Fleas?

[Kiley Rose]

I believe I have found a few fleas in my room during the past week. I just found one in my bed where Nixie was scratching at the sheets…not cool! They’re really tiny and sort of red…I’ve only ever seen black fleas on my past dog.

According to the HRS, “For environmental flea control, sprays and “bombs” are not recommended, as they may leave harmful residue that the rabbit can ingest. Safer alternatives include borax and diatomaceous earth, worked into the carpet where fleas leave their eggs.”

http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/groom.html

Has anyone tried their recommended method? Otherwise, what should I do?  Also, I’m thinking of using Revolution, but do I need the vet to apply it or can I do it myself?

[jerseygirl]

Maybe it’s some sort of mite if theyre red. I found tiny red/brown spiders once in the rabbit area but they were harmless, not parasites. Have you found anythin on the bunnies themselves? It could be a flea dropping. If it dissolve in a bit of water then it’s prob flea dropping/dried blood.

The only caution I know regarding diatomaceous earth for the enviroment is use food-grade DE only. Also take care not to get in your or your animals eyes.

[Kiley Rose]

Eek, mites? I tried checking Nix and think I may have seen one…it’s so hard to get them to sit still. I know they aren’t spiders…they look like a super small (flea size) beatle…with an almost red body and a little bit darker of a head. I haven’t actually found one in the rabbit cages though… I found one on my window sill earlier this week, two on my cutting mat last night while sewing, and one in my bed tonight.

I would just like to figure out, catch, and fix this before it becomes a major problem.

[jerseygirl]

Maybe they’re clover mites? Next time you spot one, put a piece of clear sticky tape on it so you can take a closer look.

[BinkyBunny]

Fleas can sometimes look a little red to me when they are against white. But it’s not something I would spot as red right off — just after looking a little closer. I have used Revolution on Jack but yes, you should get a vet’s recommended dosage. Do not just use the box instructions.

This year we had a much tougher time with fleas just in the house and my rabbit-savvy vet recommended “Knock-Out” (the Maker: Virbac Animal Health). I bought this at my vets office(as it’s not available at pet stores) and it took care of the problem. However, you have to have a place to put your bunnies 12 hours. It says 6, but my vet recommended 12. So we did one section of the house, and kept them closed off in the other side, then we switched after a day or two.

[KatnipCrzy]

Revolution is prescription- so you would need to get it from your vet.  It is prescription because it does enter the bloodstream and is also a heartworm preventative in cats.

Advantage (not Advantix or any other product) for cats is safe for bunnies- but you would need to know your bunnies weight to adapt the dosing- as it is not labeled for rabbits- and you use a cat size which does not directly translate to rabbit size.

I agree- try to “catch” one with some clear tape.  Another way to try to determine fleas is to use a flea comb- they are about $1- and the close tines will snag a flea OR flea dirt.  And if you end up with dirt/debris in the comb- put it on a piece of white paper or paper towel- add a drop of water and rub it- if it turns reddish- it is flea dirt.  Fleas eat blood- so their flea dirt/poo contains blood residue that will turn red when wet.

 

[RabbitPam]

I had bought some Advantage for Kittens, which was a lower recommended dose of the cat kind. I actually didn’t need to use it after all, but kept a small amount on hand just in case.

[Kiley Rose]

Well I did catch one on a piece of tape last night… I will try to make a vet appointment tomorrow. For the mean time I’ve just been vaccumming my room 1-2x a day and keeping my eye out for the little buggers. I got my first bite while sleeping last night >.< I really dislike bugs.

Edit..

I would say that they are more of a red red..just a little bit darker (brownish/black) of a head.

[jerseygirl]

I read clover mites leave a red stain when you squash them…..maybe a test you wouldn’t mind doing?! Try determine what they are as it could just be a bug that’s around at the moment. If it’s not a rabbit parasite a vet appt might not be needed. Are you seeing them more on the rabbits or just around the room?

[Kiley Rose]

Only around the room, and I *thought* I may have seen something on Nix, but she doesn’t stay still for very long. I’ve squished all but one but I don’t think they left a stain? I can’t remember though. I havent seen any since two nights ago, so I just have no clue what to do.
For the time being I put an ant trap house under my bed (thats blocked off again by an Xpen…kills my legs getting out of bed sometimes) and one behind my blinds on my window sill (also out of reach).

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