Snake mites advice? When can I replace substrate?

Hello all, I got my ball python Norman in January and have found this forum really helpful in getting started! I wanted to ask some advice on snake mites as I’ve been dealing with them for the past 6 weeks. He’s been on a minimal set up of newspaper, a couple hides and bowl. I’ve been using callingtons mite spray for the enclosure along with beaphar for direct treatment. This has been effective and he’s been mite free for 2 weeks as far as I can see! My main question really was when will it be safe to replace his substrate and get him back to a normal routine? I don’t want to jump the gun early and end up back to square one but I hate seeing his viv so bare! I’ve also struggled with maintaining a suitable humidity and am having to mist multiple times a day without the substrate so the sooner I can get it back in the better.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...Mite-questions

Mite treatments should continue for 30 days after you stop finding them, because that's how long it can take for an egg to hatch.

This thread was super informative, thank you so much!

Hi,

I would continue the treatment for 30 days after you last saw a mite as per a previous comment.
Keep the enclosure as bare as possible. Paper towel, a water bowl and a smooth hide (with nowhere for mites or eggs to hide).
Keep cleaning and treating the enclosure and the snake as per the treatments instructions.
Personally, I would have the snake in a plastic tub at this time. I prefer elaborate enclosures myself but for the purpose of getting rid of mites, tubs are a good option. Easy to clean and nowhere for mites to hide.

Once you have gone 30 days without mites, You should be ok to get back to a proper routine, including adding substrate and decoration to the enclosure.

Hope this helps.
Liam
Ball Python Care Sheet.