Mites? on Pet Rats

Question
We rescued three pet rats from a pet store where they were returned because they were unwanted. They appear to have mites.  I have tried to keep the cages clean and use an organic spray to relieve the itching and raw spots.  These critters are also biting the humans, red bites that are very itchy and large.  Is there any natural way to control whatever is causing the problem.  Cedarcide was recommended; however it has been reported that cedar is dangerous with rodents.  Your advice would be most appreciated.  Thanks, Jane

Answer
Oh my, I am glad you did not use cedarcide. Who told you to use this?  Hopefully not a vet.


I am going to assume are tropical rat mites, since you can see them with the naked eye when engorged and they do get on humans, ( only they wont return once they bite us since we are not their species of choice)

I am trained in rat behavior as well as how to treat rat ailments medically, and I am not one to go the "natural" way. However, because I do not have experience in holistics doesnt mean its wrong.  My readers have offered me some advice in this area when it comes to treating ectoparasites naturally and one way many people swear by is rubbing the rat down with olive oil. This suffocates the mites. However, it doesnt take care of the eggs that may be laying around. Mites dont live on rats. They live in the bedding, inside cardboard toys, wooden toys etc...anything porous. They get on the rat to feed and jump off again. You can dump the litter in the cage and freeze unused bedding for 24 hours to kill eggs and living parasites and rub olive oil on the rat. If the rat licks it, thats ok, it wont hurt a bit.  It is pretty messy I would assume.....

To be honest, I would just call your vet and buy a vial of kitten strength revoluton. One vial should take care of three medium to small rats and its about fifteen dollars. Depending on the weight of the rat, it is dosed between the shoulder blades and absorbs into the body. When the mites bite, they die eventually.  It lasts a month so in the two week time frame the eggs hatch, the mites will bite the rat and the revolution will still be working to kill the mites.  Its easier, cleaner to use and it WORKS!   

I feel itchy now....!!!!