Abstract: An ectoparasite diagnostic apparatus comprising a vacuum motor, a microscope, a display, a non-flexible pivoting door and a containment chamber, wherein the microscope is in electrical communication with the display. The ectoparasite diagnostic apparatus provides a method of capturing live ectoparasites for observation removing live ectoparasites from a subject animal, disposing the live ectoparasites in the containment chamber, opening the non-flexible pivoting door and inserting a flea control compound, closing the non-flexible pivoting door and observing the effects of the flea control compound on the live ectoparasites via the microscope and the display.

Abstract: An animal insecticide applicator is presented. The applicator includes a bag for holding a quantity of insecticide, the bag having a top, two sides and a bottom. The bag is formed of a first layer of coarse mesh material through which powder insecticide can pass. A rigid tubular support is coupled with and extends across the top of the bag. A first tie rope is secured to and extends at least partially across a first side of the bag and then through the tubular support in a first direction. This tie rope terminates in a length which is hanging free at a second side of the bag. The second tie rope is secured to and extends at least partially along the second side of the bag. This tie rope is passed through the tubular support in the opposite direction of the first tie rope and includes the length hanging free at the first side of the bag. In one embodiment the applicator also includes couplers for joining two identical bags together.