Reptile & Amphibian Forums

what is the best and safest way to kill or remove mites from a gtp it size is about 10-15 inchs if that make a differnce

i think they are mites they are small and black and are hide under scales so far i have kill some by picking them out but there has to be a better way

in the past i have used no pest strips the vapor type to kill them but that was on a bigger carpet python

any in put would be great thanks

I wouldn't use the vapor strips on even a larger animal. Snakes are so sensitive to poison vapors like those that even a little too much can cause neurological problems or kill them. I'd first soak your snake in water with a drop of soap to break the surface tension. There are a number of reptile mite sprays out there although I know of several people at large facilities that use the human mite spray called Nix. There's reptile relief too, that's supposed to be completely non-toxic. I'd remove any bedding and just have paper towel in there to more easily see the little buggers. A strip of vaseline around the base of the tank on the outside can keep more from crawling in. Make sure you don't spread them to any other snakes in your collection. This animal should be completely quarantined from the rest of your snakes if you have them.
-----
4.5~Cornsnakes
2.3.1~Green tree python
2.1~ATB
Dogs, cats, horses....
www.franclycac.com

well i have quarantined her in my bath room just to clear up what i ment by using the the no pest vapor in the past i would put the strip in a zip up bag and then put all of the snake but it's head in the bag for 5 mins and that work get on my 4ft carpet python i would see the dead mites on the bottom of the bag

i don't want to do that with snake b/c it is so much smaller

so is the water with a little soap going to kill the mites or just get it clean for the mite spray?

I would do a search of NIX SOLUTION and use that. You can get it at Walgreens for like $10, and it WORKS. You can spray everything in the cage including the animal, and I recomend it highly.

You basically mix the solution with a gallon of water and then spray everything, including the snake. Make sure the water bowl is not available in the cage though.

Good Luck!
-----
Mike C
MClark202@insightbb.com

Mike, although this method can and will work, hatchlings and juveniles need a little more precaution. A friend of mine killed a yearling with a diluted Nix treatment a few years ago.

First, make sure the animal is VERY WELL hydrated. The major concern when spraying this treatment on animals is the chance they will ingest the pesticide. A lot of the time, when spraying a chondro, they instinctively start drinking.....especially young animals.

Second, try to remove as many of the mites as possible by rinsing it with fresh water first. This will also allow the animal to get a nice drink and help reduce the chance of poisoning.

Third, clean the cage, throw away any wood used or any porous objects used for decoration, and treat the cage with Nix. After you are certain the animal is satisfied with a nice drink, then lightly spray the animal and let it sit for about 10-30 minutes. You will usually see the mites fall off within a couple of minutes of being sprayed. After the time has elapsed, rinsed the animal with fresh water and place it back in it's cage.

BTW, although the Nix-mix works, I prefer the aerosol "Bedding Spray" over the mix treatment. It's much easier to use and you can see it coat the animal as it's being sprayed on. You can find this at any Walgreens, CVS, or Wal-Mart. Again, hydration and caution are the key, but the best treatment for mites is to never get them to begin with.

Good luck.
Brandon
-----
www.brandonosbornereptiles.com

well i am going to get some of that nix wish i knew about when my carpet had them and i make sure she is very well hydrated

i just got her at the tampa show this last weekend in a trade and don't want to lose her

at the time i missed the mites but i feel that this nix will kill them i have had her in a small tank with a pole and water dish
thank you all so much

The drop of soap in the water will break surface tension allowing the mites to drown. When I suggested the Nix, I was thinking of the bedding spray as well. It's what they use at the SREL if there's a mite problem.
-----
4.5~Cornsnakes
2.3.1~Green tree python
2.1~ATB
Dogs, cats, horses....
www.franclycac.com

ok well thank you for the info and so far every thing is good and i have not seen any more mites now i just need to get her to eat but i am going to wait let her get used to her new tank