Mites

I had the misfortune of holding a snake last night that had mites on it. I was at a herpetology meeting of all places.

I panic'd the minute I saw the mites crawling on my hand and didn't know what to do when I went home to avoid contaminating my collection.

I went directly to my basement - stripped down and bagged every piece of clothing, shoes, socks - everything went into a garbage bag and put outside for the night. I showered compleley and then proceeded to spray the interior of my car with PAM because I was afraid some may have gotten in my car from my clothing.

Not a fun night. I am hoping that I did everything possible to ensure that my collection was not affected.

Do you all think my collection will be spared??

Thanks

I'd be beyond shocked if you found a mite anywhere near your collection after all that. Good luck :)

Yeah I guess I did over-react but Mites are such a fear of mine.

It made me mad that so called professionals/mentors would bring an animal for a meet and greet with mites - that just blows my mind. The other snakes they had with them either had stuck shed all over them and stuck eyecaps - needless to say I was not impressed with their husbandry skills and won't be attending another of their events.

Thanks for the response LGray.

I can understand your fear in mites. They can really be a pain, but you did everything you could and then some to make sure that your collection isn't exposed to them. I think you and your collection will be fine.

Mites can't live in the car for long they are quite temp and humidity specific also no snake to host on. I'd advise airing the car out VERY well and perhaps a interior clean and shampoo to rid the PAM from it. PAM is bad for YOU. I don't know where you live but either allow the car to get cold or very warm (drive around with heater maxed) both will kill mites. They don't survive well in RH less than 30% so again cars are usually low run the AC (dehumidifier) for a while will also kill the mites.

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Originally Posted by dragonboy4578

I can understand your fear in mites. They can really be a pain, but you did everything you could and then some to make sure that your collection isn't exposed to them. I think you and your collection will be fine.

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Could you pick up on my panic last night - lol. The last thing I need or want right now is for my collection to be infested with mites.

I sure did. I didn't get out of class until 10, or I would have given you a call to ease your fears.....:D

I didn't saturate the car interior with it - just a spritz on my two front seats - I didn't smell anything this morning when I drove into work. Working in a downtown setting I probably breath much worse stuff while driving to work - lol.

Thanks for the tip though.

Better safe than sorry