I always wondered if I would be able to spot mites...

...and then I went to the pet store. The snakes there currently most definitely have mites :( I alerted one of the staff, who was surprised and asked how I could tell, and now I can only hope they treat the problem with the correct product. They had a little pastel girl that looked pretty sad and thin, and a few looked like they had bed sheds in their future... Maybe I shouldn't be surprised, but I am.

Are mites very common, or is this just a stereotypical big chain pet store problem? Also, do you guys think they will treat the snakes?

Unfortunately it's very common at big box pet stores.

Also, I hope you showered immediately and then washed your clothes when you got home, as mites have been known to hitchhike. The last thing you need is to have to treat your collection.

This same thing happened to me last week when I made a visit to a small pet store for some live feeders for my stubborn Hoggy. They had some young Nic boas that had mites. I told the staff and today when I made another visit I didn't see any so I guess they got them knocked out.