On the pest strip issue:
Mites can be quickly eradicated using an insecticidal disclorvos strip (of the type used to control houseflies). A small piece of such a strip placed in a perforated container and suspended in the inclosure will kill off free-moving mites. Remove the strip after three days then repeat the operation ten days later to kill off any hatched mites. Two or three treatments will usually destroy all mites in the inclosure. Do not allow your python to come into direct contact with the actual insecticidal strip. (The Guide To Owning A Ball Python by: John Coborn)