Flea collars typically are impregnated with the insecticide Fipronil, which has been shown to be highly toxic to reptiles, even in extremely small amounts. I would definitely not recommend using them. The most safe and effective procedure for mite eradication is to use a commercial permethrin aerosol spray such as PAM, Equate, etc. The first and obvious rule that should be strictly followed with the use of any of these chemicals is to not spray it directly on the reptile. This also applies to the substrate as well with small snakes. The substrate can absorb the spray and hold it for extending periods, slowly releasing it over time. Lab studies during the initial development phase of even PAM showed that it did cause the death of some very small reptiles when it came into direct contact with the body. Most survived but there were a few deaths recorded. With larger reptiles I feel it is fine to follow the directions for PAM with regards to spraying the interior of the cage and letting it dry, and keeping water bowls out for a day or so. With even large snakes however, when using the Equate or other lice sprays, I would always wipe up any interior residue before replacing the snakes or water bowls. However, with neonates and smaller snakes, when using PAM, Equate or any other type, I feel it is best to allow the product to stay in the cage for about an hour after spraying and then wipe the residual up with paper towels before putting the animal and substrate back in. This has proven safe and effective in eliminating mites on even very small neonate snakes. The other procedure that should be used concurrently to enhance the elimination process is to lightly spray the exterior of the cage weekly as well, and not wipe it off, and allow the residual to kill any mites moving from or into the cage. This completely eliminates any possibility of direct contact with the chemical for really small reptiles, and although it takes a little longer to get rid of all of the mites, it does so just as effectively and much more safely than with any other procedure.

Kelly

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