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Thread: Help?

  1. #1
    Registered User NightWolf's Avatar
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    Help?

    So the other day I found these tiny bugs(larvae?) in one of my BP's water bowl. I don't see them anywhere else. Someone told me it may be weevils from the bedding, but they're not in my other BP's enclosure anywhere, but I still looked up weevils. These things don't look like weevils, of any type, at least to me. I couldn't see anything else in his enclosure. I have, cedar bedding, but i read that it is bad for them so as soon as i can i will change it(it's the first time i have used it too so). These things are really tiny, i noticed them from looking at his tank, but had to look closer to tell that they are bugs or larvae of some sort, not part of the bedding.





    Last edited by NightWolf; 07-10-2015 at 07:34 PM.

  2. #2
    Registered User BCS's Avatar
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    Without a discription of what they look like or even pictures there is really not much we can tell you. There are two types of mites commonly found in a snakes enclosure. One of them being wood mites which is not harmful to your snake. They are commonly found on wood substrate like aspen, coconut husk and cypress. Cedar of course can also carry these. These are very tiny white mites.

    The other type of common mite is kind of like lice or flea to snakes (and other reptiles). They are black and can come from almost everywhere. If you walk out side and pick one up on your shoe, well, that is just an example. Reptile mites can also be found in wood chips, especially the bags you pick up at a garden center and is stored outside.

    Cedar is deffinitely something you want to get rid of right away. Take it out now and in the mean time use old new paper or paper towel for substrate until you can get something more suitable.

    Editted....

    After seeing the pictures, I believe these are a gnat (type) of fly larvae. Can definitely be brought in from outside, flies living in your home, or from the substrate. It maybe a smart idea now to remove the substrate. As far as I am aware these are harmless to your snake, but doesn't mean they should live there either.
    Last edited by BCS; 07-10-2015 at 07:39 PM.

  3. #3
    Registered User NightWolf's Avatar
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    I am already converting my other snake to a bigger tank, and clean his out today too and do that. Thanks.
    Also, BCS, I have added pics.

    EDIT: Alright, thank you. As i have said, i will change the bedding soon. I haven't had this snake for very long, about two weeks now, so i'm just making sure he's healthy and everything.
    Last edited by NightWolf; 07-10-2015 at 07:44 PM.

  4. #4
    Registered User NightWolf's Avatar
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    Also, if someone could help in how to sanitize and make sure his wood hide doesn't have any of these in it?

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    Registered User Snake Judy's Avatar
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    Re: Help?

    Quote Originally Posted by BCS View Post
    The other type of common mite is kind of like lice or flea to snakes (and other reptiles). They are black and can come from almost everywhere. If you walk out side and pick one up on your shoe, well, that is just an example. Reptile mites can also be found in wood chips, especially the bags you pick up at a garden center and is stored outside..
    Snake mites, Ophionyssus natricis, are found on snakes (and occasionally lizards) and don't live long without a host. They're not native to North America. You can't go outside and pick one up on your shoe, or at a garden center. You could potentially pick one up at a pet store that stocks live reptiles, or at a show, or from bringing a new animal into your collection. There's also a small chance of them hitching a ride on live rats, I've heard.

    NightWolf, I wouldn't worry too much about some stray bugs. They won't do any harm and you'll probably get them all on your next clean. If you wanna sterilize the wood hide, you can bake it at low heat in the oven for about half an hour.
    Last edited by Snake Judy; 07-10-2015 at 10:53 PM.

  6. The Following User Says Thank You to Snake Judy For This Useful Post:

    NightWolf (07-10-2015)

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