Snake mites advice? When can I replace substrate?

[caseyk]

Hello all, I got my ball python Norman in January and have found this forum really helpful in getting started! I wanted to ask some advice on snake mites as I’ve been dealing with them for the past 6 weeks. He’s been on a minimal set up of newspaper, a couple hides and bowl. I’ve been using callingtons mite spray for the enclosure along with beaphar for direct treatment. This has been effective and he’s been mite free for 2 weeks as far as I can see! My main question really was when will it be safe to replace his substrate and get him back to a normal routine? I don’t want to jump the gun early and end up back to square one but I hate seeing his viv so bare! I’ve also struggled with maintaining a suitable humidity and am having to mist multiple times a day without the substrate so the sooner I can get it back in the better.

[bcr229]

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...Mite-questions

Mite treatments should continue for 30 days after you stop finding them, because that's how long it can take for an egg to hatch.

[caseyk]

This thread was super informative, thank you so much!

[mechliam]

Hi,

I would continue the treatment for 30 days after you last saw a mite as per a previous comment.
Keep the enclosure as bare as possible. Paper towel, a water bowl and a smooth hide (with nowhere for mites or eggs to hide).
Keep cleaning and treating the enclosure and the snake as per the treatments instructions.
Personally, I would have the snake in a plastic tub at this time. I prefer elaborate enclosures myself but for the purpose of getting rid of mites, tubs are a good option. Easy to clean and nowhere for mites to hide.

Once you have gone 30 days without mites, You should be ok to get back to a proper routine, including adding substrate and decoration to the enclosure.

Hope this helps.
Liam
Ball Python Care Sheet.