A few years ago I had a mite outbreak in my collection and I had bad results using a vet-prescribed Ivermectin spray earlier on in this outbreak. I had heard about Provent-A-Mite and I contacted the owner of Pro-Products, Bob Pound. I talked with Bob for a few minutes and then he had to take another call. He got my number and called me back [on his nickel], and we talked about mite control for nearly an hour [long distance]. The upshot is that Provent-A-Mite is the most thoroughly researched product for the control of mites.
The permethrin used in the product if I remember correctly is a synthetic that is engineered to become inert and harmless to reptiles [snakes are the only animals to be treated with this product], within a few minutes of application to the substrate. Actually, if I remember correctly Bob said that a snake could in fact come into contact with residue that had not dried without ill effects. Furthermore, the spray has a residual effect for up to two weeks after being used. The spray works by leaving a residue of the permethrin on the surfaces of the substrate and when a mite [reproductive females only] takes a blood meal it then drops off the snake, comes into contact with the treated substrate and subsequently dies.
The life cycle is broken within about two weeks or possibly longer if the infestation is particularly heavy. As eggs, [which are resistent] hatch out they mature, take a blood meal and then drop off and die as well. I have had the three instances of mites in my collection [only three animals, incidentally] knocked out within 10 days.
Also, Provent-A-Mite is the ONLY product licensed by the USDA specifically for the treatment of mites and ticks that prey on reptiles. Currently it's the only product licensed for use in controlling Heartwater ticks that may come from Africa on tortoise species such as Leopards and Spur-thighs. As to other types of mite/tick prevention, Bob said they retained the services/expertise of an Acarologist [mite specialist] in the development of their product. The upshoot is that mites are incredibly tough and the old stand-by of using No Pest strips is a bad method for controlling them.
No Pest strips and most other pesticides contain organophosphates which are carcinogens. They found that in order for a No Pest strip to actually kill mites it would have to be such a large piece [not the usual little piece in a small container that's mentioned in old herp books] - probably an entire strip in fact - that the concentration of organophosphate insecticide would have long-term effects on the health of the snakes residing in the same cage as the strip.
Many people have used No Pest strips and say their snakes have experienced no ill effects. However, cancers can take a long time to develop and deaths in collections long after the use of the strips are not likely to be attributed to the use of the pest strips. So, taking all of this into account and the fact that I believe nearly 10 years of research went into manufacturing Provent-A-Mite it really is the best choice for controlling mites and in my opinion any other menthod is a half-measure at best and downright dangerous to your collection at its worst.
Finally, in regards to cypress mulch and mites - I have used cypress for years and I have yet to ever have a snake appear with a mite infection after putting new cypress into a cage. You certainly can use Provent-A-Mite as a precaution but I personally don't think it's neccessary. I do however use Provent-A-Mite when I introduce new branching into a cage that is collected out in the woods. More than a fear of introducing snake mites I use the Provent-A-Mite to control things such as wood-boring insects and the like that would continue to live in the wood after being brought into a cage.
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Matt Campbell
Animal Keeper, Small Mammal/Reptile House
Lincoln Park Zoo Chicago, Illinois
Assistant Curator
Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, Illinois
