How to Get Rid of Hampster Mites

Hamsters make wonderful, low maintenance pets, but like all animals, they can become the targets of parasites. While some pets attract fleas and lice, hamsters can attract mites, which are microscopic bugs that feed on animals, plants and mold. If your hamster has become a living host to these unwanted pests, you must treat the problem immediately, as these invaders will cause your pet severe discomfort, itching, irritation and fur loss.

Things You'll Need

  • Paper towels
  • Spray bottle
  • Vinegar
  • Mite spray
  • Vacuum cleaner
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove your hamster from his cage. This environment has likely become heavily infested with mites, so you will first need to separate your pet from this area.

    • 2

      Verify that your hamster has mites. Examine his fur for tiny black specks and thinning fur. Notice if he constantly gnaws at his skin or scratches vigorously. The website Hamster House recommends wiping the hamster with a damp paper towel and seeing if black specks appear on the paper.

    • 3

      Spray your hamster with a mite spray. Cover his eyes, saturate his entire coat with the spray and allow the liquid to settle. Pet supply stores carry a variety of mite sprays, often indicated for birds, but these sprays will also work safely and effectively on hamsters.

    • 4

      Clean and disinfect the entire hamster cage. You can use dish soap, but vinegar also makes a very powerful disinfectant. Just add two parts vinegar and one part water to a spray bottle, spray the entire cage and wipe thoroughly with paper towels. Remove any food and replace with fresh food. Make sure to fully dry the cage before allowing the hamster back in.

    • 5

      Vacuum the floor in the room where you keep the hamster, and disinfect the surrounding area just as you did the hamster cage.

    • 6

      Take your hamster to a veterinarian if the mites persist after you attempt to resolve the problem at home. A veterinarian can prescribe more powerful sprays and solutions for larger infestations.