Treatments for Mites on Snakes

Owning a pet snake requires much more care than many people may realize. There is a lot to learn about the habitat requirements, dietary needs and especially the proper health care of your pet snake. Mites are one of the most common afflictions that pet snakes and other reptiles suffer from; knowing how to spot and treat snake mites is integral for the health and well being of your pet snake.

  1. About Mites

    • Snake mites are tiny arachnid parasites that appear as small, deep red or black dots that move around on the snake. You may see them around the eyes, nostrils, or even all over the snake's body. Snake mites are species specific, which means they usually do not infect any other species but snakes.

    Symptoms

    • Sometimes snake mites can be nearly microscopic, and you might not see them on your snake. Other symptoms of a mite infestation include prolonged soaking, irritability and the appearance of white flecks on the scales of your snake, which is the fecal matter of the mites. If your snake appears to be spending more than 10 minutes per day in his water bowl, then chances are, it is trying to kill mites that are on its scales.

    Separation

    • If you have more than one reptile that live in close quarters, it is best to separate the uninfected from the infected. Move the snakes that have mites to a separate room into clean, sterile habitats for quarantine.

    Supplies

    • To properly treat snake mites at home, you will need at least one large plastic container, such as a Rubbermaid storage tub. The size depends on the size of your snake, as it needs to fit comfortably in the tub.

    Insecticide

    • Do not use any commercial insecticides on your snake, such as those used for dogs, humans or the home. There are specific products available especially for the elimination of snake mites. One good product is Reptile Relief, which comes in a convenient spray.

    Powders

    • Many specialty pet stores for reptiles and other exotics carry different varieties of mite and parasite relief in powder form. This can either be mixed with equal parts water in a spray bottle or can be dusted on the snake lightly.

    Persistence

    • Treat the enclosure with the spray or powder while your snake is soaking in its reptile dip. Make sure that once you are done treating the enclosure, you administer a second treatment to the snake to assure in the annihilation of the mites. Treat the habitat a second time as well.