Young release with fleas now wanting to come back inside

[oneillais12]

Hi all I've recently released a male red squirrel approximately 12 weeks of age and he has showed up again around our back yard jumping to us and trying to hide in my shirt. I noticed after sitting with him for awhile he had quite a large amount of fleas on him. Some started to jump on me and I was bit a few times. The day after he started trying to get back to our garage where we had his release cage and wants to come inside I tried a dawn dish soap bath but now I've noticed they have come back. The bath was quite dramatic seeing he is wilding up and no longer wants held. I have come across some sentry prescription plus kitten flea medication and was wondering if it would be a safe shot to give him some. It says it is for kittens 3-5lbs and over 12 weeks old. He has started sleeping in the garage again and I found fleas in a carpet going to the garage we have three dogs and I'm worried it will spread. I also have another prelease red I'm worried will get them. Thanks in advance for any help!

[cava]

Hi there. We don't recommend release until 16 weeks or older, so he may not be ready. Bring him back inside until then and do another soft release and he should handle it much better.

The recommended topical flea prevention is kitten revolution and ONE drop between the shoulder blades for a baby his size. Other brands could be dangerous and aren't recommended.

[TubeDriver]

As Cava said, he probably needs a few more weeks (~4) inside to grow more before being released. The two main meds used on squirrels are Revolution and Ivermectin (1.87% paste). Other meds can be too strong and toxic. Ivermectiin is also very toxic if not dosed carefully. If you can get either kitten Revolution or Ivermectin paste 1.87% (Available for a couple dollars on Amazon) we can provide exact dosing directions.

You can try another Dawn bath in the meantime although I know this might prove difficult!

[CritterMom]

Revolution without a prescription: http://www.joespetmeds.com/flea-control/revolution-cats-dogs.htm

Buy the puppy/kitten up to 5 pound size.

[squirrelgirl30]

Hi Oneillais12,
I was just about to buy Food grade Diatomaceous Earth on Amazon recommended as additional treatment for the fleas/mites on animals and Also to spay to carpet inside the house to get rid of pests.

[cava]

Anyone with small critters who can get on the floor should be very careful about what chemicals you put on the floors. I personally use baking soda and vacuum it up and that's the most "poisonous" thing my animals are exposed to. Little animals have little respiratory systems so something that has an odor to us might be suffocating to them. Just a friendly reminder to use caution when using pesticides/hazardous materials.

Some people used to tell us they put a flea color in their vacuum bag/funnel and sweep the carpet then immediately take it outside to the trash.

[ab3286]

Hi all I've recently released a male red squirrel approximately 12 weeks of age and he has showed up again around our back yard jumping to us and trying to hide in my shirt. I noticed after sitting with him for awhile he had quite a large amount of fleas on him. Some started to jump on me and I was bit a few times. The day after he started trying to get back to our garage where we had his release cage and wants to come inside I tried a dawn dish soap bath but now I've noticed they have come back. The bath was quite dramatic seeing he is wilding up and no longer wants held. I have come across some sentry prescription plus kitten flea medication and was wondering if it would be a safe shot to give him some. It says it is for kittens 3-5lbs and over 12 weeks old. He has started sleeping in the garage again and I found fleas in a carpet going to the garage we have three dogs and I'm worried it will spread. I also have another prelease red I'm worried will get them. Thanks in advance for any help!


I use Ivermectin. I put six drops in a gallon of water and put it in a bowel outside. I change the water every other day for a week. If you don't use the whole gallon you must store it in a dark place and not in the refrigerator. Chances are the other squirrels in the area are also covered with fleas so this will also help them. Its also great for mites. I buy mine at a feed store. Also, I agree you released him way to young. I personally feel that they need to be in a wild out cage for two months so they can observe how other squirrels react to certain conditions such as cats, dogs, bird of preys etc. It would be different if their mom was around to teach them but they are not. It also lets the local squirrels get used to them and accept them in their area. I never release mine younger than 6 months. Its just my personnel opinion but i have been doing this for many years with great success.