Mites and Cut

[Eazyyyb]

Hey guys, so my boa has the cut that i've posted about and he also has mites, is that a bad combo? I have been cleaning his tub with mite spray, and I try to put some on him, but I think it irritates him because he tries to bite me. What do you all suggest? Im worried about my little man

[Evenstar]

What are you using ON him?? In my opinion, Reptile Spray from Reptile Basics is the only safe mite treatment to put directly on your snake. If that is what you're using, then it should be fine. But if not, stop!!

The Reptile Spray shouldn't bother that cut. I remember your post about that. I am not 100% convinced that that is a cut at all. Some snakes have a "split" in their ventral scales, but its not an actual wound. Either way though, the spray shouldn't irritate that unduly.

If he doesn't like being sprayed (and most do not), just place him in a spare tub, or your bathtub, and lightly spray him. Let him crawl around and calm down before you pick him back up. Perhaps someone else can watch him while you take care of his enclosure....

I personally use the Reptile Spray on enclosures as well, but you can use Provent A Mite (PAM) so long as you follow the directions VERY carefully and allow it to dry COMPLETELY before you put your snake back.

If that is in fact an actual cut on your snake's belly, I would be keeping him on paper towels until that fully heals. Gut the enclosure and wipe it down with the mite spray completely, being sure to get in every single nook and cranny both inside and out. Do not rinse, allow to dry completely. Get rid of any natural wood branches or bake it in the oven at 350 for 20min to kill anything in the wood. Run hide boxes and/or water bowls through the dishwasher. Replace paper towels with fresh. You may have to repeat this in 2-4 weeks. And I would treat EVERY enclosure for mites in the same manner whether the other snakes have mites or not. If they don't yet, they will. Mites travel.

This should work with diligence and patience. Mites are a pain in the rear, but not impossible. Good luck!

[bcr229]

Actually Reptile Spray will sting a bit if it gets into an open wound - ask me how I know! It's a type of salt solution and works by dehydrating the mites. And yes, I agree that it's the only mite treatment I would use on the snake.

I don't spray my snakes with the Reptile Spray. I spray a paper towel and wipe them down with it or let them crawl on it. There are several benefits - I use less product because it doesn't end up everywhere but the snake, my snakes don't get stressed out over being sprayed, I can apply it to the tops of their heads and under their chins without getting it into their eyes or heat pits, and I can check for mites on the paper towel.

[Evenstar]

Actually Reptile Spray will sting a bit if it gets into an open wound - ask me how I know! It's a type of salt solution and works by dehydrating the mites. And yes, I agree that it's the only mite treatment I would use on the snake.

Good to know! I've never rubbed it into my own open wound, lol...

I don't spray my snakes with the Reptile Spray. I spray a paper towel and wipe them down with it or let them crawl on it. There are several benefits - I use less product because it doesn't end up everywhere but the snake, my snakes don't get stressed out over being sprayed, I can apply it to the tops of their heads and under their chins without getting it into their eyes or heat pits, and I can check for mites on the paper towel.

That method would work just fine, and in fact, that is what I usually do too - but the OP mentioned that snake would bite her. So I thought placing him in the bathtub and just lightly spraying him would be the safest way for everyone yet still effective.

[bcr229]

If you read the OP's posts, this boa has a history of biting during handling sessions, it's not necessarily related to getting sprayed. It could be related to having mites for the last few weeks tho...

[Eazyyyb]

I have been using reptile spray from petco, natural chemistry i think its called. I dont spray him directly i spray a paper towel and wipe him down. And Evanstar, how can I find out if its a split or a cut and whats the difference? And he has only bitten me once and it seemed like it was because I accidentally touched his "cut" other than that he is as tame as can be

[Evenstar]

If you read the OP's posts, this boa has a history of biting during handling sessions, it's not necessarily related to getting sprayed. It could be related to having mites for the last few weeks tho...

Doesn't really matter why he's biting. If either handling or spraying ticks him off, the best way to treat him is to do it in a way that lessens the chances of you getting bitten. Hence why I suggested putting the snake in the bathtub and lightly spaying him.

I have been using reptile spray from petco, natural chemistry i think its called. I dont spray him directly i spray a paper towel and wipe him down. And Evanstar, how can I find out if its a split or a cut and whats the difference? And he has only bitten me once and it seemed like it was because I accidentally touched his "cut" other than that he is as tame as can be

Reptile Spray is made by Natural Chemistry. I am impressed that your Petco carries it, lol. But that is the same stuff sold by Reptile Basics that I suggested. So it's fine to use. If you can wipe him down with the paper towels and not get bit, that is the best option, but you can spray it lightly directly on him too.

Frankly, I really think that line on your snake is a section of split scales and not a cut at all. If you were to pull it gently apart, if its a cut, it would look like a wound - raw flesh and at least a little blood. This appears to affect just the outer layer of scales. I'd have to see a clear, detailed, and close up picture to be sure, but this is what it appears to be to me.

[Eazyyyb]

Doesn't really matter why he's biting. If either handling or spraying ticks him off, the best way to treat him is to do it in a way that lessens the chances of you getting bitten. Hence why I suggested putting the snake in the bathtub and lightly spaying him.



Reptile Spray is made by Natural Chemistry. I am impressed that your Petco carries it, lol. But that is the same stuff sold by Reptile Basics that I suggested. So it's fine to use. If you can wipe him down with the paper towels and not get bit, that is the best option, but you can spray it lightly directly on him too.

Frankly, I really think that line on your snake is a section of split scales and not a cut at all. If you were to pull it gently apart, if its a cut, it would look like a wound - raw flesh and at least a little blood. This appears to affect just the outer layer of scales. I'd have to see a clear, detailed, and close up picture to be sure, but this is what it appears to be to me.

Okay that sounds reassuring I might try and get better pictures of it though