where do mites come from?

I'm sure this topic has been covered extensively on here. However my search did not return what I am looking for. I have 1 snake and she got mites recently (I have already ordered PAM). I use apsen substrate and feed live. Could mites come from the substrate or from the feeders rats, since I have no other reptiles? I know with PAM the snake will be fine, I was just wondering where the little devils may have originated. TIA for any answers, this site is full of useful info and knowledgable ppl.

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Originally Posted by toddstj

I'm sure this topic has been covered extensively on here. However my search did not return what I am looking for. I have 1 snake and she got mites recently (I have already ordered PAM). I use apsen substrate and feed live. Could mites come from the substrate or from the feeders rats, since I have no other reptiles? I know with PAM the snake will be fine, I was just wondering where the little devils may have originated. TIA for any answers, this site is full of useful info and knowledgable ppl.

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"snake" mites tend to be transfured from reptile to reptile, but yes rats can carry mites hope this helps:cool: your snake may have had mites for a while and you may not have seen them??? I had a chondro "green tree python I got at a show that had no visible infestation except they were in her heat pits and I was glad I isolated her from my collection. hope this helps Matt

No, they have to come from other reptiles. You can bring them home from somewhere that had a mite infested reptile, like the pet store. Wood mites and mites that feed on mammals do not feed on reptiles, so they could not have come from wood shavings or rats.

Well it starts when a mommy mite and daddy mite decide to have some baby mites then the stork brings.... ;)

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Originally Posted by panthercz

Well it starts when a mommy mite and daddy mite decide to have some baby mites then the stork brings.... ;)

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LOL, should have seen that one coming. I did get my last feeder from Petland, so maybe they just hitched a ride with me:D. Thats gross to think I may have spread the mites to my snake! :D Thanks for the info everyone, Hopefully the PAM will arrive soon....

According to the information I got (Bob Pound, Pro-products), mites will usually lay eggs outside the tank. The eggs can lay dormant for quite some time until certain temp/humidity requirements are met, then they hatch. So basically anything you get from a pet store potentially could have mite eggs on it...

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Originally Posted by Vypyrz

According to the information I got (Bob Pound, Pro-products), mites will usually lay eggs outside the tank. The eggs can lay dormant for quite some time until certain temp/humidity requirements are met, then they hatch. So basically anything you get from a pet store potentially could have mite eggs on it...

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that is correct. you can also bring them home on your person

Thanks for the info everyone, I will be sure and use the PAM around the outside of the tank area and on the carpet.

the little pest seem to hitch onto anyone or thing if they get lucky . I had 3 mite cases since getting my snakes and each new case was aresult of a rescue that had the eggs in the cage or on the snake and I spread themto the rest of the group when I clean cages.. ( my problem is the qt room my bedroom right now i need t find a better place to live lol..

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Originally Posted by toddstj

Thanks for the info everyone, I will be sure and use the PAM around the outside of the tank area and on the carpet.

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i use it all over its got alot of great uses other than just mites.