Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, I need some advice,my fence lizards have ticks. How do I treat them? And, how can I prevent them from coming back? Also, any ideas on how my lizards got them in the first place? I've had the lizards for about four months with no problems, untill about two week ago, I noticed two of them were getting kinda skinny and sleeping alot. Those two died about a week ago, and now a third is looking ill. They also have reddish-orange fuzzy looking spots on them,any ideas what this could be? I know they have ticks because I pulled a bunch off already, but I can't get them all. Any advice will be greatly appreciated!

I am not sure about the ticks I would recommend you consult a qualified vet. I am a bit skeptical however that they would be ticks. Do you house your lizards outdoors? In my book it is highly unlikely for an individual being housed indoors to contract ticks. If that is the case I would be more worried about your health than the lizards. The reddish orange marks you spoke of are more than likely mites. I remove mites on my fence lizards by dipping a Q-tip in denatured rubbing alcohol and gently wiping the infected area until the mite/s come off on the Q-tip. If it is a rather large infestation of “reddish orange marks” you could soak the individual/s in warm water only shoulder deep for a half hour a few times a day. I hear it helps but have had no luck with mineral oil but you may have better results. Apply it in the same manor as the rubbing alcohol. What has worked for me with outstanding results is a diluted solution of mouthwash and water applied with a Q-tip. It should be noted that the infected lizards should be kept in extremely clean quarantine enclosures until the infestation subsides. It should also be noted that none of the chemicals or solutions stated above should be allowed in the eyes or otherwise on or around the face. DO NOT used commercial mite liquids. I used these on an iguana a couple months ago and unfortunately he passed away. Some people will argue my decision not to use these but I know first hand. If you need anymore help please feel free to contact me or post here.
My reptile collection and research

Thanks jasonw,
I got this advice on another forum,what do you think about it?

Your local pet store should sell some powder looking stuff that you add to water. Put it in warm water, not too hot for your lizard, and let your lizard soak in it for a while, it should get rid of them. Then it would also be best if you took all the subtrate out of your tank, cleaned your tank, and put new substrate in. That is how i always got rid of them. Those little bastard ticks...

Let me know what you think. Thanks again!

NOt sure on the powder, but a good pet store near me had mite problems. THey put a betta cup(you know, the cups they sell bettas in that have two small holes in the top) in the enclosure with a mite killer pad or something. I read about this in a lizard care book too. I do not now if it was the right thing to do, maybe it will hurt the lizard? just saying thats a thing i saw, open to ANY suggestions.
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Paullywog

If it has scales or smooth wet skin... snatch it!!!

I would be very skeptical about using "powder stuff" especially if the referrer did not even know the name of the "powder stuff" On the advice of a couple local pet stores I used Mite Off by Zoo-Med and it was a complete joke Water in a spray bottle kills mites faster than Mite Off. I also used Ultra Care mite and lice bird spray witch is what I believe most likely killed my iguana. A pest strip in a small container with holes dose sound like a good idea. Take everything out of the enclosure. Only use a water bowl and newspaper. The infected individuals do not need a hide as they will seek refuge under the newspaper or paper towels. Clean the cage and water bowl every day with a mixture of 10-15 to 1 bleach/water solution. Make sure you thouroly rinse the cage and water bowl before offering it back to the lizard/s Put new paper on the bottom as well every day. Soak the lizards for 1 half hour in the sink with warm water 2-4 times a day and use a Q-tip with Denatured rubbing alcohol to "wipe" off and stubborn mites. I am sure there are other ways but this is what I have done and still do and it works very well.
My reptile collection and research

Thanks, I'm gonna give it a try. Just wondering if you've ever tried, or heard anything about Prevent-a-mite.
Thanks again.

NM
My reptile collection and research