Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My 2 year old IJCP has been soaking in his water bowl for the last 3 days. I searched carefully for parasites and found none until tonight when I finally admitted that my middle aged eyes could be missing something and took off my glasses and held the poor snake an inch from my face-- sure enough I found a mite--yuk! I have numerous other reptiles and I doubt that I will be able to find early infestations given the poor vision situation.
I have read the VPI article on mites and plan to buy both black knight and some no pest strips. The reptile relief advertised sounds appealing-- does anyone know if it works??

If the other snakes are not obviously infested do I have to clean out each cage and soak every snake?
Any suggestions would be welcome.

I have heard decent things about Reptile Relief. It's supposed to be a very low-toxic solution, so I might try it first if I were you.
If you use Black Knight (or Provent-a-mite) you don't have to soak the snakes or break down the cages.
And don't worry... your other snakes DO have mites now. Stupid bugs.
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"The serpent crams itself with animal life that is often warm and vibrant, to prolong an existence in which we detect no joy and no emotion. It reveals the depth to which evolution can sink when it takes the downward path and strips animals to the irreducible minimum able to perpetuate a predatory life in its naked horror."
Alexander Skutch

I wouldn't bother with the no pest strips. They are toxic and a pain to deal with. And, they won't solve the problem effectively.

I used to be a huge proponent of Black Knight, but having read some recent incidences of it having negative side effects in certain species, I am now a proponent of Provent-a-mite. I haven't used it, but have been told it works if used correctly.
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Chris Harrison

...he was beginning to realize he was the creature of a god that appreciated the discomfort of his worshippers - W. Somerset Maugham

I use Provent-a-mite and I love it. I have never had any side effects on any of the species it was used on...seeing as how everything gets treated for mites as it comes into the house...that's a lot of species.