How do snakes get mites?

[Tigergenesis]

I read people posting about mites a lot. How exactly do BPs (any snake for that matter) get mites? Also, what causes respiratory infections?

[Wizill]

I think mites are can be caused by dirty cages, sometimes they can pick them up on certain carpets or out in the grass. Respiratory infections are caused by a number of things, such as too much heat, not enough heat... too low or too much humidity, dirty cages... just anything really.

[BallKingdom]

Wild snakes get em from the wild, and then they get passed about like an epidemic. Pet stores don't help by using the cage many times with no washing.

[Tray]

For future reference, what are the symptoms of mites?

Only reason I ask is I have a wild / burned (from the san diego wildfires) kingsnake at my house currently being nursed back to health.

I just want to know what to look for so I don't run the risk of my BP getting anything. Oh and both snakes are obviously in seperate cages and in seperate rooms in the house. Thanks for your help. =)

[BallKingdom]

Excessively soaking in it's water is one, just look at it's body for them.

[Tray]

I found a brief description in the husbandry section. I just need to look for small flea things according to it. Thanks for the water tip though.