Hello everyone, i purchased a ball python about a month or so ago (give or take). Last week I found a small bug on my hands after handling him, and at first thought it might have been a tick. After this happened a second time, I did my research and realized it must be mites rather than ticks. Upon inspecting him though I couldn't find any other bugs. The past few days he's been opaque so ive been leaving him be. It's been about 3 days so I figured I'd check on how his whole process is going. When I picked him up there was no question he has mites. They were all over the place. I've read about a few different opinions on whether to treat them or not when they're about to shed (not to mention the risk of being bitten when they can't see very well). Anyways I couldn't stand seeing him like that so I covered him in vegetable oil head to tail. For the most part all of them are gone. I soaked him for a bit in warm water too and put him back.

Nowi realize I need to do a deep clean of his cage and him again over the next few weeks. Now besides him catching these from the place I bought him from, could it have came from the reptibark? I've heard stories of that. Should I go ahead with a full treatment or wait until he's shed? Any additional tips for how to knock these suckers out? Also.. Is there any immediate danger with these mites? I'd be heartbroken if something happened to him. Do I wash the reptibark or should I bake it or just throw it out entirely? Bleach or no bleach.. Best products etc.

Thanks!