Why did my pet snake (ball phython) get mites?

Answer 1

Ectoparasites: Mites and Ticks are the most usual blood –sucking Ectoparasites (living outside the body) associated with snakes. A mite infestation can be regarded as serious, as mites can often multiply to large numbers in the enclosure in large numbers before they are even noticed due to their size. It is important to understand that mites do not always stay on the Reptiles. They will frequently hide in crevices in the enclosure and come out at night to feed. Mites will suck out the blood of the snake through the softer skin between the scales. If mites are allowed to multiply they can cause problem such as stress, shedding problems, anemia, loss of appetite and eventually death. They also can transmit blood pathogenic organisms from one reptile to another. One way to tell if you have a mite infestation is the white flecks (mite feces) that can be seen on the snakes. We use black knight, Prevent-a-mite and Reptile Relief to treat all incoming snakes followed by three month quarantine period before they are introduced into our collection. The items listed are not all used on the snakes; they are used in conjunction to eradicate and prevent mites. Some breeders use powders or sprays with pyrethrins or a 5% Sevin ® dust to kill mites and ticks. I do not like to use Pest strips; they can be very toxic to your snakes if not used properly.

Answer 2

What I did is get enough water in the tub for the snakes (do each on seperately. Make it a warm bath, but not too warm maybe 80 degrees, I used just a little bit of dish soap also but no more than a dime worth. then you are going to just let the snake just swim around for about 5-10 minutes. Then you are going to take the snake out of the soapy water and kind of gently rub them down just a towel, don't go against the scales. Then visually inspect them. If you see a few mites on them then just spray them just mite off. You can get it at Petsmart and Petco or another large pet store. take all the furnishings out of the cage along with whatever you and using for a liner. wash the tank really well with hot water and soap. then spary the tank all over with the mite off. Try not to use anything but a water bowl until the mites are gone. Make sure you check the eyes. If you see some in there the best way to get rid of them is get some mineral water (it come in a bottle kind or like rubbing alcohol) and wet the end of a cotton swab until soak and rub it gently in each eye to help get them out and prevent any mites from going in them again. Do it this a total of 3 times over a week and a half and you should get rid of all the mites. I tworked for me

Answer 3

He had them when you bought him. Mites are a common problems with snakes....Here is what to do. Find some Vapona Stripes (sold in hardwares, etc as a moth repellant) and cut it into pieces and put them in a pint canning jar.... get two jar rings and one lid, then cut a screen circle to fit the jar ring ( so the snake doesn't come in contact with the stripes...make sure you wash hands well also after handling Vapona) then put the jar with the screen capped lid and Vapona in the cage for twenty four hours, remove it then cap the Vapona with a regular lid to prevent evaporation of the chemical...so you can re-use it. Some snakes change disposition by inhaling Vapona so be a little careful as the snake may strike at you....repeat in a few weeks and you can eliminate the problem entirely. Your can buy DriDie but Vapona is better and faster. I've kept hundreds of snakes and this is my suggestion.

Answer 4

dear marciewot,
Snakes can get mites many different ways, including but not limited to being wild caught, being kept in large Numbers, poor husbandry ( keeping cage clean) etc.. Mites can be rough to get rid of. but usually if you use reptile relief and keep your snake on paper towels till he is cleared up is a good way, and have someone help you use a Q tip to get them our of the eyes and nostrils this is where they will hide on a snake. Bleach the cage well and toss out any bedding and driftwood you might have in their for they can hold in mites. After a few weeks of the mites being gone you can add decorations back in, but keep the cage extra clean in order to prevent them from coming back.

Answer 5

sometimes ball pythons can have mites when they are shipped into america to be sold. they can also get them from other snakes and strange enviroments. it is best to use a fake grass "mat" (from hardware store) for caging. it is easily washed and doesn't normally harbor pests. if your not sure what i'm talking about, it is the same stuff used on some golf courses or home porches.and it comes in alot of colors.

Answer 6

They could have rode in on a pet store mouse.

I've seen it happen. Always check your feeder mice for mites.