Mites

[AprilPearl]

Yes, we have two cats. Otherwise, that would have been great.

[AmityvilleHams]

There are some known natural remedies for a variety of pests,including mites.I'd have a quick search and figure out something completely safe for all species in your home and go from there,but definitely avoid any harsh chemical products at all costs(keep in mind you might see borax or pennyroyal,both of which must not be used for any pets)

[Hekomi]

Ah, shoot, that's a shame. Diatomaceous Earth might be an option if you're worried about carpet, etc.

[AprilPearl]

Thanks Amity, will bear that in mind in buying things.

Hekomi never mind, thanks anyway! What is Diatomaceous Earth? Not particularly concerned about the carpet as I always put cardboard under his playpen so he hasn't been on the carpet there.

[AmityvilleHams]

Food grade DE is definitely a good idea,and can also be given internally mixed into wet food(not on its own,as inhaled in large amounts could cause respiratory issues but that's true of any fine particle type product including bathing sand)!Diluted rosemary oil could also be a possible natural option.I'm sure there are others I'm not thinking of though.

It's basically a naturally occurring sedimentary rock,usually including fossilized remains of diatoms(a group of algae).It's often used for a filtration aid,a mild abrasive metal polish,toothpaste,insecticide(works through the particles being rough enough to cut tiny insects,but gentle enough to not really be harmful if touched or eaten as part of a food),etc.That's a bit of a simplified version though!

[AprilPearl]

Amity No doubt I am being thick here so please forgive me. Is DE Diatomaceous Earth? And if so, are you saying that eating Diatomaceous Earth can cure mites? And eating rosemary oil would treat mites too? I had no idea that there were foods which could cure mites!

Could I also put these two on to the skin/fur?

[AmityvilleHams]

Yes,it's diatomaceous earth.Over time it should help with mites,nothing is instant of course.I'm not sure if eating rosemary or ingesting rosemary oil would work just as good as if it were used externally(it most likely would have some benefit against parasites),but it's definitely a good idea.

I would take caution with the diatomaceous earth on skin and just be sure it doesn't get ingested,but it would probably be fine applied lightly then brushed off into a container so it doesn't get into the cage(which could let it get ingested in larger amounts and cause respiratory problems as stated before).Rosemary oil would have to be diluted very well to be safe on the skin,but it might be a bit too strong smelling to be directly applied to a hamster.

[AprilPearl]

Hmm thanks Amity. Might hold off on the DE as don’t want to cause respiratory issues! But, it is an interesting alternative.

[AmityvilleHams]

You're welcome You could still use it around carpet and such,but it's only harmful if inhaled in large amounts.Maybe instead of putting it directly on Quigley(which is where the large amount inhaled risk comes from)you could just mix a bit into some wet cat food and also use it outside of his cage,possibly combined with diluted rosemary oil.

If carefully used the diatomaceous earth would still be better than many spot on products and other insecticides(as the only risk is involved with inhaling large amounts as mentioned),including "natural" versions.A lot of those use very harsh ingredients if you can even get a full ingredient label,including isopropyl substances(still found in many "natural" products!)which are quite drying and can cause further skin problems with already irritated pets as well as clogging pores and other issues Just keep in mind that if sand or similar products were inhaled in large enough amounts they could cause problems too as mentioned.

[Pebbles82]

It sounds like you've done a good clean up job. I wouldn't worry about the playpen if you've hoovered it. Newt rarely goes near the sides of the playpen and is more interested in its contents. You could add all kind of funky household items for toys