are mites a normal household bug?

[PweEzy]

just curious cause I just moved into a new house and have noticed quite a few little bugs walking around. I'm going to have the bug guy come out soon but just curious if mites are a normal household bug and/or what do they look like, just so I can be on the safe side. Also what preventative should I use in the cage and where's the easiest place to pick it up? Thanks!

[bobbittle]

Reptile mites are most definately not a normal household bug.

For preventative, the best product to use is Provent-a-Mite. Runs $20-25/can. Reptile shows or online order, most pet shops don't carry it.

[WingedWolfPsion]

There are many, MANY different species of mites, including common household dust mites. A few species are parasitic. The most common snake parasite species is Ophinonssus natricis. This mite will not be found wandering aimlessly around your home unless a snake has brought it in.

If you see black specks moving within your reptile's cage, on your reptile, or dead in its water bowl, you probably have a mite problem.

Treat the cage with Provent-A-Mite. This product can be easily purchased online, from the manufacturer or a retailer. Follow the instructions carefully--it is meant to treat the cage, and not be sprayed on the animal. It should be completely dry before the animal is returned to the cage, and avoid contaminating water with it.

[xdeus]

There are many different types of mites, but you're probably referring to snake mites (Ophionyssus natricis). Fortunately, they are not very common around households but can be picked up by your snakes from other snakes and reptiles or people or places that come in contact with infested snakes.

[xdeus]

Sheesh... you guys are fast!

[Haydenphoto]

You all talk about retile mites but i found out from my vet the mites that everybody says are retile mite can be found on almost any animal .

[omnibus2]

Everyone covered it but w/e

Reptile mites are not a common household bug. They can be transmitted from reptiles or people who handled them. Use provent a mite.

[rabernet]

You all talk about retile mites but i found out from my vet the mites that everybody says are retile mite can be found on almost any animal .

No disrespect to your vet, but this is incorrect. Reptile mites are very species specific. An ectothermic parasite doesn't care for endothermic hosts and vice versa.

[cinderbird]

No disrespect to your vet, but this is incorrect. Reptile mites are very species specific. An ectothermic parasite doesn't care for endothermic hosts and vice versa.

Rabernet is exactly right. The mites that would feed off your snakes would never mammals for instance. There are a TON of different mite species, cats and dogs can get eat mites, rats can get mites, etc.

If you're seeing them in your home and on your carpet you've got something else going on entirely, get an exterminator in there pronto.

For reptile mites and their prevention, we recommend Prevent-a-mite, aka PAM.

[nixer]

you guys might not know and its kind of sick when you think about it but look at this
http://www.worsleyschool.net/science...creatures.html