Fleas are a common problem for pets, and sugar gliders are not an exception. Even though these tiny marsupials are not as susceptible to flea bites as other animals, they can still end up with fleas. And once fleas infest a sugar glider’s fur, they can be very difficult to get rid of.
While there are many products on the market that will kill fleas, not all of them are safe for sugar gliders. In fact, some of the most popular flea treatment products contain chemicals that can be very harmful to these delicate creatures.
The good news is that there are a few natural ways to get rid of fleas on sugar gliders. In this article, we will talk about these ways and what are the signs that your sugar glider has fleas. Also, we provide some methods to prevent getting fleas in the first place.
Can a sugar glider get fleas?
Yes, sugar gliders can get fleas. Fleas are attracted to any warm-blooded creature and will happily jump onto a sugar glider. Once they’re on, they’ll start feeding on the sugar glider’s blood. Fleas can carry diseases, which can make your sugar glider sick. So, it’s important to get rid of them as soon as possible.
But the good news is that the sugar glider’s fur is very dense, making it difficult for fleas to penetrate and bite. So, while your sugar glider may end up with a few fleas, it’s unlikely that they’ll become infested.
What do fleas look like?
Fleas are small, dark brown insects. They have long hind legs that they use to jump from one host to another. Fleas can be as small as 1/16th of an inch, making them very difficult to see.
Where to look for fleas?
To check if your sugar glider has fleas, you’ll need to part the fur and look for them on the skin. Pay special attention to the areas around the neck, tail, and base of the ears as these are the most likely places for fleas to congregate.
You may also see small, dark specks in your sugar glider’s fur. These are flea droppings and are a sure sign that your sugar glider has fleas.
How to get rid of sugar glider fleas
There are a few methods you can use to get rid of fleas on a sugar glider.
Use a flea comb
The best way to get rid of fleas on a sugar glider is to use a flea comb. Start at the head and work your way down the body, combing through all the fur. Any fleas you find can be picked off and disposed of.
Hold your pet and try to remove them
If you’re not comfortable using a flea comb, you can try to remove the fleas with your fingers. This is best done while someone else holds your sugar glider. Gently part the fur and look for fleas on the skin. Once you’ve found one, try to pick it off with your fingernails or a pair of tweezers.
Be sure to hold your pet in a comfortable position and be careful not to hurt them while you’re looking for fleas.
Deep clean the cage
You should also deep clean the sugar glider’s cage to get rid of any fleas or their eggs. Wash all bedding in hot water and vacuum the cage thoroughly. Be sure to follow all the tips about cleaning a sugar glider’s cage to avoid any potential problems.
House treatment
Usually, fleas don’t just appear on a sugar glider out of the blue. If your sugar glider has fleas, chances are the rest of your house does too. So, you’ll need to treat your house as well as the sugar glider’s cage.
There are a number of products available that will kill fleas and their eggs. Be sure to follow the directions on the package carefully. Be careful what you use because many products that are safe for humans can be toxic to sugar gliders.
Move the cage in another room
If you are doing a house treatment, you should also move the glider’s cage to another room, so the little pet won’t be exposed to the chemicals.
Any spray or treatment you use, you should move the cage in a safe place for at least 8 hours, or until you are sure the treatment is dry.
Flea bath
You can also give your sugar glider a flea bath. Use a mild soap and warm water to wet down your sugar glider. Lather up the soap and gently rub it into the fur, being careful not to get any in the eyes, nose, or mouth. Rinse your sugar glider off completely and then dry them with a soft towel.
If you don’t feel comfortable giving your sugar glider a bath, you can take them to a vet or groomer who will be able to do it for you.
Frequent grooming
Sugar gliders are natural clean animals and groom themselves frequently. But, if your sugar glider has fleas, you’ll need to help them out by grooming them more often.
Signs that sugar glider has fleas
You should pay attention if your sugar glider at your sugar glider behavior in order to detect that he has fleas. Here are some signs:
Sugar glider is scratching a lot
One of the most common signs that a sugar glider has fleas is excessive scratching. Fleas bite and their bites can be very itchy. So, if your sugar glider is scratching a lot, chances are they’ve got fleas.
Sugar glider is restless
Another sign of fleas is if your sugar glider seems restless and unable to settle down. This is usually because the fleas are biting and causing irritation.
Flea dirt
Flea dirt is actually flea poop and it looks like small, dark specks. You can see it most easily on an item from the cage, like a tissue or paper towel.
Or, if your pet glider is sleeping in the same room with you, you may see it on your own bedding in the morning.
You see fleas crawling on your sugar glider
Of course, the best way to know for sure if your sugar glider has fleas is to actually see the fleas crawling on them. This is most easily done by part the fur and looking for them on the skin. Pay special attention to the areas around the neck, tail, and legs as these are the most common place.
Flea eggs on sugar gliders fur
Another sign that your sugar glider has fleas is the presence of flea eggs in the fur. Flea eggs are small and white and they’ll be stuck to the fur. If you part the fur and look closely, you should be able to see them.
How to prevent that your sugar glider doesn’t get fleas
No one likes dealing with fleas, but unfortunately, they can be a reality of owning a pet. The good news is that there are several things you can do to help prevent fleas from taking up residence in your home.
First, make sure to keep your pet’s fur clean and free of tangles. This will discourage fleas from setting up shop in the first place. Secondly, vacuum regularly and dispose of the bag immediately to prevent fleas from hatching and spreading. Finally, consider using an indoor flea treatment product to help create a barrier against these pesky pests.
In order to prevent your sugar glider from getting fleas, you should:
- keep their fur clean and free of tangles;
- clean the cage regularly;
- vacuum the house regularly and dispose of the bag immediately;
- use an indoor flea treatment product;
- try lemon spray as a natural flea repellent.
Wrap up
Fleas can be a big problem for sugar gliders, but there are things you can do to prevent and get rid of them.
First, keep your sugar glider’s fur clean and free of tangles. Second, vacuum regularly and dispose of the bag immediately to prevent fleas from hatching and spreading. Finally, consider using an indoor flea treatment product to help create a barrier against these pesky pests.
If your sugar glider does get fleas, don’t worry! There are several things you can do to get rid of them, like using a flea comb, trying to remove them with your hands, doing a house treatment and moving the glider’s cage to another room or by giving your pet a flea bath. With a little bit of effort, you can keep your sugar glider flea-free!
