I'm planning to go to a reptile expo some time just to have a look and hopefully get some new enclosure furniture and frozen rats for my BP. I kind of want to try handling some of the snakes and other reptiles there but I've read it's better to not do that unless planning to buy. Wondering what precautions to take to avoid bringing any mites home to my BP or pass on RI germs or anything like that. Also if I do buy anything like a branch or a bowl do these need any special treatment for mites besides the usual baking or washing?

I'm not planning on getting any animals but I'm curious in general about how people get healthy animals home from shows because it seems like it's so easy for mites and reptile germs to spread there! Also do people negotiate prices at expos?