Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've (well my snake collection) got a SEVERE mite infestation. 6-8 months ago, my vet recommended a topical Ivermectin solution as an 8 wk regimen. I've gone through at least 4 separate treatments/regimens and still the mites r worse than aver. I'm desperate now...I'm going to use Hot Shot No Pest Strip (dichlorvos). I worried about the effects on my animals. Please, anyone with experience using this chemical elt me know how it worked for u and were there any negative side effects to ur anaimals.

Before you default to an organo-phosphate compound, such as Dichlorvos, you should consider a permethrin compound, such as Provent-A-Mite or similar products due to less toxicity neurologically (if accidentally absorbed or ingested by any of your reptiles).

In any case, whatever you choose, you need to follow the methods & protocols of the chemical(s) chosen in order to be successful in the elimination of the mites' life-cycle(eggs, nymphs, adults) & without detriment toward your reptiles.

Thanx for the respnse...have u had personal experience with either of these methods ?

I've used a permethrin based product several years ago on green iguanas & it was effective at eliminating all of the mites.

I've researched both insecticides and Dichlovos is by-far the more toxic of the two chemicals (and in some circumstances can cause neurological problems & death in reptiles). There is plenty of information on this subject by searching: reptile/ snake mites control & elimination. This process typically takes up to 3 weeks to totally eliminate them due to length of the mites lifecycle.

Goodluck

What was the name of the product u used?

like the other poster sugested Provent-A-Mite is my fave, besides good husbandry and quarenteen, even withthe best care its possible to get mites, and ive used Provent-A-Mite the few times ive had mites over ~10 years and had no problems, good luck MITES SUCK!
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hanging out under heat lights burns up my brain cells!!

If you've had problems with the ivermectin spray, consider you're procedure, as if it's flawed, not much will work. All porous items need to be discarded. Wood and substrate are the most common items in this catagory. The cage needs to be cleaned regularly thereafter, with a minimalistic structure, ie, a water bowl, paper substrate and a hide box. The product, whichever you decide upon, needs to be used by the directions, without variance. I"m sure I missed a bit, but this is the general idea. Manual removal, complimented by chemical elimination.

Ian

drive over to your local drugstore be it CVS walmart etc..buy a small bottle of rid OR GENERIC brand of human lice shampoo, make sure it contains .33% perythrum extract also grab a gallon of purified water , spill a lil water out , empty entire shampoo into gal..give it good shake, now pour the mix into a spray bottle and spray the entire snakes body every few days , break down your setp up use white paper as substrat(monitor mite deaths) and spray walls floor etc. do not spray with water bowl in cage hydrate your snakes seperate from tank..that gallon will stay good for a month...good luck..

Just wanted to thank everyone for their comments. I had SUCCESS with the dichlorvos(Hot Shot No Pest Strip). Whew! Boy was I scared about the effects on my animals, but God spared them the negative side effects. Thanx all.