ess very abundant the latter cause
little injury. If numerous they irritate and worry their host probably more
by their sharp claws than by their bites, as their food seems to consist
entirely of particles of hair and dead skin.

Cattle lice reproduce by means of eggs or nits (fig. 10) which they fasten
to the hair. The blue lice infest chiefly the neck and shoulders; red lice,
when present, may be found almost anywhere on the body, but are usually
most numerous on neck, shoulders, and at the root of the tail.

On account of the itching caused by the lice, infested cattle rub against
posts, trees, etc., and lick themselves, the hair sometimes coming out and
the skin becoming thickened so that mange may be suspected.

_Treatment for lice._--Cattle may be treated for lice by means of hand
applications, spraying, or dipping. Dusting powders sold under various
trade names are of value in helping to hold lice in check when the weather
is too cold for dipping or spraying. The application of greases and
insecticidal liquids by hand is fairly effective and practicable in cases
in which there are only a few animals to be treated. The following remedies
have proved effective when applied by hand, the treatment being repeated if
necessary in about 16 days: (1) Cottonseed oil and kerosene, equal parts;
(2) kerosene, 1/2 pint, mixed with lard, 1 pound; (3) crude petroleum; (4)
any of the dips recommended for use in dipping, and diluted in the same
proportions as for dipping. Oils or greases should not be used in very warm
or very cold weather. The remedies mentioned may be applied with a brush or
a cloth. They should be distributed in a thin, even coating over the
surface of the body, taking care that there is no excess quantity at any
point.

In spraying, any of the dips recommended for lice, properly diluted, are
applied by means of a spray pump over the entire body. Thorough wetting of
the skin and hair is important, and a second treatment should be given 15
or 16 days later.

When a considerable number of animals are to be treated the most
satisfactory method of destroying lice is by the use of a dipping vat. Two
dippings should be given 15 or 16 days apart. Dipping in the fall is good
insurance against risk of loss from lice during the winter. All animals in
the herd should be treated regardless of the number showing infestation.
Either coal-tar-creosote or nicotin dips may be used. These are sold under
various trade names.