How to Get Mites Off of a Lizard

In the wild, mites usually do not present a problem in healthy lizards. The reptiles molt regularly, losing their skin and any attached mites. While lizards molt in captivity as well, the animals are trapped in a cage with the infested molt and mites simply reattach themselves to new skin and reproduce. In large numbers, mites can cause anemia and even death in lizards. To get rid of these tiny parasites, treat both the lizard and its environment.

Things You'll Need

  • Povidone-iodine topical antiseptic, over the counter
  • Tub
  • 1 pint or larger plastic bowl
  • Soft cloth
  • Cotton swabs
  • Clean holding tank
  • White paper towels
  • Bleach
  • 1 1/2-gallon bucket
  • Sponge or cleaning cloth
  • Cat flea collar
  • Large plastic garbage bag
  • Foil
  • Vacuum cleaner
  • Fan
  • Fresh substrate
Show More

Instructions

  1. Treat the Lizard

    • 1

      Quarantine the lizard. Remove it from its cage and keep the lizard and anything it touches away from other pets. Offer the animal clean water to drink.

    • 2

      Run water in the tub. Aim for a water temperature of 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, or 26 to 29 degrees Celsius. Fill until the water level would reach the reptile's shoulders but not cover its head.

    • 3

      Add povidone-iodine antiseptic to the water until the diluted bath solution is the color of medium tea. Scoop one to two cups of the bathwater into a plastic bowl and set it aside.

    • 4

      Put the lizard in the tub to allow the povidone-iodine antiseptic to heal bites and the water to drown the mites. Gently pour water over the lizard's head, as mites will migrate there to escape the water, but do not keep its nostrils submerged for long or the lizard will drown.

    • 5

      Remove the lizard from the tub. Soak a soft cloth in the reserved bowl of treated bathwater and wipe around all the crevices mites find attractive: joints between the legs and body, and the skin folds around the neck, head and dewlap.

    • 6

      Soak a cotton swab in the reserved solution and gently apply it around the eyes and nose. Line the holding tank with white paper towels and place the animal in the clean holding tank until its environment and cage are thoroughly cleaned. Check for any lingering mites on the lizard and paper towels.

    • 7

      After a few weeks -- or if mites make a reappearance -- repeat the bath procedure.

    Clean the Environment

    • 8

      Remove all substrate from the cage, bag it and dispose of it in a trash can outside the building. Vacuum the cage carefully.

    • 9

      Prepare a bleach solution of 1/2 cup bleach to 1 gallon of water. Sponge the bleach solution over every surface of the cage and clean the lizard's food and water bowls with it. Wait 10 minutes, then rinse bleach-treated surfaces thoroughly.

    • 10

      Place a piece of foil in the bottom of the cage. Unwrap the flea collar and set it on the foil. Slide the cage into the plastic garbage bag and seal the bag so it is air-tight. Leave it closed for at least three hours.

    • 11

      Vacuum the floor, curtains and all surfaces around the cage. Wipe down color-safe surfaces with bleach solution. Dispose of the vacuum bag outside the building.

    • 12

      After three or more hours have elapsed, open the bag and remove the cage. Discard the bag and the flea collar. Open windows and employ fans to circulate the air and disperse any lingering fumes.

    • 13

      Line the cage with new substrate and introduce the lizard to its clean home.

    • 14

      Periodically check the lizard and substrate for mites and regularly clean the cage. If mites reappear, repeat the entire process.