Common Pests in Small Animal Cages

Small animals like hamsters, gerbils, rabbits and ferrets are susceptible to a variety of external parasites. These pests find the bedding of your animal's cage--not to mention the constant supply of food, usually in the form of your animal's blood--quite inviting, and the the result can be numerous infestations. Cages should always be cleaned and disinfected regularly to prevent the infestations of several parasites.

  1. Mites

    • Mites are among the most common pests and come in three different varieties, all of which look very similar and cause the same problems. Rapid breeders, these near-microscopic arthropods suck the blood of your animal and can therefore cause anemia. A mite infestation can be identified by thinning hair on your animal, as well as various protrusions and blemishes from bites, many of which are self-inflicted to stop itching. These creatures typically spend most of their time in the bedding, and it's not uncommon to accidentally put mite-laced bedding into your pet's cage. However, they can also literally get under your animal's skin. Treatment of the animal involves bathing with mite medications, which can be purchased from virtually any pet shop. Frequent cleaning of the cage, complete with bleach, should be employed to get rid of mites.

    Lice

    • Unlike human lice, specific types of lice feed exclusively on small mammals: Polyplax spinulosa and Polyplax serrata. These lice can be transferred via infested bedding and are usually bigger than mites; they appear as white, flat, wingless bugs and can easily be spotted with a magnifying glass. These animals suck your animal's blood, causing lethargy and anemia. They rarely leave their host and breed on their host's body; their eggs can be seen sticking to the host's hairs. Lice can be alleviated with a lice bath, various medications available at pet stores and frequent cleaning of the cage. The bedding should always be changed entirely when dealing with a lice infestation, with the infested bedding disposed of outside immediately.

    Fleas

    • Fleas are more common on dogs and cats than on small animals like hamsters or gerbils but can still occasionally be found on small animals. Fleas are small, though bigger than lice, and jet-black in color. They can very easily be seen scurrying about your animal's fur. Fleas lay eggs on your animal's body in patches and not only feed on blood (thereby transmitting diseases) but also leave behind a black powder known as "flea dust," which is really the fleas' excrement. Both the animal and its environment must be treated, as fleas inhabit both quite frequently, and you should not only use medications and give your pet a flea bath but also clean the cage, change the bedding and spray the new bedding with a flea repellent, which can be found at any pet shop.