Ahhhh Mites!

[PolkaDotPenguin]

So my snakes were perfectly healthy and fine up until today.
My sister just moved in with us about 5 days ago, and brought along her 7 snakes. So now we have 12 in the house. Well they are all together in her room on the snake rack. Hers have always been perfectly healthy and no problems.
Today my husband goes to get the boa out of its cages and sees that it has 2 mites right on his back. Then inside the cages there were a couple.
I could just scream! This is not what i wanted to deal with!
So now they are in there cleaning all the cages and spraying them with the mite stuff from the local pet store.

Is there anything else i need to do or to watch out for?

[redstormlax12]

PAM or Prevent-a-mite from pro-products is the best way to eradicate the mites and prevent new mite infestations.

[bones93]

I have never used PAM before but I have always used the old fashioned method with the pest strip. I cut it into small pieces and put in a little ventilated container. Leave it in for 36 hours....10 days later repeat the process and I have never had problems after that. Good luck. I hate them little critters

[BallsUnlimited]

spray with pam and those mites will be gone. every month give it another spray to prevent any from coming back. especially if u get a new snake in always pam there tub and allow it to dry before putting the snake in there. the stuff that u get at the stores doesnt work. PAM is the knock out king for mites

[PolkaDotPenguin]

Where do yall buy PAM from?

[jallenfl]

First off you should always Quarantine new additions. Many people speculate on the amount of time but that is always up to the individual.

As far as other things to do this is what I do and it has worked for me once, thankfully and I have not had to do it again.

1.) Pick yourself up some provent-a-mite. Follow the directions and do exactly as it says to treat the contaminated area.

2.) Before I treat the area I will soak the snake in a mixture of betadine and water. Mix with water until it is like a light urine color.
Helps drown mites and Betadine solution will help with any of the areas the mites have been biting.

3.) While the snake is soaking I will treat the enclosure and surrounding area with the Provent-a-Mite. And allow to dry for quite some time before reintroducing the snake. (A LONG TIME...)
I also spray exterior areas and the rack along with the floor surrounding the whole area that is infected.

4.) Before I replace the snake into the Treated area I will spray the snake with (reptile relief) and allow to soak for a while helping to relieve any stubborn mites that may still be holding on. You can also run the snake through your hands to get the Reptile relief into the less accessible areas a little easier.

5.) Replace snake to enclosure with just Paper towels and keep a constant Eye out daily for any new mites wondering around I usually do this routine weekly until I see Zero mites anywhere. If you dont get them all, it will only be a matter of time before they are back in full force. I have also removed all living creatures and bombed my home before to kill any chance of their return. Just insure your snakes are free of them before this as if not they are gonna come back in full swing. And insure you wash everything really well including all things related to housing feeding and after bombing if you choose to do this.

I am sure others will post with there methods but this is mine so I hope it will help you out and good LUCK...

J

[Vypyrz]

I swear by Provent-A-Mite as well. Here is the link...

http://www.pro-products.com/

You don't have to saturate everything. Remove the snake and water bowl. spray everything ( hides, enclosure, substrate), wait for it to dry (no fumes), put snake and water bowl back in. Watch mites die. As long as you don't have to change the substrate, 1 treatment will last about 30 days. It also helps to spray it on a paper towel and wipe around the top edges and lips of the enclosures to prevent any from getting out or in. I lightly treat my tubs once a month for prevention and for 4 tubs, 1 can lasts me about 4-5 months. For an active infestation you may need to apply a little more, so for the amount of snakes you have, you may need to get 2 cans. If you call Bob Pound at Pro-products, he will be able to help you out with anything...