We suspect our Ball Python has mites...

[Dragonfly Alice]

About 2 or so weeks ago, we got a ball python. Estimated 1 year, gender unknown. We are just assuming male for now and named him Sobek.

He's been settling in great, is very sweet, great to handle, eats good...etc. In in all, very good experience to have for our first snake.

Tonight, I noticed a tiny black bug crawling on his head. It was so small, I could barely see it. I tried to remove it, ended in it being swashed. No blood. We only have one snake, so I'm not worried about infecting others. Since it is in the middle of the night(Nothing is open), here is what I've done so far, just to be safe. I removed all his mulch, and wood hides, cleaned his enclosure as best as I could. Replaced the munch with paper towels. I replaced his hides with temporary cardboard boxes. This is until we can give him a proper treatment and properly spray the cage down with mite killer. I'm unsure if he's stressed. He's been moving all over the tank, but I was told active snake at night is good, not sure it is in this case.

I couldn't see other signs of mites on him, but he does have spotty coloring, so it is hard to tell.

I'm not trying to neglect his care and I'm no snake expert, I will give you that, so don't flame me for having to ask, should I risk more stress and soak him in dawn dish soap water or just wait to treat him with the mite spray when I can buy it tomorrow? Any and all tips welcome.

Thanks for all your help.

[Alter-Echo]

Well, you mite as well wait... (see what I did there?)

Really though, unless the infestation is severe, and it doesn't sound like it is, he will be fine until tomorrow.

[Sauzo]

I'll give you something to worry about lol. Mites can pass IBD on as it is a blood born virus. So if a mite fed on an IBD positive snake and then bites your snake, you could have real problems. That is the biggest reason i worry about mites.

[Craiga 01453]

Have you noticed the snake soaking at all? That would be a tell take sign of mites, especially considering you've already seen one.

...and I definitely wouldn't soak my snake in dish soap.

Sounds like you took all the right steps with the enclosure, now just treat with a proper product.

I've got no experience with mites, but I believe the treatment needs to be thorough and only certain products kill the eggs if any are present.

I'm sure somebody with experience with mites and knowledge of the treatment process will be along as the morning progresses.

[Dragonfly Alice]

Have you noticed the snake soaking at all? That would be a tell take sign of mites, especially considering you've already seen one.

...and I definitely wouldn't soak my snake in dish soap.

Sounds like you took all the right steps with the enclosure, now just treat with a proper product.

I've got no experience with mites, but I believe the treatment needs to be thorough and only certain products kill the eggs if any are present.

I'm sure somebody with experience with mites and knowledge of the treatment process will be along as the morning progresses.

I know non toxic dish soap water isn't a cure all, but some of my research said it helped and I thought it could be a relief until we got the spray from the pet store. He's been wondering all over the tank. So confused that we changed everything. I noticed him soaking once.

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[Dragonfly Alice]

I know non toxic dish soap water isn't a cure all, but some of my research said it helped and I thought it could be a relief until we got the spray from the pet store. He's been wondering all over the tank. So confused that we changed everything. I noticed him soaking once.

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We got the correct supplies to treat him and a qt tub is ready to go. My husband has to help me do it on Friday morning when he's off work. I can't do heavy lifting/cleaning because of chronic health issues. I still haven't seen any more signs of mites since the first bug. There are dark spots on him, but they don't move or come off onto my hand. Might be his pattern.

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[Craiga 01453]

I know non toxic dish soap water isn't a cure all, but some of my research said it helped and I thought it could be a relief until we got the spray from the pet store. He's been wondering all over the tank. So confused that we changed everything. I noticed him soaking once.

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We got the correct supplies to treat him and a qt tub is ready to go. My husband has to help me do it on Friday morning when he's off work. I can't do heavy lifting/cleaning because of chronic health issues. I still haven't seen any more signs of mites since the first bug. There are dark spots on him, but they don't move or come off onto my hand. Might be his pattern.

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Sounds like things are under control. And based on my knowledge of mites, though not hands on, I would basically treat as if you've got a full blown outbreak. These mites can be pretty good at hiding out somewhere and hitching a ride when the time is right. Treat any fabric surfaces like couches, carpets and beds the snake was in contact with. Change and wash clothes any time you're treating, handling, etc...
My understanding is better safe than sorry and overkill is a good thing when treating for mites.

As for the dish soap thing, just soaking in plain warm water will drown the mites, no need for the soap.


If I'm wrong in any way, hopefully somebody more experienced will correct me. Good luck and keep us posted.

[Dragonfly Alice]

Sobek just went into a washed out color and his eyes are cloudy. So he's going to shed. My husband doesn't want to treat him yet now, but am I correct in thinking we should still treat him during this shed time? (Or is it safe to wait?)

I know treating him is added stress, but the shed process can last a couple days or more, and by then if he does have mites, the infestation will be worse.

He's lethargic right now. I took him out of his hide to check on him because I didn't see him out last night and that is when i discovered the change in his skin and eyes.

I've never seen the shed process in person, so it is a bit scary to see the sudden change. He looks white in spots and a weird brown in others.

(I upped the humidity as well.)

[Craiga 01453]

Can you post a few pictures of the snake?

[Dragonfly Alice]

Can you post a few pictures of the snake?

Yes, but sorry they are not more detailed. I didn't want to hold him long.



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