Stuffed Bed Bug

You'll wanna snuggle up to THIS little guy!

Our Stuffed Bed Bug

This lovely, realistic-looking stuffed bed bug is kind and endearing. The legs and antennae are made of soft plush fabric. This allows for a myriad of postions. The body is a rose-pink with large, bulging, dark eyes. This bed bug wants to be your friend and promises not to bite. Check out our other bed bug toys and gifts.

About Bed Bugs

The common bed bug or bedbug (Cimex lectularius), like the flea, feeds on the blood of its host. It lives in crevices, carpeting and especially along the seams of matresses. The bed bug is a solitary insect, but can also live in clusters. It is a nocturnal creature, but creeps around and becomes especially active for a short period before dawn. It can be seen with the naked eye since it is usually 1/8 to 1/3 inches long. Unlike the roach, it is not necessarily associated with a filthy environment. The adult bed bug is oval-shaped and red-bown in color, often compared to a lentil. It scurries rather quickly and therefore may be hard to spot when disturbed at night. The bed bug was, for the most part, eradicated in the 1940s through the use of DDT. It is making a comeback in warmer climates, such as in Florida. Bed bugs bite when disturbed, leaving small red markings. Unlike the tick, it does not crawl under the host's skin. To avoid bedbugs, bedding should be put in the dryer and heated to 120 degrees. This will kill any eggs. Also, spraying with an alcohol-based product is allegedly helpful to kill bed bugs.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Stuffed Toy Fire Ant

He won't bite...honest...

Our Plush Fire Ant

This engaging, realistic-looking stuffed red ant is soft and cuddly. Its body is made of soft plush fabric and shows well-defined segments. The body is red and has large plastic eyes and fine antenna. Our red ant replica has a kindly expression and promises not to bite. This stuffed red ant makes a nice pet, gift, novelty, presentation piece for a school project,or gag gift. See our other ant toys and gifts.

About Red Ants

There are over 200 species of red ants, some small and some large. The most common red ant is known as the fire ant. It is a biting ant which grabs on and then stings with a poison called Solenposin. Fire ants live in mounds in moist open area and spend time eating plant material and occasionally a cricket. The colony consists usually of one or more queens, surrounded by drones and workers. The queen can produce up to 1500 eggs in one day.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Stuffed Louse

Tough to say kind words about the louse...but ain't he cute?

Our Stuffed Louse Toy

This engaging, realistic-looking stuffed louse is soft and floppy. It is made of durable soft plush. The legs and antennae are made of plush fabric. Our louse is gentle and loving and promises not to bite. Check out our other lice toys and gifts.

About Lice

The word louse, singular for lice, is a common term for a large number of different kind of lice. Different kinds of lice are found on a myriad of host animals, including humans. Lice are so differentiated that various body parts have their own kind of lice. Humans are afflicted primarily by head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis), body lice (Pediculus humanus humanus), which live in clothing, and others, which live in body hair. The louse looks like a small flat ant. It feeds on skin debris and sucks blood. It produces eggs called nits which attach to the host's hair. The louse is an irritant for many animals, especially birds and monkeys. Much itching and scratching are the result of bothersome lice. Many animals get help from other animals to pick them off. Humans can treat head lice by cutting hair shorter, combing with a stiff comb and by shampooing with various special conditioners.

The Tag on Our Stuffed Louse Says:

FACTS: Lice infestations are one of the most common communicable conditions suffered by children. Nevertheless, as unsanitary conditions are sometimes believed to promote lice, their appearance can quickly put sufferers (not to mention parents and school administrators) in a very hairy situation!

In fact, head lice are generally indifferent to environmental conditions beyond their natural territory, namely the scalp. (Most lice can't even survive for more than a day or so away from the heat of the body.) In addition, lice can't fly orjump, so transmission most commonly occurs through direct bodily contact or through sharing of personal items such as combs, hats, sweaters, and towels.

Still, close quarters can certainly contribute to the spread of lice. In the World War I trenches, lice was rampant and soldiers cropped their hair short to try to avoid the "cooties" (a term thought to derive from the Malay word kutu, or biting parasite - though how the word traveled to the trenches is unknown.)

If you do discover a lice infestation, there are special shampoos, and even chemical treatments, that can be used to address it. Specialty fine-tooth combs can also help pick lice and nits (or lice eggs) from hair. Finally, bedding and clothes should be well cleaned - and perhaps even discarded. Worth remembering if you're feeling lousy!

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Stuffed Bed Bug

Snuggle under the covers with this cute little guy!

Our Plush Bed Bug

This lovely, realistic-looking stuffed bed bug is kind and endearing. The legs and antennae are made of soft plush fabric. This allows for a myriad of postions. The body is a rose-pink with large, bulging, dark eyes. This bed bug wants to be your friend and promises not to bite. Check out our other bed bug toys and gifts.

About Bed Bugs

The common bed bug or bedbug (Cimex lectularius), like the flea, feeds on the blood of its host. It lives in crevices, carpeting and especially along the seams of matresses. The bed bug is a solitary insect, but can also live in clusters. It is a nocturnal creature, but creeps around and becomes especially active for a short period before dawn. It can be seen with the naked eye since it is usually 1/8 to 1/3 inches long. Unlike the roach, it is not necessarily associated with a filthy environment. The adult bed bug is oval-shaped and red-bown in color, often compared to a lentil. It scurries rather quickly and therefore may be hard to spot when disturbed at night. The bed bug was, for the most part, eradicated in the 1940s through the use of DDT. It is making a comeback in warmer climates, such as in Florida. Bed bugs bite when disturbed, leaving small red markings. Unlike the tick, it does not crawl under the host's skin. To avoid bedbugs, bedding should be put in the dryer and heated to 120 degrees. This will kill any eggs. Also, spraying with an alcohol-based product is allegedly helpful to kill bed bugs.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Stuffed Mosquito

Love 'em or hate 'em, you've never seen one like this before!

Our Plush Mosquito

This engaging, realistic-looking stuffed mosquito is soft and floppy. The wings are securely sewn onto the back and are made of a shimmery fabric which reflects the light in rainbow colors. The legs are long and gangly and are made of soft plush fabric allowing for a myriad of postions. The feet have soft plastic tips. Check out our other mosquito toys and gifts.

About Mosquitoes

The word "mosquito" means "small fly" in Spanish (the word for "fly" is "mosca"). Mosquitoes (the plural can be spelled "mosquitos" or "mosquitoes") are any of a number of two-winged insects of the family Culicidae. The females suck the blood of mammals (inlcuding humans) and some mosquitoes transmit yellow fever and malaria.Usually, the "bite" results only in a small bump that becomes red and itchy for a few days. Mosquitoes feed on nectar, and neither the males nor the females need blood to survive. The blood provides protein for the development and laying of eggs. This is why only the females seek blood. The "bite" is not actually a bite. The mosquito injects a tiny feeding tube into the skin of the animal or human in order to withdraw blood. Mosquitos are believed to have evolved in the Jurassic Period (the age of large dinosaurs), but the first known fossils are from the Cretaceous Period (the last of the dinosaurs and an age when many new species began to proliferate), between 144 and 65 million years ago. There are currently about 3,500 species of mosquito worldwide. Some of their past ancestors were about three times the size of the mosquitos that live in the world today. Mosquitos usually shelter in shaded areas during the day and feed at dawn and dusk. They can also be active at night, and sometimes fly up to about 5 miles in a night.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Brown & Gray Stuffed Scorpions

Got a Scorpio on your Christmas gift list?

Our Stuffed Scorpions

Our exceptionally soft stuffed scorpion toy insects by Fiesta measure 16 inches long. The eyes, legs and tail are securely attached making these charming stuffed insects suitable toys for all ages. To find our other stuffed toy animals from Fiesta, or see our entire inventory of stuffed animals, stuffed beanies and plush hand puppets, check out our Stuffed Animals Page and Stuffed Beanies and Plush Puppets Page. Come look through our entire collection of scorpion toys and gifts.

About Scorpions

Scorpions are found in warm regions. They are arachnids, and therefore more closely related to spiders than to insects. They are found not only in the desert, but also in forests. They spend much of the day under logs and leaf litter, and feed mostly at night on spiders and insects. Most scorpions are only painful to humans and are not especially dangerous, although a few can deliver a fatal sting. Children and elderly people are more at risk from their venom than strong, healthy adults. The approximately 2,000 species of scorpion vary widely in size, from about 1/2 inch to 7 inches long. Our plastic scorpion is most likely an artistic version of the Arizona desert scorpion (Hadrurus arizonensis pallidus), characterized by a dirty light brown/yellow color and a black to brown streak on its back. People have collected scorpions and made a commercial product out of them in the form of paperweights and keychains by placing them inside moulded plastic. Because of this, they have become over-collected and are now "a CITES-listed animal, meaning scorpions could be threatened with extinction if exportation and other threats, such as development, are not regulated." [Wikipedia]

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Stuffed Mosquito

Who'd swat this lovable little guy?

Our Plush Mosquito

This engaging, realistic-looking stuffed mosquito is soft and floppy. The wings are securely sewn onto the back and are made of a shimmery fabric which reflects the light in rainbow colors. The legs are long and gangly and are made of soft plush fabric allowing for a myriad of postions. The feet have soft plastic tips. Check out our other mosquito toys and gifts.

About Mosquitoes

The word "mosquito" means "small fly" in Spanish (the word for "fly" is "mosca"). Mosquitoes (the plural can be spelled "mosquitos" or "mosquitoes") are any of a number of two-winged insects of the family Culicidae. The females suck the blood of mammals (inlcuding humans) and some mosquitoes transmit yellow fever and malaria.Usually, the "bite" results only in a small bump that becomes red and itchy for a few days. Mosquitoes feed on nectar, and neither the males nor the females need blood to survive. The blood provides protein for the development and laying of eggs. This is why only the females seek blood. The "bite" is not actually a bite. The mosquito injects a tiny feeding tube into the skin of the animal or human in order to withdraw blood. Mosquitos are believed to have evolved in the Jurassic Period (the age of large dinosaurs), but the first known fossils are from the Cretaceous Period (the last of the dinosaurs and an age when many new species began to proliferate), between 144 and 65 million years ago. There are currently about 3,500 species of mosquito worldwide. Some of their past ancestors were about three times the size of the mosquitos that live in the world today. Mosquitos usually shelter in shaded areas during the day and feed at dawn and dusk. They can also be active at night, and sometimes fly up to about 5 miles in a night.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Stuffed toy heartworm

We have some pretty crazy stuffed animals at Tapir and Friends Animal Store online. This very cute stuffed heartworm can be used for any number of purposes from a gift for your veterinarian to a reminder to feed your pet its heartworm pills! Or what about a friendly prop for a demo in vet school? Or even as a toy for your dog or cat!

Our Heartworm

This, strange-looking stuffed heartworm is an unusual replica. It is 9 inches long and is made of white synthetic fur and has large eyes and wears a collar. If you aren't a worm lover, you will be after you own this adorable little fella. I am not sure you'll want to give it to your dog though! This plush heartworm toy makes a nice pet, a gift, toy or gag and could work well for a school play or show-and-tell as a school science project. You might want to give our stuffed heartworm to your favorite veterinarian as a gift. On the other hand, veterinarians might like to keep a few of these around the office as a gift for a favorite client or as a reminder to give your pet those heartworm pills! In fact, if you know anyone who has trouble remembering to keep their pet's heartworm pills current, this could be an excellent reminder! Check out our other worm toys and gifts.

About Heartworms

Heartworm is a parasitic roundworm (Dirofilaria immitis) that is spread from host to host through the bites of mosquitoes. Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition caused by parasitic worms living in the arteries of the lungs and occasionally in the right side of the heart of dogs, cats and other species of mammals, including wolves, foxes, ferrets, sea lions and (in rare instances) humans. Heartworms are classified as nematodes (roundworms) and are filarids, one of many species of roundworms. Dogs and cats of any age or breed are susceptible to infection.

The Tag on Our Heartworm Says:

FACTS: You're not the only one who loves dogs - numerous parasites on the inside and outside of man's best friend use him as their own little ecosystem. Most are harmless annoyances, but heartworm (or Dirofilaria immitis) can cause serious complications and even death if left untreated.

Thin, spaghetti-like parasites, heartworms typically reside in the pulmonary arteries and hearts of their hosts. An infected dog can have as many as 250 worms. As they grow, the worms constrict blood supplies to the heart and lungs, causing infected animals to develop coughs, become listless, and lose their appetites.

Microscopic offspring called microfilariae are released by female worms after mating. These get sucked up by mosquitoes and develop into larvae that can infect the next host. Because larvae can only develop when it's hot, summer is a particularly dangerous time for transmission. However, since symptoms take six months to appear, winter is the time to be most aware.

Come on over and check out our stuffed plush heartworm toy!

Christmas Shipping Info

Do you need a stuffed bedbug for that Special Someone?

Tapir and Friends Animal Store

CHRISTMAS SHIPPING: Note for December 16 ~ We ship same or next day.

USA: We are still shipping Priority Mail (cheapest option) in the U.S. for delivery before Christmas.

OVERSEAS: We recommend Global Express, although Global Priority (cheaper) may be on time (not guaranteed).

Call for overseas rates (503) 338-8646 or send e-mail.

Stuffed toy louse

Did you ever expect that a louse could be cute? Whether you buy our stuffed plush louse as a gag gift (as in "You louse!") or for someone with an interest in these animals such as a veterinarian, we think you'll be pleased with this unusual little guy! In addition to toy lice, we also have stuffed toy fleas, mosquitoes, bedbugs, maggots, and much more. Come on over and check them out!

Stuffed plush heartworm - a great way to remember to give your pet its heartworm pills - or an unusual gift for your pet's vet!

Our Heartworm

This, strange-looking stuffed heartworm is an unusual replica. It is 9 inches long and is made of white synthetic fur and has large eyes and wears a collar. If you aren't a worm lover, you will be after you own this adorable little fella. I am not sure you'll want to give it to your dog though! This plush heartworm toy makes a nice pet, a gift, toy or gag and could work well for a school play or show-and-tell as a school science project. You might want to give our stuffed heartworm to your favorite veterinarian as a gift. On the other hand, veterinarians might like to keep a few of these around the office as a gift for a favorite client or as a reminder to give your pet those heartworm pills! In fact, if you know anyone who has trouble remembering to keep their pet's heartworm pills current, this could be an excellent reminder! Check out our other worm toys and gifts.

About Heartworms

Heartworm is a parasitic roundworm (Dirofilaria immitis) that is spread from host to host through the bites of mosquitoes. Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition caused by parasitic worms living in the arteries of the lungs and occasionally in the right side of the heart of dogs, cats and other species of mammals, including wolves, foxes, ferrets, sea lions and (in rare instances) humans. Heartworms are classified as nematodes (roundworms) and are filarids, one of many species of roundworms. Dogs and cats of any age or breed are susceptible to infection.