How do I treat snake mites without harming my T's?

[Snake_Newb]

I recently bought a baby BP from my local pet store (nver again). Surprise, surprise...He has mites. He's not infested, I only found one adult so far, but I want to hit it hard and fast so it doesn't become a problem. Here's the catch: my husband owns several tarantulas and they are kept in the same room. Relocation isn't really an option because we have a small home with kids.

So here is my question: Is there an effective way to treat my snake for mites without risking harm to our T's?

[Trisnake]

Do you keep your ball python in a tank or a tub? Prevent-a-Mite is an aerosolized spray that I know many people use to effectively treat for mites. Whatever set up you own, I would suggest removing everything, washing dishwasher safe pieces in the dishwasher, and then treating all hides and decor with the mite spray outside. Clean the enclosure and then take it outside spray for mites. If you're worried about your arachnids just make sure every time you spray anything you do it outside or at least in a different room.

Afterwards a minimalistic set up of paper towel bedding, two treated hides (one for the warm side one for the cool) and a water dish will be best, as it's easier to clean and you will be able to see the mites on the paper towels. I would lightly spray the paper towels before putting them down btw but not everybody does this. I like to as it will kill any mites that try to migrate, but it is only a strong second measure if the enclosure itself is effectively treated.

I went to petco yesterday to get some medicated shampoo for my dogs, and when I went to check out the reptiles (I always do) the baby ball pythons had noticeable mites. I would have mentioned something but as usual there was nobody around. I told the cashier who checked me out and he said he would tell his manager, but I doubt anything will change. Bottom line pet stores are usually shady when it comes to reptiles. You can even get mites from the substrate and decor they sell...

[mdb730]

I use a one two of punch of Nix for the enclosure and outside the enclosure and reptile relief for directly spraying on the animals.

[blk02ssmonte]

Use Reptile Spray. That should be safe as it really doesn't fill the room with fumes and you can use directly on the snakes. Just read directions.

[Neal]

Reptile Spray(used to be called Reptile Relief) is fine to use on the snake, but don't spray on the snake. Spray on paper towels and wipe the snake in a downward motion. Avoid contact with eyes/mouth. I use my pinky with a tad bit on to rub under the chin, and then I'll soak the snake. I usually get the water about 80-85 degrees via thermostat and I'll rinse off sometimes, but I definitely soak afterwards because the reptile spray is used to dehydrate the mites.

Nix has permethrin in it, which is what Provent-A-Mite(PAM) has in it. I use PAM as it's an aerosol spray and specifically designed for it. With PAM you take the hides/water bowl and any decor out then spray it on the side of the tub and I used a papertowl to wipe from the one side and spread around the tub to all sides. Then I sprayed the bedding and I do this in a completely different room as those fumes are very strong, sometimes I even did it outside then I would put it in a different room to dry for a few hours, but read the directions thoroughly. I used to let mine sit for a few days because I wasn't in any rush to use it.

EDIT:
Just to add, I have no idea about using anything in the T's enclosure, so please don't do this without talking to somebody more familiar with inverts.

[Snake_Newb]

I keep him in a tank. I've already switched him over to paper towels. I've heard that Provent a Mite is, hands down, the best solution. But I've also heard that treated tanks in the same room as T's causes death. lol

I knew that buying from pet stores was a bad idea. All other BP's I've owned have come from breeders. Petco was running a 50% off deal on reptiles and I couldn't resist. Sigh, guess I'll be spending the rest of that 50% on treatment.
Thanks for your feedback!

[treaux]

Unfortunately Provent-A-Mite seems to be the end-all for mites and you can't use it anywhere near your Ts. Someone's gotta get moved out of that room. The other problem with mites is they will take over a room and can stay there a long time to cause re-infestations.

If the T's can't move, I'd get the BP out of the room and into a small tub with a heat pad. While he's out, soak him in lukewarm water to kill of the mites and treat with reptile relief. Then pre-spray the tub with provent-a-mite (including the paper towels you use as substrate) and let it dry before you put the BP in it. Get the BP's current home out of that room and give it a cleaning and provent-a-mite treatment.

Rinse and repeat so to say with the BP and the little tub until you see no mites in the water or paper towels (talking several weeks here probably) and then he might be ready to be returned to his room.

[treaux]

And when I say small tub (provided it's a baby BP) I mean a shoebox size tub by Sterilite or Iris or something. Should be easy to find a place in another room for that along with a small heat pad and thermostat.