They can come from other reptiles (wild or captive). They can hitchhike on feeders/substrate if the feeders are in close range to other reptiles, but they won't live long on a non-reptile host. But it certainly is possible. They can come from the outdoors or friends who have reptiles and even you if you go to places that have reptiles (store, expo, etc)


Honestly, it's not common for mites to spread from anything other than a new addition that wasn't quarantined. So always quarantine and treat new additions.

I treat my collection for mites once a year as a preventative and all new additions.

Your snake *should* be fine if you took him outside. Just be vigilant.