thanks guys for the advice. i switched him to paper towels and took out decorations, applied some provent-a-mite i had. it’s been a few days now and nothing’s shown up. i normally keep him on aspen chips (humidity’s always been good) and there’s not much dust or tiny pieces. i gave him a bath and the specks are all still in the same place so i’m thinking they are just freckles... but i’ve never seen freckles inside heat pits. i’m gonna keep him on paper towels and everything for at least a month, just in case they actually are mites. will post any updates.