Fact Sheet FS1183
Fur mites, or "walking dandruff," are nonburrowing skin parasites that affect mainly rabbits, but can also affect guinea pigs, hedgehogs, rodents, cats, dogs, etc. It is uncommon for humans to be a host for mites, but there have been some cases where mites have been transmitted to humans. On close observation of an infested animal, movement of the dandruff is visible, which is caused by the mites moving underneath the scales. There are different species of fur mites that can be transmitted and infest your household pets. There are also mite species that are specific to certain animals.
Types of Mites
Three common species of Cheyletiella mites are Cheyletiella yasguri, C. blakei, and C. Parasitivorax, which are typically found on dogs, cats, and rabbits, respectively. Although each is more specific to a particular species, all three have the potential to be transmitted to other host species.
A mite that is only common to laboratory colonies of guinea pigs is Chrodiscoides cavaie, also known as "static lice." These mites firmly attach to the hindquarters, and the "lice" are actually eggs.
Cheyletiella sp. and Chrodiscoides cavaie are non-burrowing, living in the fur (pelage), and feed off of the keratin layer of the skin. The mites can appear pale yellow to white and cause skin irritation. Irritation occurs along the back of the animal, caused by a digesting enzyme excreted by the mite. This enzyme partially dissolves the skin, letting the mite eat the dissolved skin which causes skin irritation to the animal.
The signs and treatment for all Cheyletiella mites and static lice are the same, so identifying the species is not relevant. These mites can also be transmitted to humans but are considered transient because they cannot complete their life cycle on humans.
Transmission
Direct contact with an infested animal is the most common way to pick up mites. The mites can survive off a host for a few days to weeks on the surface of the host's skin. They can be transmitted through contact with bedding, toys, grooming equipment, or other objects carrying the mites.Life Cycle
The life cycle of Cheyletiella sp. and Chrodiscoides cavaie is approximately three weeks and the entire life cycle takes place entirely on one host. A female adult mite will lay eggs on the host animal. The eggs hatch into larvae, developing into nymphs, and then into adults.
An adult mite is small, ranging from 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm, with eight legs. The mites secrete an enzyme that dissolves a small part of the Keratin layer of the skin. This is what causes itching, hair loss, scabs, and discomfort.
Fur mites, or "walking dandruff," affect mainly rabbits, but also guinea pigs, hedgehogs, rodents, cats, and dogs. Although an uncommon host for the mite, these mites can also be transmitted to humans. The mites are nonburrowing skin parasites. On close observation of an infested pet, movement of the dandruff is visible and caused by the mites moving underneath the scales. There are species of fur mites that can cross over and infest all pets, and others that are specific to certain animals.
Signs and Symptoms
Visual signs include chronic hair loss, dandruff (walking dandruff), chronic scratching (including the hind quarters, nape of the neck, and along the back), sores, and scabs in the same areas where the chronic scratching occurred. Affected skin may be slightly reddened, oily, and have scaly patches throughout the body. In rabbits, C. parasitivorax might not show visual signs, but it can result in clumps of hair falling out. Some hedgehogs have been known to lose quills. C. cavaie may cause scratching, redness, hair loss, and flaking in guinea pigs. A rough hair coat and even skin ulcers can result from continuous grooming.
To positively identify an infestation, your veterinarian should perform skin scraping, combing, or acetate tape to confirm a microscopic diagnosis of the mites or eggs.
Treatment
Since mites are transmitted by direct contact with the host, it is important to clean and treat both the environment while treating the animal. Household animal(s) should be treated that may have the infested animal even if they are not showing any signs.
Thoroughly clean and treat the areas where the animal(s) sleep and roam. This includes bedding, carpets, sofas, chairs and cushions, stuffed toys, etc. Make sure to vacuum all carpets and cushions with proper cleaning supplies to increase penetration of the powder carpet cleaner. Be sure to wash bedding, toys, and all cloth materials that may animal(s).
Steam cleaning and shampooing are not recommended as this could create the type of environmental conditions that the mites prefer. Before any application, ensure that all cleaning supplies are safe for animals or ensure that the cleaning product doesn't come in contact with the animal(s) while in use.
Common recommended treatments for the animal(s) include lime sulfur dips, ivermectin or selamectin, permethrins, pyrethroids, and phenylpyrazoles. Always consult with your veterinarian before beginning any treatment. Phenylpyrazoles and permethrins should not be used for rabbits or cavies.If prescribed a dust and/or liquid topical treatment by your veterinarian, apply treatment near the shoulder blades, back of the neck, and on the rump. Before any application, read and follow all directions to make sure the product is safe for rabbits, cavies, or other small animals.
In severe cases where mites are not responding to other treatments, injections of ivermectin are often used. In some cases, treatment will need to be repeated two to three times per day. Recurring treatments may vary from five days to three weeks depending on the treatment used. Adult mites are killed during the first treatment, but eggs may remain in the fur or the environment. These eggs can hatch, and the larvae will grow and lead to a new infection cycle if the environment is not treated. The follow-up treatments should kill the remaining mites that hatched after the first treatment.
The best practice to prevent an infestation is to consistently clean the bedding, pens and cages, handwashing, and not share items that your household animals (grooming equipment, toys, or bedding). To ensure safety for all your household animals, follow a regular grooming schedule, and consult with a veterinarian for regular health checks.
References
Based on the work of Deborah Cole, 4‑H Agent, Atlantic County, Jeannette Rea-Keywood, 4‑H Agent, Department of 4‑H Youth Development, and Mary Ann Metz, 4‑H Program Assistant.
July 2025
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