I don't think snakes can get fleas. Fleas prefer hairy creatures as hosts. We fought a royal battle some months ago w/fleas ourselves (having 3 dogs and 2 cats). In Florida fleas are a year round problem..can be up north as well, but at least they die outside in the winter...in any case, definitely sounds like mites. Good luck w/the treatment. Oh and like Blink said, the human heating pad is a great idea. Also, I would use papertowels or newspaper.