No three words are more terrifying to a snake parent than YOU’VE GOT MITES. (If it makes you feel any better, it’s a common problem that plagues many-a-snake-lover. ).
If you look at snakes and see mites, you need to act quickly because a full infestation can mean thousands of mites. So without delay, read on for how to identify and get rid of snake mites.
Snake mites are a common pest that can infect pet snakes and cause major irritation. As a snake owner, it’s important to know how to identify, treat, and prevent mites. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about dealing with snake mite infestations.
What Are Snake Mites?
Snake mites are tiny parasitic insects that feed on the blood of reptiles. They are oval-shaped, range in color from tan to black, and are just barely visible to the naked eye. These bothersome pests attach themselves to a snake’s body and feed on their blood, causing discomfort, lethargy, and skin irritation.
An infestation can happen quickly and mites can spread between snakes through direct contact Mites can be brought into a collection through new snakes or contaminated objects Their rapidly reproducing nature makes them difficult to get rid of once established.
Recognizing Signs of Mites
Mites can be tricky to spot due to their small size Here are some telltale signs that your snake may have mites
- Black or gray specks on the snake’s body that look like moving dust or dirt
- Clusters of small red dots resembling blisters on the skin
- Scaly, crusty patches on the body
- Increased rubbing and soaking behavior as the snake tries to alleviate irritation
- Lethargy, loss of appetite, and sluggishness from anemia caused by blood loss
- Mites visible on shed skin
- Ashy mite droppings around basking spots
Take a close look at the eyes, chin, mouth, and skin folds where mites often congregate. Use a magnifying glass if needed to get a better view. Evidence of mites warrants prompt treatment.
Dangers of Snake Mites
While a small number of mites may not pose an immediate threat, infestations can quickly get out of hand. Mites reproduce rapidly, doubling their population in just a few days in ideal conditions.
As mites feed, they deprive the snake of nutrients and can cause anemia from blood loss. This leads to a weakened immune system and increases disease susceptibility. Mites can also transmit pathogens between reptiles.
Severe cases can result in emaciation, scale and tissue damage, respiratory issues, lethargy, and even death if left untreated. It’s critical to address any mite issues right away before they spiral out of control.
How to Get Rid of Snake Mites
Eliminating mites requires treating both the snake and its environment thoroughly. Here are the steps to take:
Move Snake to Temporary Housing: Transfer your snake to a sterile plastic tub or enclosure without any substrate or decor during treatment.
Disinfect the Habitat: Remove everything from the main enclosure. Discard any wood, cardboard or porous decor. Soak washable items in a 10% bleach solution for 30 minutes, then scrub clean.
Treat the Snake: Apply a topical mite treatment such as reptile-safe pesticides or products containing ivermectin. Follow product instructions carefully. Reapply as needed.
Monitor Progress: Continue housing the snake separately until no signs of mites can be found for 2-3 weeks. Thoroughly clean the main enclosure again before moving the snake back in.
Repeat applications of pesticides may be needed to fully eliminate the mites. Be vigilant about monitoring your snake and environment to ensure the mites are eradicated.
Best Products for Snake Mites
Effective products are key to getting rid of mites for good. Here are top recommended options:
- Zoo Med ReptiMiteTM Spray – Chemical-free spray that smothers mites on contact
- Zoo Med Reptile ReliefTM Spray – Contains cypermethrin to kill mites and ticks
- Provent-a-Mite – Kills mites and eggs with pyrethrins
- Martin’s Permethrin 10 – Veterinarian-recommended synthetic pyrethroid insecticide
- Mitaban – Anti-parasitic bath containing amitraz to kill mites
Always follow label directions carefully when using pesticides. Limit the snake’s exposure, provide ample ventilation, and monitor for any reaction.
Natural options like neem oil can help repel mites but may not fully eliminate an existing infestation. Repeat applications are often needed with any product to ensure all life stages of the mites are destroyed.
Preventing Future Mite Outbreaks
While even the most diligent keepers can run into mite problems, there are steps you can take to lower risks:
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Quarantine new snakes for a minimum of 6-8 weeks before introducing them. Check for signs of mites during this period.
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Isolate sick reptiles immediately to prevent mites and other pathogens from spreading.
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Clean habitats and decor thoroughly on a regular basis to eliminate places where mites can hide.
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Disinfect new plants, wood, or decor with a bleach solution before adding to an enclosure.
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Schedule checkups with an exotic vet to identify potential health issues early.
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Wash hands well after handling other reptiles, even at pet stores or breeder facilities.
Controlling mites comes down to vigilance with husbandry, strict quarantine protocols, and proper sanitation. Act quickly at the first signs of infestation to get the issue under control. With prompt treatment and preventative care, snake mites can be successfully managed.
FAQs about Snake Mites
Can mites transfer from snakes to humans?
No, snake mites do not directly infect humans. The mites may bite people but cannot reproduce or survive for long off of a reptile host. Still, mites can latch onto clothing or skin and be transported between enclosures, so proper hygiene is important.
How long does it take to get rid of snake mites?
With aggressive topical treatment and a thorough habitat disinfection, mites can be eliminated in 2-4 weeks in most cases. You may need to treat the snake multiple times as immature mites hatch out of eggs. Monitor closely for at least a month after the last mite sighting to ensure they are gone.
What temperature kills snake mites?
Mites start to die off at temperatures above 110°F. Items from the habitat can be disinfected using hot water of at least 125°F to kill all life stages of mites. Take care not to burn yourself when using hot water for this purpose. Chemical disinfectants are more practical for most applications.
Can I use flea spray on my snake for mites?
No, you should never use flea products meant for cats or dogs on snakes. The wrong insecticide can be toxic. Stick to specialty reptile-safe products designed to kill mites and ticks on snakes. Using the right treatment is crucial.
How do I disinfect a tank after snake mites?
Thoroughly clean the tank and all decor with soap and water first. Then, soak washable items for 30 minutes in a 10% bleach solution, diluted at 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. Rinse very well and let items fully dry before returning to the enclosure. Discard any clutter mites could hide in.
The Takeaway on Snake Mites
Dealing with snake mites takes patience and persistence, but it is possible to eliminate an infestation with the right strategy. Quarantine new snakes, isolate sick ones, disinfect thoroughly, and use proven pesticide products to get rid of mites and provide relief for your snake. Stop mites in their tracks before they can negatively impact your snake’s health. With vigilance, proactive care, and proper treatment, you can keep these pesky parasites from causing major issues.
How to Get Rid of Snake Mites from Your Snake’s Enclosure
When you find mites, give your snake’s enclosure a deep clean and change the substrate every two weeks for a month. Otherwise, if you’re reintroducing your pet to a mite-filled living environment, the problem will persist.
- Relocate your snake to a safe spot (e. g. Rubbermaid tub with a lid and air holes). Once they are out of the container, it needs to be cleaned and sanitized so that mites don’t move from one place to another.
- Empty out your snake’s enclosure. Throw out old snake bedding, wood furnishings, hide boxes, etc. – anything that’s porous and can hide mite eggs. Being cheap is not a good idea when you have snake mites. For this deep cleaning phase, you should use newspaper or paper towels as the base piece.
- Fill the terrarium about half way with hot water and a squirt of free and clear (no dyes or scents) dish soap. Soap is needed to get through the waxy shells of mites so that you can drown them. and never feel bad about it! Do this in the tub unless your nickname is Hercules.
- You should clean your snake’s cage with soap and water first, then spray it with a bleach solution (2 T). quart of water and 1 cup of bleach), or use a cleaner that is safe for snakes if you’ve given up bleach. Then rinse it away and dry thoroughly.
- For anything that will be put back in the snake’s cage (e g. SOAK the water dish in hot water with dish soap or spray it with a cleaner or disinfectant that is safe for reptiles. Then, rinse it well. Make sure everything is dry before putting it back in the snake enclosure.
- Scrub the area around the tank, and then throw the bag out in the trash can outside.
- Bring your snake back to its cage, wash your hands, and then grab a snack. you’ve earned it!.
Where Do Snake Mites Come From?
- Changes to the snake’s enclosure: If you bought new decorations, supplies, or bedding for the snake, it could be infected with mites or their eggs. Know where the things you buy for your snakes come from and what’s in them. Even things like untreated wood could be home to mites, though the chances are low.
- Cross contamination: Snakes can be like potato chips . it’s hard to have just one. It’s possible that your new snake came with mites, so keep an eye out for them. Aside from being very clean, pet stores and breeding grounds can sometimes get mites. Even more likely are mites to be there if the building isn’t clean.
- Snakes gone wild: Snakes that were caught in the wild are more likely to have mites than snakes that were raised in a zoo. It’s best to keep a new snake in a separate cage for three weeks after getting it so it doesn’t bring mites into the house with your other snakes.
- Not washing your hands after handling each snake could spread mites from one snake to another if you have more than one enclosure for snakes. The same goes for if another snake parent comes over and touches your snake without washing their hands first. Remember that snake mites won’t eat you, but if they get the chance, they will use you as a host.
- It looks like you’re not doing your cleaning. If you don’t clean your snake’s enclosure regularly or not very well (we can see you cutting corners), you might be inviting pests to live inside. Your grandma would be proud of how well you clean the enclosure and substrate (snake bedding). Snake mites can be found anywhere in them.
Getting rid of snake mites involves both treating your snake and the snake’s enclosure.
If you find mites on your snake, the best thing to do is call your vet and ask about the right way to treat them. Snake mites can be killed with insecticides like Ivermectin or other pyrethroids, but because they are poisonous, they should only be used by professionals. Your vet will also advise whether they want you to spray down your snake’s enclosure with an insecticide.
- Betadine baths (povidone-iodine solution): Soaking your snake in a Betadine bath is a tried-and-true way to get rid of snake mites. For the tub, use a plastic jar with a lid. If you need to, you can use an electric drill to make holes in the lid. The water should be between 75 and 85 degrees, and it shouldn’t be too deep for your snake to drown. (Like any good pet parent, watch your snake while it bathes. The bath should last at least 20 minutes, but not more than an hour, for your snake. And it will make you feel great to see all those dead mites floating in the water after the bath. Take your snake out of the container and use a mineral oil-soaked Q-tip to look over its skin and remove any mites that are still there. Pay particular attention to the chin, belly and vent fold. Whenever you find mites on your snake, do this every other day for a week.
- To use carbaryl powder to treat snake mites, you need to put your snake in a separate container. Put a little powder on your snake, but make sure not to get it in its eyes, nose, or mouth. Tell the powder to sit for the time that it says to (usually between 10 and 20 minutes). Follow the directions to get rid of the powder. Usually, you can brush it off or run warm water over the snake. These steps may need to be done again in a few weeks, depending on how bad the mite problem is.