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Please HELP WITH RATS PLEASE2007-11-24 22:14:12

we were giving are rats a bath and we found little black bugs my mom thinks there black mites we dont know how to get rid of them. We love them very much and we dont want to see anything happen to them. They are just babies and are very small. Please help us figure out how to get rid of them.

Answers:

Rats are capable of contracting, not only species specific lice, but mites, fleas and ticks.

If the babies have these 'black bugs', and they are still weaning from their mother, than she has a high risk of also having them.

The first option should be an appropriately sized isolation cage or tank, where they can stay for treatment. This should have simple bedding, enough to cover the floor, water, food and a new wood chew.

This will allow you to strip down and treat the primary living quarters. Throw away all current bedding, and check the bag of fresh bedding for these creepy crawlies. If they came from the bedding bag, then out it goes, you can pick up some fresh from the store. Clean out the water bottle, then soak and clean the dishes and plastic/ acrylic/ metallic toys. Wood toys and chews should be thrown away as bugs can hide in any small cracks or holes. If there is hammocks or anything made of fabric, soak them in strong detergents for a small time, then rinse well and throw them through the washing machine, dryer dry on delicate. The cage/ tank itself should be disinfected with very soapy water or mild bleach, scrubbed well, rinsed real good, and allowed to air dry. Once all the primary cage and supplies are cleaned and ready, you can put the original cage back to together, ready for its healed occupants.