Mites?

[soft-n-pokey]

After I finished changing my hedgies bedding today, I got into the mood to rearrange the lower section of the cage stand. I didn't really look that closely at anything, until I picked up his hedgie bag (which he never used-but had been sitting in the cage for a few days a long time ago), and started realizing that there were little brown things everywhere on it. After I started messing with them, it turns out that they were all alive, and not only were they on the bag, but in the carboard box that held everything,in a little empty container, etc. I have only heard of there being mites that are white..but these were totally brown. Whenever I hear my hedgie doing whatever he does at night, I hardly ever hear him scratching..so do you think these are actually mites, or some other bug that decided to multipy all over his stuff?
If these are mites, I have heard of people using the cat Revolution and just giving it to them at home..But is that a good thing to do? Or should I just bring him to the vet? Bringing him in isn't a problem, but I was just wondering.:)
Thanks

[Ododad]

Of course, a vet visit is always recommended if possible. You didn't say what type of bedding you use but if you use shavings, I would get rid of all of the shavings in his house, wash bags, liners and blankets that he may have in a bleach solution and throw away all cardboard boxes that he may have in there. Wash all bowls and such in the dishwasher and pretty much do whatever it took to ensure there are no eggs left. Just me, but I would not take any chances. The only bugs I would want in the cage are the ones that I put there!

[soft-n-pokey]

I use Aspen shavings (sorry 'bout that..forgot to say which bedding I use), which is another reason why I think they are mites - since they can come in the bedding. I will most likely call the vet tomorrow to see when they can get him in, even though I am not sure they are mites, but I was just wondering if everybody actually thought if they were actually those pesky little buggers.
Thanks:)

[mrgew]

I also have digging boxes for my hedgies that have aspen in it, before I put it in I looked at it and found that there was a lot of dust in it, some was small partical like dust thats moved, it seemed alive but under closer inspection it was just dust.

[Ododad]

I also use Aspen. It's a hardwood and not as likely to contain mites as opposed to Pine which is a soft wood. I also freeze new bags of Aspen for several weeks before using to help kill any critters that may be there. A lot of people here use either Velux or Fleece liners for bedding. I use the shavings because my crew love to burrow so much. Personal choice. All of the mites that I have ever heard of were white. JMO

[Nightdust]

I just got a hedgehog(although I've had one before a few years ago) and on the second day of having her, we noticed little white mites on her! Poor thing! We took her to the vet the next day and the vet gave her an injection of some mite medicine...and we now have to give it to her every week for 8 weeks. She didn't seem to mind the shot much, but today is the first day we will have to give her the shot, so we'll see how it goes!

I'd definitely say if you think they are mites, then take her to the vet. I've heard nasty things can happen if you use the OTC stuff.