Mites from mice..really?

[Wizard]

I am still getting conflicting anedoctal evidence that snakes can get mites from live rats and mice. Can someone put this to rest?

[JiBster816]

You're the wizard! Haha

[Eric Alan]

Mites are species specific, so if the mice/rats have rodent mites then your snakes are fine.

Having said that, rodents can be carriers (not hosts) of snake mites. Make sure you are getting your feeders from a reputable source to avoid this.

[ElliotNess]

Google it and about 378 threads show up with the exact topic...

The consensus is absolutely they can. Thats why I always feed F/T for the benefit of the snake getting harmed as well as parasites/mites...

[vangarret2000]

There are different kinds of mites but generally they only affect one type of animal. That's why snake mites wouldn't be a problem for humans. Generally mites you get on your snakes wouldn't even affect your lizards. Although I have been told some can be able to pass to both but it is rare to encounter them. So I really doubt mites from rodents would affect reptiles. But I am not saying it can't happen I just think it can't.

[bcr229]

If you pick up live feeder mice from a pet shop or from a private breeder who also keeps snakes then yes, in theory you can bring home a snake mite on the feeder, or even on your own clothing. This is why I shower and wash my clothes immediately after I get home from an expo.

[Wizard]

Thanks guys!