Mites or No?

[ArcaneTB]

So I have a normal BP & to my knowledge everything seems fine but I was just randomly reading about mites and started looking at the tiny specs on my BPs belly and got a little paranoid. Lol, so I just had to reassure myself that everything was cool. Any thoughts?

Thanks!

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[Bogertophis]

Mites are very tiny & moving, something we cannot possibly see in still photos like these, lol....looks like a pretty nice snake, from where I'm sitting, but that's
not a guarantee. Any mites found in water bowl? has your BP been soaking? White paper towels are recommended as substrate for snakes thought to have
mites, because they show up on the paper towels -hint!

[ArcaneTB]

Mites are very tiny & moving, something we cannot possibly see in still photos like these, lol....looks like a pretty nice snake, from where I'm sitting, but that's
not a guarantee. Any mites found in water bowl? has your BP been soaking? White paper towels are recommended as substrate for snakes thought to have
mites, because they show up on the paper towels -hint!

Ok then from the looks of it I'm all good. Just had to make sure. Thanks!

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[Bogertophis]

Ok then from the looks of it I'm all good. Just had to make sure. Thanks!

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Mites are not much bigger than a pin-point...you have to look very closely. They can appear black, or red/brown (from the blood they suck).

Did you recently acquire this snake, is that why you're asking? Mites also hide around the eyes & chin on a snake...they are a serious health issue for 2 reasons:
1. Even if you only see a couple, they soon multiply exponentially & can kill a snake, even a big snake (from blood loss, dehydration, anemia, shock, heart failure).
2. They are thought to transmit diseases (including deadly ones like IBD).

So even if you only find a couple, never let your guard down....treat for mites. But if you don't find ANY (on multiple check-ups) do not subject snake to the chemicals
to kill mites...only if you "have to".

BTW, your BP seems to show some iridescence on his dorsal scales...a sign of good health. The tummy markings are typical. As I said, I cannot see any mites, but that's
doesn't mean you shouldn't inspect closely. I hope you don't find any.