Injured Squirrel- Need Help

[Lo_laa]

Hi! I'm new here. I'm still trying to figure out how to use this website. I feed 7 squirrels in my backyard and I noticed one was injured today [see photo]. The squirrel is otherwise eating and acting fine. What could have caused this and should I be worried? I do have access to a wildlife rehab (where I volunteer 1x a week) if I ever need to take one in. I am actually hoping to get my wildlife rehabber license eventually as well, although it is pretty difficult to do so in WA state. Thank you for the help in advance. I've really grown to love these squirrels and I am always looking to learn more.

[CritterMom]

That looks like a bot fly larvae to me - they do live in the Pacific NW. Does that appear to be a hole in the middle?

I actually think that the larvae has already dropped out and that the sore is starting to heal. The larvae mature in the flesh of the host, forming a huge lump that weeps fluid from the hole in the middle, which is a breathing hole for the larvae. It gets bigger and bigger and when mature it drops out and they heal up. Nasty things. Google for some barf-inducing pics...

[Lo_laa]

I was wondering if it was a bot fly as well. There were two rats in my yard over the summer that my cat caught that both had bot flies in them, it was so disgusting. It does look more like it is scabbing over, like it doesn't seem infected or irritated, so hopefully it is healing up. Thank you!!!

[Lo_laa]

Some better photos I took today-

[Charley Chuckles]

We get those darn bot flys around May/ June they go on till September here and I hate them 🤬 I have lots of woods probably why.
Over a year ago one of my released got them so bad, I tried to catch him to take him to a vet but couldn't and he died 😭

Your buddy looks like it's healing up fine, even if it wasn't a bot.
Adorable picture you hand feeding 😁

[Lo_laa]

Yeah that's the most frustrating thing when you see one of them is sick but they aren't sick enough to catch . I asked chatGpt if there is anything that can be done to reduce bot flies so I'll share that here if it helps anyone. I'm definitely going to try some of these things.

Tips for Dealing with Botflies in Squirrels



Prevention:

1. Clean Feeding Areas: Regularly clean the space where squirrels eat to discourage flies.

2. Reduce Dense Vegetation: Trim overgrown plants and brush where flies might lay eggs.

3. Boost Squirrel Health: Provide nutrient-rich foods like sunflower seeds or mealworms to strengthen their resilience.



Treatment:

1. Contact Wildlife Experts: Do not attempt to remove botfly larvae yourself. Reach out to local wildlife rehab centers like PAWS in Seattle for guidance.

2. Monitor the Squirrel: Botfly larvae leave on their own after 3-6 weeks. Watch for signs of infection (pus, swelling) and seek professional help if needed.



Additional Measures:

1. Fly Traps: While unlikely to target botflies specifically, they may reduce overall fly populations in the area.

2. Mosquito Control: Botflies often use mosquitoes to deposit eggs. Eliminate standing water and consider mosquito deterrents.

3. Diatomaceous Earth: Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth around feeding areas to deter flies and mosquitoes safely.

4. Plant Natural Fly Repellents: Add marigolds, citronella, or similar plants to repel insects naturally.



While you can't fully prevent botflies, maintaining a clean and healthy environment helps support the squirrels recovery.

[Charley Chuckles]

I live on 3 plus wooded acres, I've tried many things through the years even DE.
Nothing worked.
HRT4SQRLS / Patti who also lived in Florida ( God rest her soul, I so miss her, we all do here 😥 )
However she was a microbiologist and she told me let's try using revolution on the ones we know, start putting ONE drop on a nut in April, and feeding THE THE ONES WE CAN IDENTIFY every month until June. Well I remember that year seeing less bots on my kids and I'm going to do that again starting in my area in April 👍
Patti knew her stuff and she was such a wealth of her information 🙏

[Lo_laa]

Oh wow that’s really interesting and good to know thankyou! I can only tell a few apart at this point. I’m currently up to 8 squirrels and there seems to be more coming all the time lol.

[Charley Chuckles]

I'm going to use revolution this April one drop on half of a pecan nut for the ones I can identify.
I Will do this every month until June.
I have to be able to identify each squirrel I treat so I don't overdose.
It worked several years ago and it's my last attempt 🙏

[Lo_laa]

I'm going to keep posting updates here. I talked to one of the rehabbers at work yesterday and she said she thinks it could be an abscess and to keep an eye on it for swelling/infection. If it starts to look worse I'll have to catch him and bring him in. Hopefully I don't have to as he is a bit more skittish than the others. It definitely looks scabbed over to me. He showed up late to breakfast this morning, after everyone else left, which is unusual so I wonder if he is avoiding other squirrels. I've been feeding him extra and giving him a lot of protein. He is otherwise acting normal.

[Lo_laa]

Sunday, Feb 2nd. Appears scab fell off and its bleeding. Not sure if good or bad.

[CritterMom]

I think good. It is MUCH smaller.

[Lo_laa]

Pictures from today 2/5/25- looking good! Think we are in the clear now.

[CritterMom]

That looks great!