Mites...

[nobigdeal508]

Just found a tiny black/brown slowwww round bug on my snake, just walking across its back... Assuming its a mite, i ordered some spray that will be in tomorrow, put my snake in a bath for about 2 min, and cleaned the whole terrarium out w/ new substrate. Anything else i can do ?

I was staring all around looking for more, gently moving the scales around. nothing seemed to be there.

[TheSnakeGeek]

the one time i've had to deal with mites they were tiny black bugs and they didnt exactly move slow. not fast by any means, but when i picked up the snake they were already crawling up my arms within 30 seconds. i'd still get the spray just in case. and keep your snake on paper towels. they're very easy to change out and since they're white its a lot easier to see the little buggers on when they die and fall off and if theres still any left.

[nobigdeal508]

Thanks for the tip, i think it may have just been a scare, had it in a bowl of water for about 20 min and then let him sit in a sep. tub on just white paper towels. no signs of anything yet. Im just paranoid now. esp since my snake was rubbing his next on me when i was holding him, it was so weird... like scratching itself.

[Evenstar]

http://www.reptilebasics.com/mite-killers

Personally, I would get a bottle of this and spray your snake. I have a "thing" about bugs, lol. But mites can be a real pain in the butt if not taken care of immediately. Here is what I would do....

- Buy a bottle of this Reptile Spray
- Thoroughly clean out your snake's enclosure again and spray this in his empty cage. Wipe it down thoroughly and dry, but don't rinse. Wash all hides, bowls, etc.
- Use this Reptile Spray and place your snake in an empty tub and lightly spray the snake. Let him slide through your hands to get completely coated.
- Give him a few minutes to dry before you put him back in his cage.
- Use paper towels for substrate for the next 60 days.


This stuff is very safe and even if this isn't mites, it won't hurt your snake one bit. I treat all new arrivals like this and I have never brought a single mite into my home. Many folks will recommend PAM (Provent-A-Mite) and that's very effective, but there are some species of mites that seem to be resistant to it, plus it is more dangerous to use. I like to err on the side of caution when it comes to mites - especially since there is such a safe and equally effective product available!

[nobigdeal508]

99% sure thats the kind i overnighted from amazon.