Mites and shedding

[ev477]

I am pretty sure my snake has mites, there are little black things in between some of the scales, there's also little black things that start to fall into the water when she is soaking, and she has been soaking a lot.

I already got Provent-a-Mite on the way, but she's about to start shedding and I don't know whats more important. Should I bathe her to try to get rid of some of the mites?
or should I let her be until she is finished shedding to have a healthy shed?

Thanks in advance for any advice

[scotty99]

Hi, just had a mite problem myself. I would not disturb until after shed. After the shed give her a shallow bath with paper towel on the bottom( helps drag mites off underside) then clean out enclosure,disinfect etc, use newspaper as substrate.

I used Mite Off spray that you spray on snake and all the enclosure, 2 treatments and no more mites!!! You will get rid of them , horrible things they are!!

scott

[ev477]

Thanks for the feedback, I did just leave her before she started to shed, she is still working on her shed. I am taking her out tomorrow for a soak if she needs help with the shed.

I cleaned the cage and replaced the aspen with a clean reptile carpet (i usually use a reptile carpet under aspen). I'm glad I cleaned her cage out because I haven't seen as much mites, although I haven't been holding her and getting a good view. Hopefully I can apply the provent-a-mite tomorrow and get her in good shape.

[missi182]

Be sure to follow the PAM directions carefully, newspaper is a better idea IMO because it can be changed often and leaves no where for the mites to hide/breed.

[ev477]

Good point, I never thought of that, I'll be sure to follow the directions correctly, I already looked them up online, thanks for the advice!