Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was just wondering has anyone done a study on mite life expectancy without a host??? I know we all hate mites but I was just wondering if a cage lays doorment without any animals for the mites to host how long would it take for all the possible eggs to hatch and the whole clan to die out.

PLEASE NOTE!!!
I do know that this is not the best way to kill mites, I fully understand that there are products on the market to help kill mites as well as a cage should be well soaked and washed with a mild bleach water mix and the snakes would all need to be well soaked and cared for until the infestation is gone.

I am just wondering if any one knows how long these little tyrants can last with out a host.

matt

From what I understand (and anyone with more up to date info feel free to correct me) is that the mite itself has about 20 day before it will starve to death if it doesn't have a host. The eggs they lay however can lay dormant for quite some time (months) before hatching.
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Tosha
JET Pythons

Very good answer Tosha!!!

"At the temperatures of most snake collections, the complete life cycle of the snake mite can be completed in 13 to 19 days. At cooler temperatures, some individuals may live up to 40 days."

"There is a common belief among keepers that mite eggs in some conditions may remain viable for extended periods. While this has been documented for some species of ticks, Camin's research on mites found no evidence to support this belief."

VPI

Average egg hatches in 1-4 days so if you keep you you cage temps up you would probably have them goon in a month but more then likely if someone used this as a way to get ride of mites they could just though it cage is storage for 2 months and should be mite free. Mites will not live their full life cycle with out a blood host as well, making it much harder to last 40 days.

For anyone who finds this interesting and would like to know more about those little parasites we all hate you can find a great artical on VPI's website (vpi.com) called the history of snake mites.

That is where I got my info.
Matt

do a search and you will find your answer

I did don't worry KS is a quick answer site for me not a final answer site.

matt

Get a copy of the VPI Ball python book, there is an excellent chapter on mites, including lifespan and breeding issues.
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robyn@proexotics.com

Pro Exotics Reptiles