Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My baby red-tail Boa has mites! Any tips on how to avoid them and how to get rid of them, Thanks!

~Liz
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0.2 columbain red-tail Boa

This is directly from the Barron's book on Kingsnakes and Milksnakes; it probably applies to just about any snake with mite problems.

"Cracks and crannies in cages and decorated terraria provide ideal hiding places for nonfeeding mites... If uncontrolled, mites will spread, distressing and debilitating entire collections. Mites can be removed from the snakes by soaking the snakes in tepid water and removing those from the nonsubmerged areas (nose and top of head) with a cotton swab.

"Before placing the snake back in the cage, the cage must be cleaned and de-mited. Remove all substrate and mist the entire interior of the cage with a warm 5-percent solution chlorine bleach and soapy water. Do not use phenol-based disinfectants. Take particular pains to clean any areas of overhanging frame or other such areas of seclusion. Rinse the cage thoroughly after cleaning it. Dry the cage, add clean substrate and streilize cage furniture. Before returning the snake to the cage, again check the snake for mites. If any are seen, remove them immediately. Replace the snake in its cage and keep careful watch on both snake and cage for 10 days."

There's a bunch more on mite treatment in there, but I've probably already violated copyright so I'll just suggest you pick up this book, or one more directly related to redtails, and read through the appropriate section(s). My other references list things like Trichlorfon spray, pyrethrin sprays, Ivermectin solution, Sevin dust, and (controversial) Vapona no-pest strips. In other words, I'd consult the local herp vet, and do it asap if it looks like a significant infestation.
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MichaelB

There are a lot of threads about this so you are not alone. You can do a search on the forums for Mites and see what others have tried. The best info I've seen on the net is on the vpi.com site under "the war on mites". It lists a number of treatments. Personally, I bought a can of Black Knight spray from the classifieds here on Kingsnake and it cleared the mites up immediately. You should be prepared to treat once a week for 3 weeks to kill any hatching eggs. You need to treat everything except the water bowel, including the surrounding area. If you have any other snakes, they and their cages will need to be treated as mites travel.
Good luck getting rid of those suckers!
Lora

>>There are a lot of threads about this so you are not alone. You can do a search on the forums for Mites and see what others have tried. The best info I've seen on the net is on the vpi.com site under "the war on mites". It lists a number of treatments. Personally, I bought a can of Black Knight spray from the classifieds here on Kingsnake and it cleared the mites up immediately. You should be prepared to treat once a week for 3 weeks to kill any hatching eggs. You need to treat everything except the water bowel, including the surrounding area. If you have any other snakes, they and their cages will need to be treated as mites travel.
>>Good luck getting rid of those suckers!
>>Lora
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Chris Harrison

WHere Exactly do you get this Black Night spray ?
I read the article but couldnt find a purchase link on the site ?
Wonder if it werks on ticks too ?

T/