The most common ectoparasite found in reptile collections is the snake mite, which can be very hard to get rid of. Thankfully, there’s a treatment which is safe, fast, natural and effective. Taurrus predatory mites!.
Here are 7 good reasons why you should ditch the chemicals and use Taurrus predators instead.
Snake mites are a common nuisance for reptile owners. These tiny parasites feed on your pet’s blood, causing discomfort, lethargy, and skin irritation. Getting rid of snake mites can be challenging, but introducing predatory mites is an effective biological control method.
What are Predatory Mites?
Predatory mites are beneficial insects that feast on snake mites. There are a few different species used:
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Hypoaspis Miles – These mites live in the soil and emerge to hunt snake mites
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Cheyletus Eruditus – Surface dwellers that actively pursue snake mites on skin and surfaces.
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Neoseiulus Californicus – Excellent hunters that wipe out mites quickly.
Unlike parasites, predatory mites do not harm reptiles. They simply target snake mites, eating eggs, larvae, and adults. Releasing them in your pet’s habitat allows nature to take its course The predatory mites establish colonies and sustain themselves by feeding on snake mites
Why Use Predatory Mites?
Predatory mites offer a safe, non-toxic way to eliminate snake mites. Here are the main benefits:
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All natural – No need for chemical pesticides on your pet or in their home.
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Target pests specifically – They only go after snake mites, not your pet.
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Safe for animals – Predatory mites will not bite, infest, or harm your snake.
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Provide ongoing control – Mites remain in the habitat, preventing future outbreaks.
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Easy to use – Simply sprinkle mites into the enclosure. No spraying or handling required.
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Affordable option – A bottle of predatory mites costs less than mite sprays.
For pet owners looking to avoid chemicals, predatory mites are the ideal natural solution. They keep working until the snake mites are gone without any effort on your part.
How to Use Predatory Mites
Using predatory mites takes just a few simple steps:
1. Remove snake substrate/decor
Thoroughly clean the enclosure to eliminate hiding spots for snake mites. Remove your pet temporarily.
2. Apply predatory mites
Sprinkle mites directly into the empty enclosure, targeting corners and crevices. Use the full bottle for optimal results.
3. Replace items & return snake
Put freshly washed decor items and new substrate back into the clean enclosure. Return your snake once mites are added.
4. Let them work
Over 2-4 weeks, predatory mites will hunt down snake mites. You may see both mites initially. But the predatory mites will soon dominate.
Be sure to provide humidity for the predatory mites to thrive. Keep the enclosure a bit damper than usual. A simple, natural approach leads to a mite-free home.
When to Use Predatory Mites
Applying predatory mites works best as preventative care or at the first signs of a new snake mite infestation. Key times to use them include:
- After acquiring a new snake before introducing to current pets
- Following a deep clean when swapping out all substrate/decor
- At the start of higher mite activity seasons like summer
- If you spot mites on your snake or in the habitat
Catching an infestation early allows predatory mites to get the upper hand before snake mite populations grow too large. Be proactive for best results.
Purchasing Predatory Mites
You can buy live predatory mites from specialty biocontrol retailers online. Prices range from $10-$30 for bottles containing thousands of mites. Here are top options:
- Hypoaspis Miles – Live in substrate to hunt snake mites
- Cheyletus Eruditus – Roam surfaces finding mites
- Neoseiulus Californicus – Ideal for quick mite elimination
- Predator Mix – Contains all above species for maximum impact
Avoid outdated mite products in slow release sachets. Bottles of live mites are most effective. Always check expiration dates before purchasing.
When to Use Other Snake Mite Treatments
While ideal in many cases, predatory mites don’t fix all snake mite problems. Severe infestations require additional treatment such as:
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Sprays – Products with fipronil or ivermectin kill mites on snakes fast.
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Cleaning – Thoroughly disinfect the enclosure and all items inside to eliminate mites.
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Vet visits – If mites persist despite treatment, your vet can provide medication.
You may need to combine predatory mites with spraying, vet appointments, and deep cleans to fully resolve a serious snake mite issue. But in most cases, predatory mites alone will successfully eradicate light to moderate infestations when used properly.
Stop Snake Mites Naturally
Snake mites don’t have to mean stressful chemical treatments and snake discomfort. The natural predatory mite approach eliminates these parasites safely and effectively.
Simply release beneficial mites into your pet’s enclosure and let them do their job. A bottle of predatory mites is an inexpensive, easy-to-use solution that provides ongoing pest control.
Free your home and your pet’s body of snake mites for good with these tiny helpful hunters. Both you and your snake will be able to relax once predatory mites get rid of those pesky snake mites.
Mites can cause serious health problems
Mites can make reptiles tired, make them shed less, cause itching, dermatitis, abscesses, anemia, septicemia, and lower their defenses against other diseases and infections.
There is an alternative non-chemical treatment which is safe, effective and natural
A lot of different kinds of mites, like the snake mite Ophionyssus natricis, are naturally eaten by taurrus predators. It works by killing and consuming both the mites and also their eggs. Once again, nature provides the best pest control solution.
Reptile Mites Suck, Here’s how to Treat and Prevent them!
FAQ
What are the best predatory mites for snake mites?
What will eat snake mites?
What is the most effective snake mite treatment?
How long does it take for predatory mites to work?
How to get rid of snake mites?
Soak the decorations in a separate container. Before you know it, you should start seeing dead snake mites floating on the water. After soaking, use a sponge to scrub every surface of the enclosure clean. By this point, the snake mites should be dead. But the scrubbing will help to get rid of any leftover mites that might have climbed to safety. 5.
What are snake mites?
Snake mites are small parasitic bugs that can infest your pet’s enclosure. The bugs latch onto your snake and feed on their blood. Snake mites aren’t specific to just snakes. These pests can attack any reptile in captivity. Think of these bugs as the fleas of the reptile world. They’re tiny, difficult to see, and just as annoying!
How do mites harm snakes?
The primary way by which mites harm snakes occurs through blood loss. Obviously, mites are tiny (they’re often described as being about the size of a fleck of pepper), so a single mite certainly can’t withdraw enough blood to cause a snake harm – it’s unlikely the snake would even notice.
Are there parasitic snake mites?
There are over 200 different kinds of parasitic snake mites that could attack your snake. However, three major types of mites are most likely to be found on your snake and in its enclosure. The most common is the Ophionyssus natricis, primarily found on snakes but can also be present on other captive reptiles.
Do mites eat snakes?
The mites will parasitize snakes as the opportunity arises, but because wild snakes are often fairly mobile, these infestations are often somewhat self-limiting. When the female mites hop off to find somewhere to lay their eggs, the snake is typically long gone before the eggs will hatch.
Are snake mites mobile?
Snake mites are highly mobile and can easily traverse their environment. They can crawl on various surfaces, including the snake’s body, enclosure walls, and bedding. These mites can even climb vertically, making it essential to thoroughly inspect the entire snake enclosure when checking for infestations.