The Gross Science of Lice and Other Parasites

Olexa, Keith J. The Gross Science of Lice and Other Parasites. Part of the Way Gross Science series. 2018. 48p. ISBN 978-1-5081-8171-2. Available at 616.57 OLE on the library shelves.

We all have heard of parasites, bugs that live on or within another species and steal food and shelter while providing nothing back to the host in exchange. Parasites are the bane of human existence, but also affect other animals and plants. Highly evolved to benefit at the expense of another, parasites have successfully adapted several techniques to avoid being noticed.

Sometimes they can be very annoying, like lice. At other times, they can literally be deadly, like the fleas that spread the Black Death in the 1300s. Parasites have overthrown civilizations, and led to massive social upheavals in the past. They continue to play a role in human history today with the spread of pandemics.

Learn how to recognize infestations of these critters, how to avoid becoming their next victim, and how to treat yourself if you are unfortunate enough to become infected.