Treatment for Reptile Mites

Finding mites on your pet reptile is a serious problem that needs immediate attention. Mites transmit diseases and cause the reptile to have poor health that can lead to death. Plan to spend several weeks combating the mites.

  1. Veterinary Care

    • The first step is to take your reptile to a veterinarian specializing in herps. Your veterinarian will determine the severity of your reptile's condition and advise on treatment. He may also prescribe medication to treat the mites and any resulting infections.

    Treatment

    • Make a solution of betadine and water, the water should be the color of weak tea (exact measurements are not necessary). Soak your reptile in the solution for at least 10 minutes. Use a cotton swab to wipe the solution around the face. Avoid getting the solution in the eyes.

    Habitat

    • Clean and disinfect everything in the reptile's habitat, and everything the enclosure has touched. This means all the furniture in the cage and the shelves and floors in the room. Throw out anything that cannot be cleaned such as wood logs and dirt substrate. Clean by scrubbing with soap and water, rinse, and then soak for 10 minutes in a 1:30 part solution of bleach.

    Other Reptiles

    • All your other reptiles and their habitats need to be treated just as you treated the infected reptile. Mites spread fast and your other reptiles are likely to be infected as well.

    Repeat

    • Repeat the steps you have taken to treat your reptile. Your veterinarian may recommend a third treatment in another two weeks.

    Warning about Insecticides

    • Using any toxic fumigant such as flea collars or Vapona strips in the reptile's environment involves some risk to the reptile. Toxins used to kill mites can also kill your snake, lizard or turtle. Only use such mite treatments under the direction of your reptile veterinarian.