Possible Mites?

[sorakitty]

When I went to clean my snakes water dish today, I noticed two black specks in the water. I have read that mites are tiny, but these where kinda big. I haven't seen her soak or anything. Should I be concerned and clean out the tank, along with picking up some mite off? Or should I not worry about it? I don't want her to suffer of course. I read that I could use Betadine to cleanse her. I looked under her belly, and under her jaw, and didn't see anything. I know they can lodge them selves inside, but I didn't check there yet. Could it just be possible some loose bedding got in? I use bark wood bedding. Please let me know so I can fix this as soon as possible.

[Vypyrz]

Mites will be little black specks and it they are on you snake you will usually be able to see them moving. Since you are using a bark substrate, it may just be debris from that. Two places that mites are known to congregat on snakes are around the eyes and in the chin slit. But you will also be able to see them crawling around on the snake. It's always good to keep a can of Provent-A-Mite, or some other mite killer on hand, just in case...

[sorakitty]

i noticed a black speck that was under her chin and was kind big, but i was able to pluck it off with no problem. i dont see anything crawling on her though. should i just keep an eye out and switch substance? along with vacum out her cage? cuz if it possible is mites, i think i caught it kind early.

[Vypyrz]

I've never used bark substrate so I don't know what the tendency of it is, as far as flaking, chipping or crumbling. You can always switch to paper towel, newspaper, or even aspen, which would make it easier to identify possible mites. Personally, I just treat my enclosures once a month with Provent-a-Mite so I don't have to worry about them any more...

[sorakitty]

okay. thank you. ill switch to the newspaper, and keep an eye out. where can i go to get mite off if needed? Would walmart carry it? or is it more of a pet store thing? thank you again for getting back, i was so worried about her.

[Kaorte]

Provent a mite is only sold online or at reptile shows I think.

If you are worried about mites, a can of Provent a Mite can't hurt. If you are going to buy any product to get rid of mites, this is the one to get.

[Vypyrz]

There are several products available but Provent-A-Mite is the one I swear by. It depends on where you are located as to whether or not you can get it. It is not available in New York and, I believe Canada. You can order it here:


http://www.pro-products.com/

It seems like a small can and a little expensive, but one can should last you 4-6 months, depending on how many enclosures you treat with it. In my opinion, the peace of mind is well worth the investment...

[sorakitty]

Yeah. I plan on buying a can. I took out all her bark bedding and threw it away, along with vacuuming out her enclosure and rinsing it out. I have newspaper in it now. It's been 12 hours since I've see the specks in her water and theres nothing there now, it's crystal clear. I plan on taking her to the people I brought her from to see if they could just give her a quick once over and see what they think. But I'm assuming it was just dirt from the bark, but I don't know for sure. I'm getting the can tomorrow and going to clean out her enclosure the day I get it in my hand. I'd rather spend the cash on getting the can, then see the girl suffer and possible die. Because then I would of lost more money then I would of invested into the can. So I hope everything works out tomorrow to a nice degree, and thank for the recommendations on Provent-A-Mite. I'll be getting that for sure, and I'll treat the enclosure every few months, along with all the new bedding I'll be putting in from now on (beside the newspaper I use right now).

[mommanessy247]

does prevent-a-mite have a strong smell? its takes almost nothing, in the way of smells, to make me nauseous, so i had to ask?

[sorakitty]

Okay, just another update to see what everyones opinion is about the situation. It's been a total of 24 hours now, and still nothing in the water since I switched to newspaper. So I'm pretty positive that it was just dirt in her water, because I'm sure I would of seen more black specks in her water if it is mites. Still getting Provent-A-Mite though and taking care of her enclosure. What a good cheep way to bath the snake it's self? I know I can't use that stuff on her. I have read that I can use dish soap and water. Canola oil and water. Betadine and water. Any personal suggestions on the soaking part for her?