How to Disinfect Snake Cages With Betadine

Regularly disinfecting your snake cages is important because it helps to prevent the spread of diseases and bacteria that can accumulate in an unkempt cage. Using Betadine to disinfect snake cages is helpful because Betadine, or povidone-iodine, is safe for use both on snakes and in their enclosures, and it can effectively kill snake mites, parasites and bacteria that other antiseptics cannot.

Things You'll Need

  • Large spray bottle
  • Water
  • Betadine (povidone-iodine)
  • Trash bags
  • Paper towels or clean rags
  • Clean substrate
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the snake from the enclosure and place it into a secure container. A plastic storage container with a locking lid works well for this task, simply drill one or two small air-holes into the lid and place the snake inside.

    • 2

      Remove all tank accessories from the cage, including any water dishes, logs and rocks. Place these items in a separate container or in your bathtub, as you will need to disinfect these accessories as well before returning them to the cage.

    • 3

      Clean out all of the substrate from the bottom of the cage, placing it into a garbage bag for disposal. When disinfecting your snake cage, never use the same substrate twice, as it is the prime location for harmful parasites and bacteria to hide. Once you have removed all of the old substrate, immediately remove it from the room and dispose of it in the trash.

    • 4

      Vacuum the inside of the tank to remove any lose debris or left-behind substrate that remains. Using a vacuum with an extension pole works best for this, though if necessary you can also use a rag to wipe the debris together and scoop it up in a dust pan for disposal.

    • 5

      Fill a large spray bottle with 50 percent water, 50 percent Betadine solution. Spray the entire enclosure generously with the solution, making sure to get all of the surfaces coated in the spray.

    • 6

      Allow the mixture to sit for 10 to 20 minutes. For good measure, spray the tank with the Betadine/water solution again and allow the mixture to sit for another 10 minutes.

    • 7

      Wipe down the tank using paper towels or a clean cloth towel to absorb any left behind liquid. Using a clean, damp towel, wipe down the entire surface of the enclosure to remove any residue that may be left behind. Let the tank sit and dry for approximately 30 minutes.

    • 8

      Place new substrate in the tank. You can now put the snake back into the enclosure while you clean and disinfect the tank accessories. To disinfect tank accessories, spray all of the accessories with the Betadine solution and allow them to soak for 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly, and allow them to dry completely before replacing them back into the snake cage.