Mites! Madd questions

[KingPythons]

So I have a friend who has a big old healthy blood python. Today he called and woke me up talking about mites and how to get rid of them. I don't have a clue because I haven't had them (thank the lord!). I can't help him. So I'm on here to gain some knowledge about mites.

He works for a pet store in the mall FYI.
I asked him when he noticed them. He said four days ago. I asked what he's done.
He said he has proventOmite, he's dipped his snake in it and sprayed. He cleaned his 30 gallon tank(I'm guessing with water and soap). I asked him what he's done recently to get these, touching other reptiles etc. he said no. I asked where he gets his food, this is what scares the crap out of me!! He said he gets them from his job. I just bought three from there n fed two smh!!!! Now I checked the rat left n he shows nothing. No scabs no bugs no nothing. I'm still peranoid!

Now I'm asking him to find out where he got his tank and if they have the same rat provider they've had always. He says they keep coming back. Any advice guys?

[Skittles1101]

Prevent-a-mite???????

He treated the animal with provent-a-mite?? Did he read the directions??? That's for the enclosure ONLY, it will kill a snake if it comes into direct contact with it.

Buy provent-a-mite from Pro Products, it prevents and treats mites if you're paranoid.

[Badgemash]

I haven't tried this personally (fortuneatly I haven't had the need) but I have been advised that a good soak (like 15 -20 minutes) in lukewarm water with a few drops of dish soap can help kill mites. The dish soap apparently breaks the surface tension, preventing air pockets from forming around the mites while submerged so that they drown. I doubt that alone will cure it, but it may help when combined with other treatments. I suggest he disposes of everything that was in that enclosure but the snake, and make a temporary switch to white paper towels as a substrate until he's rid of them (that way he can see the little buggers and get a better sense of how bad it is).

[Skittles1101]

I haven't tried this personally (fortuneatly I haven't had the need) but I have been advised that a good soak (like 15 -20 minutes) in lukewarm water with a few drops of dish soap can help kill mites. The dish soap apparently breaks the surface tension, preventing air pockets from forming around the mites while submerged so that they drown. I doubt that alone will cure it, but it may help when combined with other treatments. I suggest he disposes of everything that was in that enclosure but the snake, and make a temporary switch to white paper towels as a substrate until he's rid of them (that way he can see the little buggers and get a better sense of how bad it is).

That is a good temporary treatment for mites, I did this every day while awaiting the provent-a-mite in the mail

[S.I.R.]

I really hope he did not spray the provent a mite directly onto the snake. It will kill and or chemically burn him. Soak in warm water bath with a couple of drops of dish soap. Spray Provent-a-Mite in the cage and let air dry until completely dry. Hope this helps.

[KingPythons]

He said it. I would think he smart and reads. I just wonder if mites can be on rats and passed on to pythons ?

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Should he seek a vet?