Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I lost two WC snakes (had them only for a week) in my room recently (never found them) and started getting bite marks at night in my bed. At first I thought the bites might be from fleas, so I used flea treatment to eradicate the problem. But I still get bites, and then I realized the bite marks don't resemble flea bites.

Now I have this one carpet python often bath herself in the water bowl. I thought this might be a temperture issue. But today when I cleaned out the housing I saw tiny black bugs in the bowl, they looked like mites.

So I am thinking is it possible for those escaped snakes to have carried mites and now they are spreading all over my bedroom? Besides the carpet python, I have 4 other snakes in the room and they don't seem to have mite issues (no bugs in water bowl). One of my dogs seems to be scratching himself alot.

If that's the case hwo do I treat my room? Can I just spray Provent A Mite all over my room and bed, and the mites will be gone? I am scratching new bite marks as I type this. Thanks.

I would try to rule out fleas, bedbugs and other parasites but yes, it's very possible for mites from the lost snakes to move throughout the room. They can travel 10' overnight! I have not heard accounts of snake mites biting mammals, but do know that when desperate for a meal, many ectoparasites will feed off of unsuitable hosts. I would consider calling an exterminator for more information on other possible pests and how to rid your room/house of them. Just remember that you may have to remove your pets during such treatments and treat them with the P-A-M elsewhere.

Good luck,

Ian

Thanks for the advice. I really appreciate it. Here is a quick update. I ordered two PAM and they are still on their way, so in the mean time I unloaded a bottle of reptile spray all over my bed and my room. Now I have less bites but still get them. Now I get them every where, and at any time.

So now I am pretty sure those loose snakes have mites. I just found out tonight. The reason I know this is now is because I replaced the missing ones with a new one, although from a different vendor this time, who claimed his are CB and not WC. Well, I have had this gal for over a week and didn't bother to check her for mites, until just now. She has mites galore. Thank god I have another bottle of reptile spary and I quickly sprayed my entire collection.

As soon as I receive the PAM I will do another round of spraying all over the room. If that fails then I will have to consider pest control. My issue with pest control is I also have hundreds of gallons of fish tank in my room, with expensive fish and stingrays. Not only that one of my snake tank is 120g and will be a pain in the rear to relocate it. But if all else fail I will give pest control a ring to see what options I have. I would rather replace my bed than losing my fish. But the constant new itch spots on my body is really annoying. Thanks again.