Actually Reptile Spray will sting a bit if it gets into an open wound - ask me how I know! It's a type of salt solution and works by dehydrating the mites. And yes, I agree that it's the only mite treatment I would use on the snake.

I don't spray my snakes with the Reptile Spray. I spray a paper towel and wipe them down with it or let them crawl on it. There are several benefits - I use less product because it doesn't end up everywhere but the snake, my snakes don't get stressed out over being sprayed, I can apply it to the tops of their heads and under their chins without getting it into their eyes or heat pits, and I can check for mites on the paper towel.