How to Get Rid of Mites or Lice on Infant Squirrels

Bringing a wild animal to be raised in a home is never a good idea. Yet baby squirrels are sometimes found alone and need assistance to survive. With the proper information and preparation, people can raise a baby squirrel successfully until its old enough to be released back into the wild. Mites and lice are a significant problem when raising a baby squirrel. If left untreated these parasites can cause anemia and make it difficult for the squirrel to develop the strength it needs to manage on its own. Lice and mites can be eliminated with gentle and thorough attention.

Things You'll Need

  • Medium-sized bowl
  • Detergent
  • Old toothbrush
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Instructions

    • 1

      In a medium-sized bowl make a warm bath with dish detergent mixed into the water. Place the baby squirrel in the bath, keeping its head out of the water.

    • 2

      Gently rub the squirrel's body with the water. Trickle water over the squirrel's head to make sure that all areas of its body are covered.

    • 3

      Thoroughly dry the squirrel with a towel--the body temperature of baby squirrels can dip quickly if they are chilled.

    • 4

      Dislodge any sticky eggs or parasites which didn't wash out in the bath using an old toothbrush. It is also possible to handpick them off--they're easy to see when on a baby squirrel's wet bod--or pick them off with tweezers.

      Do this on top of an old newspaper so any lice or mites that fall off will fall on top of the paper which can be quickly rolled up and thrown away.

    • 5

      Consider pesticides or sprays if these natural methods are unsuccessful, or if the baby squirrel is so heavily infested that the situation needs a faster remedy.