Mites are common parasites hamsters may be exposed to in their lifetimes. These parasites can be a source of discomfort as well as diseases and infections for our beloved pocket rodents after attaching themselves to their skins.
While mite infestations often begin small, the situation can escalate quickly when early detection and treatment fails. It is only a matter of time before your hamster’s whole body gets invaded by these pests causing more discomfort with each day.
Can hamsters die from mites? Hamsters can die from mites eventually when left untreated. Signs such as hair loss, dry skin, and redness from scratching become evident, weakening the hamster’s immune system over time which may result in death.
It can be easy to dismiss hamster mite infestations as nothing serious because it affects the external part of the rodent’s body. But things can take a turn for the worse quickly leading to regrettable consequences.
This is why veterinarians recommend early treatment once you suspect that mites may have invaded your hamster’s skin.
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Can Hamsters Die from Mites?
Mites can kill hamsters over time. However, this may not be as rapid since these parasites only attack hamsters from the skin area. Deaths resulting from mite infestations can be slow and may take several weeks or even months.
But how do hamsters die from mites? Firstly, the constant scratching of the body after an infestation and the resultant stress can take a huge toll on the pocket rodent’s overall well-being. Loss of appetite and weight loss becomes evident over time as the hamster loses interest in food and water.
The presence of a large mite population can also affect the hamster’s moods and leave him distressed. Physical activities such as burrowing, playing on exercise wheels, and running through hamster routes may be minimal at best.
Previously cheerful hamsters become moody overnight and start experiencing fur loss, which is a further indication of their tumbling health. Mite infestations also affect the hammy’s immune system by impeding the ability to fight other infections and diseases.
Even super healthy hamsters become a pale shadow of themselves once mites come to town and the slightest diseases or infections could result in death.
Many hamster parents are initially dismissive of the damage mites may cause to the health of their little pets only to regret it later.
Signs of Mites in Hamsters
Demodex criceti and Demodex aurati are the two most common mite species that affect hamsters and other rodents such as mice.
Sure, it can be almost impossible to identify the presence of these pests on the skins of hamsters with the naked eyes. But if your cute furball is always scratching his skin, especially against cage wires, that could indicate a potential mite infestation.
Taking the hamster to a vet may be the best way to confirm the presence of these deadly parasites. But here are a few signs that could indicate a potential infestation.
- Skin irritation
- Dry, rough skin
- Inflammed or reddened neck, face, feet, and tail
- Constant scratching
- Fur loss especially around the back and hump
Where Do Hamster Mites Come From?

Hamster mites aka Demodex mites are mainly transferred from the skins of infected mammals including humans to pet pocket rodents via physical contact. These parasites are always looking for new hosts and will not hesitate to attach themselves to the skin of your hamster given the slightest opportunity.
Hamster mites are often 3-4 mm in length and infest the follicles of host animals. Like other parasites, mites need a host to feed and thrive and are able to attach themselves to the skin of other animals thanks to their scaly bodies.
Hamster mites are more prevalent in elderly hamsters and babies. They also thrive off the bodies of hamsters with compromised immune systems due to stress or malnourishment.
Are Mites Painful for Hamsters?
Hamster mites can lead to extreme itching and redness of the affected area. It is not uncommon to see a hamster rubbing the affected skin against cage wires in a bid to gain some relief from the itch.
The constant scratching often results in soreness, pain, and fur loss over time as the mites continue to feed on the hamster’s skin. Mites can be a source of discomfort for your cute little pet which is why experts recommend seeking a solution as soon as your hammy begins showing signs of it.
How Long Do Hamster Mites Live?
Hamster mites live for 2-3 weeks on average. Female Demodex mites may lay up to 20 eggs at a go after mating with a male in a host’s hair follicles. These eggs are hatched into larvae which takes 7 days to reach adulthood.
The majority of mites that infest hamsters may survive up to 16 days but exposure to toxic chemicals from mite spray, for instance, can shorten this lifespan.
What Do I Do If My Hamster Has Mites ?
Immediate veterinary care should be your first move if you suspect that your hamster’s skin may have been invaded by mites. A vet will examine the hamster’s skin thoroughly with a magnifying glass and other diagnostic tools to confirm the presence of these deadly parasites.
Here are the best steps to rid hamsters of mites after an official diagnosis.
Isolate the Hamster To Prevent Infesting Cage Mates With Mites
The first step after confirming mites on the skin is to isolate the infected hamster. If Your Dwarf or Roborovski shares a cage or breeder tank with other hamsters, make sure they’re also tested for mites.
In the meantime, isolation can prevent the hamster from infesting other cage mates with these deadly parasites.
Follow the Vet’s Recommended Treatment Regimen

Follow your vet’s recommended treatment regimen after the diagnosis. They often prescribe Ivermectin , a popular medication for ear mites, nose mites, and infestations in various areas of hamsters’ bodies.
Shampoos and creams featuring powerful mite-killing ingredients such as selenium sulfide or amitraz may also be recommended.
Clean the Hamster’s Cage
Failure to clean and disinfect your hamster’s cage can be counterproductive even after giving the poor little pet rodent the most effective anti-mite creams and drugs.
The infested hamster’s cage should be emptied and cleaned thoroughly to eliminate mites and other bugs hiding inside the corners, under the bedding, and in other areas.
Replace any Potential Infested Items
Major hamster cage components such as bedding, hamster hideouts, and running routes could serve as safe havens for mites.
Bedding, substrates and other critical items should be disposed of and replaced with clean, fresh ones. Hamster toys such as exercise wheels may be washed, disinfected, and dried in the sun before being returned into the hamster’s cage. These toys are less likely to host mites but why take the chance?
Monitor the Hamster to Prevent Future Infestations
Pets can be prone to diseases and infections when they’re neglected. A mite infestation could be proof that you may have taken your eyes off the ball with respect to your hamster’s well-being.
Use the little guy’s skin troubles as a wake-up call to pay more attention to him. This can prevent or at least minimize the risk of future infestations and other health problems.
Conclusion
You’ve discovered that hamsters can die from mites even if not right away. A mite infestation can lead to disturbing signs such as redness, itching, constant scratching, and stress in hamsters. Weight loss and immune system problems can also erupt from these parasites.
Your hamster often becomes more susceptible to infections and diseases leading to death eventually. We’ve shared everything you need to know to protect hamsters from these deadly parasites.
Hopefully, you’ll take our suggestions on board to ensure your hamster’s overall safety and well-being is not jeopardized.