I could write a treatise on everything that's wrong with most basic mite control approaches and why most of them don't work and may potentially be downright harmful to the snake[s] in question. However, you've already sprayed lice killer and that can't be changed. For future reference there is a perfectly acceptable, safe, extensively-tested, and USDA-approved snake mite/tick control product. It's called Provent-a-Mite, and you can find out more about it at:



www.pro-products.com



The best thing about Provent-a-Mite is that it can be used to exterminate all the mites on a snake as well as in it's cage without having to soak the snake or remove cage furnishings. One caveat - FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS - DO NOT DEVIATE FROM THE DIRECTIONS - I only say that in all caps because many people mis-use products thinking 'Hey, if a little of this works this well, a lot will really get the job done!'



Anyway, a couple unfortunate mite outbreaks I've experienced in recent years have been knocked out in the space of about a week with the use of Provent-a-Mite. Also, in the three incidences I've experiences with mites, they were confined only to three snakes [three separate incidences], and because of the superior design of the product the outbreak never spread to other cages.



I have even used Provent-a-Mite as a preventative, treating wood brought in from outdoors [found in the woods] so that no parasitic arthropods or other creepy crawlies make their way into my cages. Read up on Provent-a-Mite on Pro-Products website and if you have more questions, feel free to contact the inventor, Bob Pound - he's a wealth of useful information regarding mites and their control.



Finally, snakes often will go into shed as a result of irritation caused by a mite infestation, so I wouldn't think that what you're seeing is too unusual. Best of luck in eradicating your visitors.
-----
Matt Campbell

Animal Keeper, Small Mammal/Reptile House

Lincoln Park Zoo Chicago, Illinois



Assistant Curator

Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm

Lake Forest, Illinois

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