Ugh......Mites

Had my python for over a month now and just found mites in the water dish. Im gonna try some local stores for prevent a mite. Please leave any suggestions. Im freaking out.

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Originally Posted by AussieSnakes48

Had my python for over a month now and just found mites in the water dish. Im gonna try some local stores for prevent a mite. Please leave any suggestions. Im freaking out.

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Don't freak out and get the PAM ;)

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Originally Posted by snakesRkewl

Don't freak out and get the PAM ;)

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How do u get mites is it from the substrate or cleaning

Switch to paper towels or newsprint as your substrate if you aren't already using them.

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Originally Posted by glk832

How do u get mites is it from the substrate or cleaning

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They pass from snake to snake. Odds are the ball python had one or two hidden under its scales when he bought it, and then the mite laid eggs. The choice of substrate can make it easier for them to hide, though.

It is possible that when you bought the snake that it already had mites and it was just not a bad case. Obviously, they will continue to breed and become more noticeable when there are more of them.

However, yes, it is possible that the mites may have come from any new bedding you got.

I would suggest throwing out all of the bedding and use paper towels for the time being, clean any artificial plants/trees/logs with a half water half bleach mix and rinse well with water. If you have any real wood decorations, I would also suggest throwing them out rather than trying to treat them, but if you don't want to do that you can try baking them in the oven. Also, wipe down the cage with the half bleach and water mix to kill any eggs/mites left behind. Then when you get the P.A.M. treat the new bedding and you should be good to go.

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Originally Posted by glk832

How do u get mites is it from the substrate or cleaning

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Mites can be in the bedding when it is purchased if your pet store has ever or does have mites. Mites spread like wild fire, and are always looking for a new host, kind of like fleas. They may spread into bedding and lay eggs, that is why it is always good to treat even the new bedding you purchase from any store as it may have mites inside.

I got the snake on July 10th, bedding change was gonna be tomorrow, I have only been doing spot cleanings. I got the snake from a show in Maryland. I only noticed the mites because I was changing the water dish, which is done every two days. I never noticed any before and the snake is fed frozen thawed. The bedding is over two years old, its aspen I had in my basement from when I used to have snakes. It was such a large back I never wanted to part with it. It 6pm here in NJ, no stores are open, Pets smart only had Jurassi mite. Should I use it until I get the provent a mite? I am hoping to find someone in NJ that carries it tomorrow. In the mean time I will take the bedding and all out.

Should I soak the snake in water?

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Originally Posted by AussieSnakes48

Should I soak the snake in water?

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No, but you can give it a large enough water bowl for it to soak in.