That sucks! I am sorry. I don't know much about mites, but have heard people can get them from live rodents, or aspen bedding. I have seen lots of threads about mites lately, I am totally paranoid, think I should have PAM on hand "just in case". I was going to post a thread about where was the best place to order a can. Good luck in your battle. I have heard soaking helps the snakes temporarily. X2 on rather have mites than RI, though.