Can Mites Kill a Hatchling?

[WarriorPrincess90]

So I was just wondering if mites could be lethal to snakes? And young snakes especially?

I've seen plenty of mite topics recently, but never heard what the outcome could be if they went untreated. :/ I only ask because I saw the 3 baby '11 normals at the petstore where I get my feeders that were literally CRAWLING with mites. One looked dead in the back, but luckily was still alive when I took him out to check and then stuck him in some water to soak, telling the owner of the store to order some PAM ASAP because whatever mite spray he claimed to have been using was OBVIOUSLY not working. (Thank goodness the rodent room is no where near the herps. I still washed from like elbows down three times before gingerly getting my kids out to feed while I showered.)

At any rate, I was just curious what might happen to the little buggers if he doesn't start treating them more appropriately? Will they die?

[heathers*bps]

I know there was a bp I wanted to buy from a friend, but was crawling with mites so I told him to get her cleared up and then I'd take her. She even had them at her eyes, it was so sad. Two days later she died. She was on the skinny side as well, but you've got to think the mites live off their blood. I'd think mites being left untreated could eventually kill a snake.

[LadyOhh]

Short answer, yes.

[WarriorPrincess90]

I figured as much. It's just so sad. Such pretty babies too.

[Homegrownscales]

Oh yes. If there's quite the infestation they can kill babies, or already compromised animals, like very old weak animals.


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[angllady2]

I had mites kill a baby petshop ball. So yes they can indeed kill a ball if left untreated.

Gale

[adamjeffery]

short answer yes, long answer no.
the mites themselves dont kill the snake. severe dehydration does, which is caused by the mites.
i must admit early on when i first started with herps i had no clue and no internet. i bred corns at the time. i had bought a new snake from the store and it had mites. i treated it with reptile relief and picked off what i could. well about a month later i had an outbreak of massive proportions. i treated the snake again but couldnt contain them and they spread. i had 2 baby corns die from dehydration due to mites. i must say i have not had mites in many many years and i dont wish them on anyone
adam jeffery