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Old 10-09-2022, 02:46 PM   #31
kattsy
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Default Re: Book lice problem in hamsters cage. Any help?

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Originally Posted by AmityvilleHams View Post
A full mesh top alone may potentially still not be enough ventilation compared to the level of ventilation a barred cage or even a cage with one or more barred/meshed side(lacking cross ventilation which can make a big difference).

That said even barred cages can have ventilation issues with hideouts, tunnels, etc if they're plastic or other non breathable materials - for example plastikoted wood isn't breathable like unfinished wood would be.

I would be extremely careful using any sort of pesticides and insecticides in the room where the hamster is. They can be highly toxic for such sensitive species, or at the very least potentially irritating to their respiratory system. Food grade diatomaceous earth is one thing I would definitely recommend trying around the room in general though since it mechanically kills anything with an exoskeleton & unlike synthetic pesticides and such they can't develop a resistance or tolerance to it over time. A thorough cage clean should help too though.

ETA more natural cage setups can have potential increased moisture issues too, for example moss being best avoided if I'm honest since that can contribute to humidity being too high(even "dry" moss can rehydrate eventually and be a problem). Coconut fiber is a great natural digging material(actually safe unlike any kind of soil) but you do have to be careful to avoid it being too dry or too wet - overly wet coconut fiber can contribute to potential mold and other humidity related issues.
Do you know if you can put the diatomaceous earth in the hamster cage? Is it safe if a hamster eats it?
Like, if i would sprinkle some in the bedding or in a cup and set in inside the cage?
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Old 10-09-2022, 02:57 PM   #32
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Default Re: Book lice problem in hamsters cage. Any help?

Safe for animals doesn't always mean safe for every animal unfortunately, since species specific safety varies quite a bit. I wouldn't risk it in this situation. If you haven't checked health food stores and such for the diatomaceous earth that might be a good idea.

The cage clean should fix the issue within the cage. A temporary bin cage is a good idea though. If you don't have any unopened substrate(since you'd ideally be freezing that for 48 hours at least in this situation just in case along with food, herbs, etc) then you can also make a temporary substrate with torn up plain brown paper bags or you could use plain unscented toilet paper(the kind easily dissolved in water - same type that'd be safe for nesting use) if that's easier for you.

ETA diatomaceous earth(food grade) is completely safe if eaten. The inhalation issue would be a valid concern more if they were to inhale larger amounts, but any sort of dust is harmful if inhaled for very similar reasons. The same risk can also happen with food actually since foods can also carry a lot of fine particles at times - especially towards the bottom of the bag where lots of pieces get crushed easier.
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Old 10-09-2022, 03:30 PM   #33
Ria P
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Default Re: Book lice problem in hamsters cage. Any help?

Do you freeze all hamster food, treats, millet sprays etc for a week?

I have come across weevils in a packet of mealworms before but luckily (for me) i had bought them for a friend who noticed the weevils when she opened the packet.

I freeze everything for a week or bake items like cork logs before putting in a hamster's cage.

Maybe you could identify the bugs by catching them on cello tape and then have a look under a microscope or magnifying glass so you know what you are dealing with. It may also help to find out how they came into your apartment and what kind of living conditions they require.

I would also vacuum as much as possible to pick up bugs and possibly their eggs as well.
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Old 10-09-2022, 05:11 PM   #34
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Default Re: Book lice problem in hamsters cage. Any help?

They are not weevils. I am a gardener and fight with them during all life cycles. What you have are book lice, tinier than a grain of sand.

There is no need for insecticides. Just a mild bleach solution and a good nozzle hoover totget numbers down. Keep check on room humidity and open windows.

They aren't harmful and a very common house pest.

They aren't an indication of a dirty house and can get via many ways. Read about their life cycle...they moult 4 stages that look the same why some are darker and some translucent.

Dried hammy food and substrate mimics a natural environment for them so that is why they are attracted.

A good month of wiping down, hoovering and airing should beat them back x
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Last edited by Amethyst_ice; 10-09-2022 at 05:27 PM.
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Old 10-09-2022, 05:20 PM   #35
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Default Re: Book lice problem in hamsters cage. Any help?

Weevils are much larger, at least finger nail size and hard shelled

FotoGrid_20221010_011726858.jpg
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Old 10-10-2022, 02:14 AM   #36
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Default Re: Book lice problem in hamsters cage. Any help?

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Originally Posted by kattsy View Post
This is the cage! I have since removed the ice cream stick fence around the second level, as it's a bit dangerous for them as I've read.
(i don't know if I'm uploading the picture correctly haha)
IMG 0530 — Postimages
What a beautiful cage!
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Old 11-17-2022, 02:55 PM   #37
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Default Re: Book lice problem in hamsters cage. Any help?

I use a pets at home cage spray about every 4 to 6 months in the hamster cage after having some little bug issues with one of my previous hamsters. I checked literature papers, and it can potentially cause some harm to cats, but not other animals, so I wouldn't use if you have cats. You need to clean the whole cage, move hammy to another room. Spray cage, air out cage and room so no odour, and then assemble the cage after that. The spray disrupts an enzyme in larvae that prevents the larvae's ability to form a hard shell, so it can't become a proper bug, and instead dries out. All hammies that have had it in their cages have reached ripe old ages well into 2 years.

I also freeze any food before putting it in the cage, and bake wood items.

https://www.petsathome.com/shop/en/p...B&gclsrc=aw.ds
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