The problem of fleas is relevant not only in rural areas, but also in big cities and even the beach area. Many people are unaware of the danger until they come face to face with it. Insidious "Bulgarian" fleas can ruin your holiday, both in mountainous regions and on the coast.
In this article we will tell you how to identify a flea bite, what to do if you are bitten, how to get rid of fleas yourself using folk remedies and disinfection with drugs that can be bought in Bulgaria.
Often flea bites are confused with an allergic reaction to climatic conditions in Bulgaria, the flowering of unknown herbs, or a new product. Anyone who has been bitten for the first time usually cannot determine the origin of the itchy blisters. Those who have never suffered from allergies are especially surprised; they are indignant, itchy and waiting for it to go away. However, flea bites take a very long time to heal.
Flea bite, Symptoms:
At first, the bite looks like a small red dot, or 2-3 dots nearby, since fleas bite several times in the same place. The bite site itches unbearably, and medications relieve the itching only temporarily. As a rule, the lower part of the body, ankles, thighs, legs, thighs, and sometimes the back area, stomach, and elbows are attacked. When scratched, the bites become swollen, red and enlarged. It's important to know that the more you scratch, the longer the healing process will be. A flea bite heals within 1-3 months, because the flea’s “saliva” prevents blood clotting. Sometimes flea bites provoke allergic reactions, such as itchy and watery eyes.
Interestingly, some people are not bitten by fleas. That is, in a situation where fleas are infested in the house, one person can be bitten many times, but the second person may not be bitten at all. Perhaps it's a blood type issue.
What do flea bites look like?
Where do fleas live
In Bulgaria, the main carriers of fleas are long-haired goats and sheep. Many people believe that the main habitat of fleas is pastures, from where people bring them into the house on shoes or clothes. Fleas can “arrive” in the fur of a pet that has been walking outside. Shopping centers and large public parking lots are also breeding grounds. Some victims claim that fleas are also found in beach sand. This is not surprising because in Bulgaria there are no restrictions on visiting the beach with dogs. It is believed that fleas also live in basements and even in firewood. Once in an apartment, they prefer to live in carpets, furniture, and mattresses.
How to treat a flea bite:
Anti-allergenic drugs, as a rule, provide some relief and relieve inflammation, however, the main condition for rapid healing is not to scratch the bite.
- Zdrave cream. Relieves irritation. 3.5 lv / 30 g.
- Fenistil gel. Antiallergic effect. 10 levs / 30 gr.
- Zvezdochka Ointment (in Bulgaria it is called “Tigrova Maz”). 1 lev / 5 g
- Baking soda. Dilute with water and apply to the bite.
Folk remedies for fleas:
- Wormwood. Sweep the floor with a wormwood broom, scatter the branches around the house. You can safely wash your pets with a decoction of wormwood.
- Essential oil. Spray with any fragrant essential oil, such as lavender or rose.
- Baking soda. Cover the carpets, rub, then vacuum and hang in bright sun.
- Alcohol or vinegar. Dilute with water, spray.
The dry and hot Bulgarian summer is the most flea time.
How and with what to kill fleas
Below is a list of ani flea products that are sold in Bulgaria. All of these drugs should be used with caution. If all else fails, call a disinfection service, this service is popular in Bulgaria.
- Aikn. Concentrate. 6 lv / 20 ml
- Bandit. Concentrate. 5 lv / 25 ml
- Cypermethrin. Concentrate. 2 lv / 10 ml
- Fendon. Concentrate. 3.5 lv / 9 ml
- Neostomozan, Entomozan. Concentrate in ampoules. 3 lv / 5 ml
- Ektomin. Spray. 6.50 lv / 500 ml
- Butox. Available in the form of a spray and ampoules. 289 BGN / 1 liter
- Frontline. Spray. 56 lv / 250 ml
- Shampoo for dogs. Add to water while mopping.
- Pyrethrum powder for dilution in water. A natural remedy based on chamomile, non-toxic. However, it is sold only in the Russian Federation.
To consolidate the result, repeat the treatment after a few days.
Flea prevention:
- Try not to walk where flocks of sheep are herded or herded.
- Before going outside, treat your shoes. Spray your feet with essential oil.
- Mow the grass more often, cultivate the garden, basement, move the firewood away from the entrance to the house. Spray the steps, leave your shoes outside.
How the city fights
Sometimes fleas attack entire cities. If in rural conditions the main carrier of fleas is livestock, then in urban conditions it is stray animals. Often, city authorities hire special companies to treat streets from fleas. For example, in the ski resort of Bansko, the grass is treated every summer. The city is surrounded on all sides by pastures, which greatly increases the risk of infection for carefree tourists. In the summer, the ski slopes become overgrown and turn into pastures, and this is where dogs are walked in the evenings.
What do sea fleas look like?
Sea fleas or nippers
Every year, residents of the Bulgarian coast suffer from an infestation of sea fleas. Sea fleas are crustaceans, 2-3 cm in length, that feed on dead particles, but cannot always distinguish a living tourist from a dead one. Sea fleas “hunt” mainly in the sand near the shore. Their most common habitat is the Albena region. Another name for these crustaceans is amphipods.
Have you encountered fleas in Bulgaria?