Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I posted a pic of a new baby Florida Kingsnake a couple weeks ago. The pic was posted immediately upon bring the baby home. I didn't notice anything unusual about her. However, the eagle eyes of the expert's on this forum spotted immediately that her eye didn't appear normal. Well, after she was warmed up overnight it was obvious that her problem was MITES. Since the discovery of these horrid creatures she has been sprayed every three days with ReptileRelief. Now for my question.....Using a magnifying glass I am unable to spot any mites either on her or in her enclosure (which also is bleached everytime she is sprayed) However, she still curls her body up in knots and twists her head as if she is still infested with mites. I have never seen a snake contort like this and am suspicious that maybe mites are still plagueing her. Anyone ever experience this and have any comments or advice? Do they curl up in knots when they have mites? In her enclosure she moves and looks normal. Am I just paranoid?

That sounds more like a neurological disorder from the pesticides than irritation from mites. I've not used reptile relief but I've heard it's safe to use. I do know that some snakes, especially small ones can be more sensitive to the chemicals in mite treatments (makes sense- they OD). I'd quit any treatment other than soaking and cage cleaning and see if the snake improves. And of course- consult your local reptile vet... Check out the VPI site for more information.
http://www.vpi.com/9VPITipsAndTechs/thewaragainstsnakemites/Mites-TheWeapons.htm
Good luck.
Lora

u can also try just soaking ur snake in a container of water and then wiping it clean with a paper towel gently...the water will imediatly kill the mites and if anything is on the paper towel, then there's ur answer