mite problem

[M_MULLINS]

Ok so I switched from using news paper to aspen snake bedding by zoomed & ever since I've had problems with mites. I first mentioned this in my post about the indent in my red tails back (he's doing a lot better now btw). I've treated my boa like 7 times for them in 3 weeks & last night I found that all 8 of my snakes have them now. Is it possible that there were mite eggs in the bedding & the heat from my heat lamp somehow caused them to hatch? I had absolutely no problems with mites until I switched bedding. Also has anyone heard of invecto or something like that? I read it treats for mites inside & out & you have to get it from a vet. Thanks in advance.

[dr del]

Hi,

As we said on the 14th Provent-a-mite is recommended. Mainly because it has a residual effect killing mites on the treated tub for almost 30 days.

At the time you were using Jurrasimite I think? Did you order PAM or are you still using that?

The female mites can travel quite a distance away from the snake to lay eggs so it is very common to kill every mite on the animal only for them to come back when the next clutch of eggs hatch. If there were mites in the shop you bought the bedding from they may have laid eggs in the bedding - or they may have been on the snake itself when you bought it.

I think it is about $20 for a can of Provent-a-mite but that can will last your a very long time and it will fix the problem in one or two treatments.

You need to follow the instreuctions very carefully though and you do not treat the animal with it and you need to remove the water bowl and animal form the enclosures until it has dried and aired.

But you should treat all your cages and probably even spray the carpet around it and the carpet near the door if you have snakes in other areas.

Let it dry completely then put the snake and water bowl back in. To get them off the snake itself warm water with a spot of dish soap will drown them for immediate relief.

repeat in about 20 days an your mite problem should be history.


dr del

[M_MULLINS]

I'm not using jurassimite anymore I can't remember the name of the stuff I'm using now. I didn't have a credit card so I couldn't order the P.A.M but I just got a debit card so I'm gonna order the P.A.M. as soon as I get off work.