My grandmother would always put "Campho Phenique" on our chigger bites. It stung like heck, but worked. I have no idea if it's safe for ferrets (I would guess not). Another home remedy for "redbugs" is to paint over the critter (redbug, not ferret) with clear nail polish so he can't "breathe" - this kills 'em too. Probably not feasable for furbabies (although Taz used to let my mother paint his toenails - If you can believe that. I was hysterical when I came over one day and Taz had red toenails! Mom said he would sit still and let her do it to all four feet.) Did we ever decide if Tea Tree oil was safe for ferrets? If it is safe, I imagine that it would have a similar effect as the Campho and wouldn't hurt the ferret if he licked it. Perhaps an oatmeal bath to soothe the itching. Soak a small muslin bag (or a cheesecloth sachet) filled with (uncooked, plain - or with raisins removed and saved for an after bath treat) oatmeal in warm bathwater - swish it around for a few minutes before putting the ferret (or yourself) in. This also soothes poison ivy and just about any minor skin irritation. Hope somebody on the list comes up with a workable answer. I live in the South too and could easily end up with the same problem. Dooks to all. Tatia, Harpo and Spanky [Posted in FML issue 2434]