Bot flies / warbles

[squirrelfriend]

I just found and removed a warble from a mouse found in my house. My question is how likely are my squirrels and I to get the warbles too? How do the flies attatch them to their hosts? I haven't noticed anything on the squirrels.

[krushia]

For all species in Canada, you have to breath/ingest the eggs (or freshly hatched "micro-larva"). It is also possible for them to enter though the eyes. I don't think any of the ones around your area can infect humans. The squirrels will be fine if they are inside and you clean the cages regularly and (most important) give them clean food. This means clean all fresh fruits and veggies, and keep seeds/nuts/etc. in tightly sealed containers and do not let any critters play in the food supply. Oh, and if you see any botflies, kill them! They differ in appearance depending on the species, but they are generally large flies with stripes on them.

There is medicine to kill the larva when it is small, but I don't know if it is wise to use it as a preventative treatment.

I wouldn't worry much, as squirrels are tough and even if they get 10 warbles they'll be okay.

PS: Those of you in the south have more to worry about. You have more botflies then we do up here, and some of them will lay eggs directly under your skin when they "bite" :D

[squirrelfriend]

Thank you for the info. Much appreciated.