Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just noticed that several of my snakes have these tiny white bugs crawling around in their tanks, even though all of them are housed seperately from one and another and they have never come in contact with each other. I am sure that they are white in color, and so far everyone I have talked to say that mites are not white. I didn't see any of these bugs actually on the snakes themselves, just crawling on the sides of the tanks and in and on the water bowls. I sprayed the snakes with this mite spray I got and dusted their substrates with this powdered mite killer I got as well. I am panicking though because I don't know what they are and am worried about my snakes! I have seen very similar bugs (maybe the same??) in my plant's soil once. I use crushed walnut in their tanks and all of it was changed a couple months ago. They all are eating normally and appear to be alright. Someone please tell me what these bugs are! If it is mites, should I take them to the vet?

thanks.

On occasion, loose substrates like bark may become infested while being shipped from supplier to supplier. It doesnt sound like you have anything to worry about, however, you do want to get rid of them! I have never heard of, or seen a white colored mite, but in either case your situation should be relatively easy to take care of withought having to see a veterinarian. First off, get rid of the old substrate and clean all of the cage accessories. After doing this use a reptile safe pestaside like provent-a-mite (available at www.healthypets.com). Its safe, cheap and easy to use. If the infestation is from some sort of mite or from some other insect infestation then this product will take care of it. Good luck!

do you have that AIM list? Sorry to use the forum for a personal message but it is quicker since I know you are on.

Sory man, I dont have it on me! I will be back in normal tommorrow at about 8pm or so. I will be sure to email it to you when I get back! Dont worry about the forum use either, I dont mind. If there's anything else lemme know.