Treatment for Mites on Mice

Mites are external parasites that feed on their host organism. These creatures are classified as arachnids: they have eight legs and look like very small spiders. The type usually found on mice are fur mites. There are three common species: Myobia musculi, Myocoptes musculinus and Radfordia affinis.

  1. Fur Mites

    • These mites do not suck blood and frequently are living on mice with no visible symptoms on their host. They do not cause harm to the mouse unless there is an extremely heavy infestation. If a mouse has a weakened immune system it may exhibit symptoms such as hair loss or skin sores. If you handle your infested pet, you will not be in danger of being infested as they do not live on humans.

    Rat Mites

    • Though fur mites are usually harmless to your pet, rat mites may also infest it. These can cause more serious problems in your pet mouse. There are three types of rat mites that may be transmitted to mice: Radfordia ensifer, Notoedres muris and Ornithonyssus bacoti. The first is another fur mite and is similar to mice mites. The symptoms, if any, of the presence of these parasites are usually some hair loss and skin sores.

    Burrowing Mites

    • Notoedres muris are burrowing mites. They can cause ear mange in mice. They also attack the tail, nose and extremities of your pet. Symptoms of this mite in a mouse are lesions and areas of skin that are red, crusty and itchy. If your mouse is infested, be sure to keep it away from your other pets because the infestation is highly contagious. This mite is spread by direct contact. It poses no danger to humans.

    Bloodsucking Mites

    • The Ornithonyssus bacoti rat mite is a bloodsucking parasite. These are the most troublesome to your pet. It is more common in tropical and subtropical geographical areas. This parasite feeds on rodent blood. It can cause anemia and transmit rickettsial blood parasites. It is also contracted by direct contact. Additionally, it can infest your pet through contaminated bedding or wood products. This mite is one that may also infest humans.

    Treatment and Prevention

    • To treat and prevent mites in your pet, disinfect its cage at least once a week. Bleach is an easy way to kill most parasites. Throw away any wood, because it is not easily disinfected and mites can hide in it. There are many products that you can use on your pet mouse to treat the mites. Discuss with your veterinarian which one will work best on your pet. Ivermectin is generally safe on an adult rodent unless your pet is sensitive or allergic. Some topical treatments may work. Do not use dog and cat flea powders or insecticide strips or mite guards for birds. These may actually poison your pet.