How to Care for Bearded Dragons With Mites

Bearded dragons rarely fall ill. Mite infestations, unfortunately, are a possibility, especially if you come into contact with infested reptiles or spend a lot of time outside. After such activities, you can pass the nearly microscopic creatures onto your pets. A serious infestation of mites can weaken a bearded dragon so much that it dies. The first step when you detect mites, which are just visible as minute animated dots, or detect symptoms, such as lethargy, is to consult your vet. After this, maintain scrupulous hygiene so as to ensure you completely eradicate the infestation.

Things You'll Need

  • Mite Treatment
  • Pet carrier
  • Refuse sack
  • Reptile-safe disinfectant
  • Cleaning cloths
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wash or spray the infested dragons with a reptile mite treatment following the advice of your vet. Place the dragons into a pet carrier or spare tank afterwards while you disinfect the cage.

    • 2

      Dispose of all the substrate and disposable accessories into a refuse sack. Tie tightly and place into an outside garbage can.

    • 3

      Spray the cage with the mite treatment as per the instructions.

    • 4

      Wipe down the tank and other accessories with a reptile-safe disinfectant.. Rinse and dry thoroughly before adding new substrate and replacing your dragons.

    • 5

      Keep the dragons' tank in a quiet spot for the following few weeks, and do not handle your pets unless necessary. Mites weaken a dragon and you need to let your pets recover.

    • 6

      Repeat the treatment of the dragons and the tank every two weeks until the mite infestation has cleared up. Mite eggs survive most treatments and hatch a couple of weeks later.

    • 7

      Wash your hands with the disinfectant before touching your dragons, their food or their tank. Avoid handling other people's reptiles if possible. If you do, change your clothes and disinfect your hands afterwards before approaching your own pets.