where do mites come from?

[Glockman]

I'm sure this topic has been covered extensively on here. However my search did not return what I am looking for. I have 1 snake and she got mites recently (I have already ordered PAM). I use apsen substrate and feed live. Could mites come from the substrate or from the feeders rats, since I have no other reptiles? I know with PAM the snake will be fine, I was just wondering where the little devils may have originated. TIA for any answers, this site is full of useful info and knowledgable ppl.

"snake" mites tend to be transfured from reptile to reptile, but yes rats can carry mites hope this helps your snake may have had mites for a while and you may not have seen them??? I had a chondro "green tree python I got at a show that had no visible infestation except they were in her heat pits and I was glad I isolated her from my collection. hope this helps Matt