Mites?

I just received 2 young male ball pythons from a family who couldn't cope with snakes (go figure right?). Anyway, I just noticed that it appears they may have mites. I plan to change their bedding material and all that good stuff. Im wondering what type of medicine/spray people have used and liked to get rid of these damn bugs.

And a second yet unrelated question. Is it a good idea to have two male snakes in the same tank together, there is plenty of room for the both of them, just didn't know if it was a good idea. I've always had pet snakes, Corns, Gophers etc, but have never had more than one at a time, much less 2 in the same cage. Thanks

The most common mite spray is PAM (Provent-A-Mite)

Housing two snakes together is never a good idea for many reasons. Cannibalism, not eating, double vet bills if one gets sick... etc...

Good luck with them!

One will become the dominant, one and the other not so dominant. Bp's are not social creatures so it makes no difference who is dominant it stresses them both out. A solo world of their own is your best bet.

It's already been said, but separate housing is best. Long story short, it'll make for much happier snakes.

As for mites, I haven't had to contend with that yet, but I've heard a lot of bad things about that Jurassic, Jurassi, whatever brand. Someone else suggested Provent-A-Mite. Heard that one works well.

i have had mites only on one snake and i dont use spray. im old school. LOL. i put some holes in a tuba-ware and soak the snake in it over night. it totally works amazingly. and no i would not ever put two males in the same tank. one reason is fighting. i would say no to keeping them together.:colbert:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bailey23

i have had mites only on one snake and i dont use spray. im old school. LOL. i put some holes in a tuba-ware and soak the snake in it over night. it totally works amazingly. and no i would not ever put two males in the same tank. one reason is fighting. i would say no to keeping them together.:colbert:

---

I have never had to deal with mites, but from what I understand, they normally do not live on the snake, and only go to the snake to feed. This is why you should treat the entire enclosure, as to make sure that you kill all of the mites. Also the mites may lay eggs, so you may have to treat the enclosure a couple of time.

Good luck.

Thank you for all the helpful replies. Would it be unwise to handle the snakes while infested with mites? Will they transfer to humans? Thanks

Snake mites are species spicific. They pose no threat to you. However, your snakes are probably very stressed out right now, and handling should be kept to as little as possible.

Awesome, Thanks. Will be going to the pet store tomorrow to get some mite napalm. "I love the smell of mite napalm in the morning"

Try to look for provent-a-mite. Theres many mite sprays, very few work. I recommend you read into its proper use or it can and most likely will be fatal.

I highly recommend Provent A Mite, I use it as a preventative whenever cleaning tanks even if the snakes don't have mites. It's highly toxic though so you really have to let the room clear for a while and keep the snake away. And it's veterinary grade stuff too, you can get a bottle for about $25 looks exactly like a spray paint can and it's really worth it. It kills the mites and eggs so it controls every stage of them. Just spray it real well all over the enclosure and decorations (minus the water bowl obviously, take it out) and especially in the creases where the mites hide.
Yea I wouldn't recommend regular pet store stuff like Zoo Med, Jurassi because it just doesn't work... Doesn't penetrate underneath the scales where the mites are and easily rubs or washes off.
I've also heard of using pesticide strips in the enclosure but it just seems unsafe if the snake can come in contact with it.
It's best to use paper towels as bedding at this time because there will be lots of dead mites and it's easiest to clean. You can soak the snakes in a Betadine bath, it won't kill the mites (well it will help to drown them) but the Betadine helps to cleanse the bites on the snake. Unfortunately it's just a vicious cycle, not exactly something that goes away overnight:( And over a long time if not treated the snake can become very anemic, not to mention an overall weak immunity to everything...
For the quickest recovery of the snake best thing to do is go to the vet and get an Ivormectin shot. It releases into the bloodstream and is lethal to the mites so that when they bite the snake, they die. Usually the vet will recommend a follow-up shot in a week or two just to make sure the snake is cleared. But while the antibiotic is working on the snake the best thing to do is treat the snake's environment. Good luck and hope your snakes get better. If any of this helps I am glad, my personal experience has taught me best :)

Provent-A-Mite is the best bang for the buck, kills the mites and the eggs entirely. I would follow the directions on the bottle.. I think its safe to apply every two-three days? Clear out whatever substrate you currently have in the enclosure and replace it with paper towels. And please try and switch to two separate enclosures as soon as you can a 20gal LONG will last a ball python their lifetime in most cases.

Thanks for coming to us!

I was told by a vendor at the Columbia, SC show yesterday that Wal-Mart has an Equate brand of bedding spray for head lice that has the exact same ingredients as Prevent-A-Mite. And much cheaper. P-A-M is $20 a can. The Equate brand is $5 a can. And it's supposedly the same stuff.

Hi,

A diamond has the exact same ingredients as graphite though. :)

This post should clear up the differences and explain the ingredients thing.


dr del

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by M&J in NC

I was told by a vendor at the Columbia, SC show yesterday that Wal-Mart has an Equate brand of bedding spray for head lice that has the exact same ingredients as Prevent-A-Mite. And much cheaper. P-A-M is $20 a can. The Equate brand is $5 a can. And it's supposedly the same stuff.

---

I use equate, and ive never had a problem with it.

I want to thank everyone for their help and advice. I've rid the cage of ALL hides, decor and substrate, and threw it all away. I've just got newspaper, water bowl and heat lamp on top. Im waiting on the Provent-A-Mite in the mail. Bought some cheap stuff at the pet store to hold me over which i've used several times now and still doesn't seem to kill anything. Soaked the snakes for a good 30-45 min. in the tub. They seem confused by their new lack of surrounding haha. Once this all blows over (quickly I hope) I will get some new stuff for their cage. I also purchased (online) the Zoo Med UTH, 100W Ceramic heat emitter and thermostat. Seems the tank doesn't get much above 80F with the red heat lamp. Again thanks for everyone's advice!