It is best to cycle through treatments with each outbreak. This puts less selective pressure on the lice to develop resistance to the treatment. When treating, the whole family must also be treated, as some people may harbour small populations of the lice without realising it. Afflicted people should follow strict hygiene measures - no sharing of hats, towels or combs. Images of Pediculis capitis and Phthirus pubis are contained in Wormlearn Fleas Fleas are generally less host specific than lice .
Fleas undergo a metamorphic life-cycle, similar to a butterfly or moth.
Eggs are usually laid on the fur of their host or in the environment close to where the host lives. When the grub has finished its development, it forms a cocoon and transforms into the adult flea. These cocoons may lie dormant in the environment for a long time, and hatching of the adults is triggered by vibration. The adult fleas live on the host, drinking their blood through specialised mouthparts. Because they are not fussy about which host they leap upon, the potential for spreading disease is great.