Mites are black or reddish colored specks. If your snake has them, you will notice them by the vent, eyes, heat pits, and on the underside of the snakes head. Ticks are typically larger, and don't move much. When I first got my bp, I thought I saw mites in the water dish, but it was really just dirt from my substrate. Also if a snake has mites, it will soak often and you'll probably see them on your hands after you handle your snake. Hope this helped!