White and red ticks and/or mites?

So, I just got a rat from my local reptile store and noticed while my snake was eating him small white and red things were coming from the rat onto my new spider ball python.
Will these just die from not being on a rodent? Or are these something I will need to deal with.
If I do need to make provisions what would be the best way to get rid of these terrible things?
I've never had a mite or tick problem in any reptile. Hope someone can help.

Thank you.

Can we see a picture?

It's most likely a rodent mite. Pretty common on Petstore rodents. I know my local Petstore just dealt with them. They aren't harmful to your snake but I think that they'll actually feed on other mammals. Don't qoute me on that part though.


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Pictures would be great. Can't ever hurt to have pam on hand.....

Pictures would help. I would always be wary of mites. Can't hurt to have pam on hand....

Sounds like a rodent mite and they won't bother the snake at all. they are species specific and won't bite reptiles. They won't be able to reproduce without rodents around either. Just clean the enclosure and everything in it very well. Vacuum and sweep anywhere the rodent may have dropped any of them in your house.. Just because no one wants buggies of any type in their house if they aren't pets that are supposed to be there.

Don't put P-A-M on rats to be fed!



NEVER forget that the prime ingredient slightly altered was developed to kill snakes. P-A-M is a poison so many seem to treat is like it is not. It is, and needs to be treated with the respect and caution it deserves, especially now as new research comes out (and restrictions regarding its use)

Thanks guys, I tried to get pics but they are so small and fast they don't come out.
I saw two crawling around in the enclosure today on top of the aspen.
The cage was just completely cleaned along with all the interior stuff, new bedding and all.
I'm going to monitor the situation for a few days to see if anything happens.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kitedemon

Don't put P-A-M on rats to be fed!



NEVER forget that the prime ingredient slightly altered was developed to kill snakes. P-A-M is a poison so many seem to treat is like it is not. It is, and needs to be treated with the respect and caution it deserves, especially now as new research comes out (and restrictions regarding its use)

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I was just meaning in case the snake got mites. Not to be used on the rat.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kitedemon

Don't put P-A-M on rats to be fed!



NEVER forget that the prime ingredient slightly altered was developed to kill snakes. P-A-M is a poison so many seem to treat is like it is not. It is, and needs to be treated with the respect and caution it deserves, especially now as new research comes out (and restrictions regarding its use)

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What new restrictions are you talking about? I was unaware of these?

Apparently NY and florida, restricted in Canada and places in europe (Germany I think not too sure.)

Yup... And I'm in Florida, so if this does pose to be a problem I will have to find alternate means to rid them. :/

Quote:

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Originally Posted by c.nash

Yup... And I'm in Florida, so if this does pose to be a problem I will have to find alternate means to rid them. :/

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Buy some PAM, have it shipped to me, and I'll ship it to you in a different box. Viola! :D

On a serious note, good luck with the unwanted pests. IMO any kind of mite is a PITA.

If they are not snake mites reptile relief will wipe them out in the snake enclosure (i'd still not feed a rat after spraying it either) but it should work fine.