Mites in eyes

[ds1091]

So my mite problem looks to be a little better. Since spraying with the equate lice spray (which was sold to me for $20 as provent a mite) my ball python seems to have less mites and im finding alot of dead ones here and there in the tank. I just got home and caught him rubbing his nose on his water dish probably because of the mites irritating his heat pits. I also noticed a white substance on the side of his eyes. If i wipe them with a wet qtip it just comes right back. Im assuming these are mite eggs. How do you properly remove them? I noticed his eyes look more sunken compared to my other snakes. I feel bad for this poor snake being so uncomfortable. Should i be soaking him daily? Thanks

[The Serpent Merchant]

When a snake has mites I would recommend soaking the snake at least 2 times daily in warm water with a drop of dawn dish soap.

You didn't spay the snake directly did you?

[TheWinWizard]

How did you spray that mite stuff?

[kitedemon]

Don't apply chemicals to the snake. I too would soak the snake with a few drops of dish soap. You could also try dipping the qtip in some mineral oil and applying it to the infested area the oil will kill any live mites. don't use too much. Also lower the RH to 40% or so it will reduce the mites ability to breed and hatch eggs.

[kitedemon]

http://vpi.com/publications/the_life...of_snake_mites

great article it may help you to understand how the life cycle works and methods to break it.

[ds1091]

Sorry i was not clear. I sprayed the tank for about 2 seconds and let dry for 2 hours a wiping the "film" it left. I soaked him on friday for 20 minutes snd used reptile relief after on the snake. Can reptile relief be used daily on the snake? On the directions it says every 3 days. I was holding off on soaking to try and get a meal in him today since he probably ate only once since hatching.

[kitedemon]

That is the natural chemistry product? I think they renamed it reptile spray. It contains Butanedioic acid (Succinic acid) which is part of biochemical reactions in most animals bodies, it is non toxic. The worst effect is a mild irritation with years of repeated use. It is often found in wine.

The reptile relief (reptile spray) maybe used as per the instructions and applied directly to the snake as per the instructions.

http://naturalchemistry.com/Pet_amp_...ile_Spray.html

[ds1091]

That is the natural chemistry product? I think they renamed it reptile spray. It contains Butanedioic acid (Succinic acid) which is part of biochemical reactions in most animals bodies, it is non toxic. The worst effect is a mild irritation with years of repeated use. It is often found in wine.

The reptile relief (reptile spray) maybe used as per the instructions and applied directly to the snake as per the instructions.

http://naturalchemistry.com/Pet_amp_...ile_Spray.html

Yup, thats what i have. I used it on friday and it seemed to turn the snakes underside red/pink. I got nervous so i rinsed him and the irritation went away. I want to try it again but it says "3 day intervals". Should i ditch the product because of the minor irritation? Or try spraying on a cotton ball and rubbing it on instead of spraying it on him.

[kitedemon]

To be honest I don't know i have never used it personally. I would not mix treatments either use one or the other not both. You have treated with the Permethrin I think personally I would avoid others. I might have used the natural chem stuff as a first choice but that is me I dislike using toxic chemicals I use enough at work. When a rescue has come it I have just used soaking and cleaning to rid the snake of mites. It works just fine although not for the lazy it is a ton of work. I have little direct experience with the chemical systems.