Where do mites come from?

Question....If a snake is mite free, is it safe or can it still end up getting mites? My guy is an only snake and is never around other reptiles. Are mites something I need to worry about? Can they be in the mulch I buy? What if I take him outside this summer and let him crawl in the grass?

They can be in the mulch you buy or any substrate i know that much. But not a expert . I have been lucky and have not experienced any mites problems just yet .

Mordor

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Originally Posted by ewaldrep

Mordor

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Lol Lord of rings ?

They can come from other reptiles (wild or captive). They can hitchhike on feeders/substrate if the feeders are in close range to other reptiles, but they won't live long on a non-reptile host. But it certainly is possible. They can come from the outdoors or friends who have reptiles and even you if you go to places that have reptiles (store, expo, etc)


Honestly, it's not common for mites to spread from anything other than a new addition that wasn't quarantined. So always quarantine and treat new additions.

I treat my collection for mites once a year as a preventative and all new additions.

Your snake *should* be fine if you took him outside. Just be vigilant.

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Originally Posted by Burzurk

Lol Lord of rings ?

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Sorry, couldn't resist :)

Mites are some of the most tenacious and diverse animals. They are ubiquitous in this world, and most of them aren't parasitic. The ones that are usually are very picky about their host, and some can be a little more diverse. Mostly my experience and what I heard of is that an otherwise heathly snake will react quickly to mites by soaking water and compulsively rub it's face against rough surfaces despite not being in a shed. Good hygiene is the best prevention. The prevent a mite line works well, helped my friend's sav out. If you do see mites ever, switch to paper towel for a couple months.

Welllllll, when a daddy mite and a mommy mite love each other very much.....



:rofl:

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Originally Posted by Kaorte

Welllllll, when a daddy mite and a mommy mite love each other very much.....



:rofl:

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lol too funny :taz::banana:

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Originally Posted by Kaorte

Welllllll, when a daddy mite and a mommy mite love each other very much.....



:rofl:

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there is a special hug:banana:

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Originally Posted by Kaorte

Welllllll, when a daddy mite and a mommy mite love each other very much.....



:rofl:

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That is EXACTLY the first thought that popped into my head, ROFL. :rofl:

As an added note, the mites that you get from substrate are usually wood mites, which are harmless to reptiles.

Getting mites in a bagged substrate is usually rare since a mite dies from having no host after 19 days or so. A preventative is to freeze the bag of substrate for 48 hours to kill any living organisms in there. PAM (provent a mite) works well but Ive heard of some snakes having neurological issues or even dying by misuse. I use paper towel substrate, soaks, reptiles relief spray (natural) to treat an infected animal with out the use of toxins.


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Freezing won't kill eggs though, just adults. The eggs will go dormant until proper conditions arise. (Aka hatch at room temp)


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Thanks for the good info !! Also, LOVE the humor here. It makes me smile.