To add to what Spaniard said you should actually wash BEFORE and AFTER you handle your Ball Python or any reptile for that matter. The reason is that you can give them diseases/germs and likewise they could give you diseases/germs. One of my friends who keeps forty or so herps caught salmonella. LOL I am sorry to laugh but he was in the hospital for a couple days, it was his own fault he did not wash his hands during cleaning day and went Burger King for lunch. I think you could figure out the rest. He learned his lesson. Eeeww man.

WASH BEFORE AND AFTER HANDLING YOUR HERPS, FOR YOUR SAFETY AS WELL AS THE REPTILES SAFETY. (this public broadcast announcement has been.....)

-Danny