How to Get Rid of Reptile Mites

Mites are an all-too-common sight on many pet reptiles and can lead to numerous health issues and physical discomfort. Mites, like ticks, are small parasitic bugs that can either live on your reptile's skin or sometimes even below it, commonly burrowing between the scales of snakes and lizards. These parasites feed off your reptile's blood and not only cause itching but can transmit numerous diseases that can make your pet sick. Treating mites is a multiple-step process that requires patience and care to be effective. There are two primary procedures: first treating the reptile itself and then treating its habitat.

Things You'll Need

  • Quarantine tank
  • Newspaper
  • Bath tub
  • Betadine solution
  • Towel
  • Bleach
  • Bucket
  • Sponge, two
  • Towels
  • Vacuum cleaner with hose attachment
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Instructions

  1. Treating the Reptile

    • 1

      Fill the bathtub with about an inch of warm water.

    • 2

      Mix some of the Betadine solution into the bath water until it turns a brown tea color.

    • 3

      Place the reptile into the tub and gently sprinkle water over its body. Do not let it drink the water and if it defecates, remove the reptile and create new Betadine-water solution.

    • 4

      Wipe the reptile down with a sponge soaked in the Betadine-water solution until you have cleaned all crevices and joints between limbs. Be careful not to get any of the solution into the reptile's eyes.

    • 5

      Remove the reptile and place them in the quarantine tank, which should have a tight-fitting lid, heat lamp and newspaper at the bottom so they can dry while you proceed to the next section.

    Treating the Habitat

    • 6

      Fill the bucket with about 4/5 water and 1/5 bleach.

    • 7

      Remove all habitat decor and place it into the bleach bucket to soak, including rocks, artificial plants, shelters and logs. If it is a large habitat, you may need to use more than one bucket. Allow the items to soak for at least four hours and then set it all out on a towel to dry (preferably outside if it is sunny) for another few hours.

    • 8

      Remove as much of the substrate at the bottom of the habitat as you can and vacuum out anything that remains. Dispose of the substrate immediately.

    • 9

      Wipe the empty tank down with the bleach-water solution and a sponge, making sure to cover every corner and underneath the plastic trimming at the top of the tank (if applicable).

    • 10

      Dry the tank thoroughly using paper towels and replace all decor and substrate and place your reptile back into the habitat.