brothers too. Well, at least Hank. I don't know where John is usually.

They both know Hank Green and their shows are part of the Nerdfigheria media empire thing so it makes sense that they live in the same town. It /is/ weird to think of them running into each other at the store though.

+GildedBear They both live in the same town as Hank! Hank found them this way. Pretty awesome, if you think about it.

Personally I'd use .03% because I like to use the smallest percent possible. However .06% is safe for rabbits. And if the infestation is serious then it might be better to get the rabbit the help it needs asap with a slightly stronger solution.

Thanks!

+Dany Ashby As a person who actually had to deal with fleas on a rabbit, my vet recommended Advantage for cats. For a really small bunny Advantage for kittens. Turns out Advantage for cats is also recommended highly on a lot of rabbit forums as well.

Good to be wary. Remove their entire setup from your home if you ever have the need to use pesticides.

Yes, I'd personally use .03% on hedgies.

+AnimalWonders Montana Thank you!

+Jannett Navarro Holy hell, ticks can infest in human living spaces? I'm officially terrified.

ShadeSlayer1911 Yeah. About 6 years ago, one of my dogs got out of our yard and started following a dog that was infested with ticks. We didn't know that would have been an issue, until a few weeks after the incident, and ever since then, ticks has been the largest issue of pests in our home. we've tried the Adam's tick and flea poisons, but without success. I constantly clean the house, shower, check and groom my dogs, but these ticks always find a way to flourish. It's still a problem today.

I am unsure if the fleas that go after dogs and cats are also interested in humans. I believe they are but I'm not sure. However, unlike lice, fleas really infest the area rather than the creature. They feed on your pet (and possibly you) but don't really live there, though they do hang out near or on their meals at times. In other words, even if the fleas aren't interested in you for food, its your house that have them and they will find their way onto you.

Yes, we are included in delectable endotherms for fleas.

+JP D Yes, I've had them. They really suck. Luckily they didn't get in my hair and I have little hair elsewhere on my body, so it wasn't soooo bad. But they can get to your hair and really infest that way.

+Tony Huynh nah, you were close though. maybe next time

+Sake11880 This episode was especially funky!

Is this about the guy pic we saw? Could you explain for the ones who're not familiare.