Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Much to my dismay and surprise, I learned tonight that my ball python has ticks. Small black round buggers with legs near the front end. I am 99% there ticks and quite annoyed they are on my ball python. What I am concerned about, is will these ticks attack my cornsnake or crested geckos? Or are they strickly one species only parasites?

It sounds like ticks to me to. The ticks will most likly go to your cornsnake and crested geckos to. Thanks Scott Glover

Fortunately, ticks aren't too difficult to be rid of. Pick them off and kill them...make sure you get them all. Thoroughly clean and sterilize the cage. Chances are high that will be the end of the issue. Check your other animals, just in case.
Any new animal that comes in, check over thoroughly--if you get any ticks that might be on it immediately, they won't have a chance to spread.

Crap, was hoping they won't bother my cornsnakes or crested geckos, were are housed in the same shelves as teh ball python. The corn is very resentful of any handling attempt (tries to get away, rattles the tail, musk but so far no biting attempt) but I haven't notice her trying to soak or any odd black spots in her cage. The cresteds, I haven't checked for mites..with all the fake plants, hard to see any specks. Will get myself some of that spray (Reptile Relief I think it is for ticks, will double check before buying of course).

There wasn't a huge amount of ticks floating dead in the water dish the python was soaking in, maybe 3-5 and I killed about three on the lid, and saw some on the paper towel (which I shoved into a bag and tossed down the garbage chute right away, so they can't crawl out in my apartment). I then throughoutly washed and disinfected the cage, lid and hides (and waterdish) while the ball continues to soak in my sink, w hich I washed out throughoutly as well. Hopefuly this and using some of the spray will get rid of the mites completely and my other critters are unaffected from the mites. At least mites are not jumpers like fleas.

like you have mites not ticks. How big are they?? mites and ticks look similar, mites are about the size of dot just little black specks really running around, legs are barely visible. Ticks on the other hand are larger about the size of a scale (see picture) you don't see a bunch of movement from them they are ususally attached to the animal. Usually you don't find many ticks whereas mites you find in big numbers. both Ticks and mites will infest all your reptiles. Reptile releif works good for the initial treatment, but it will only work on what it contacts, so you need to rub it in really well. When you are done with the snakes, you'll need to completely disinfect their cages and apply Provent a Mite or similar product. In a couple of weeks repeat the process. Also make sure you treat the surround areas too.

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Tosha

8.13.0 Ball Python (Harry and Fluffy and currently un-named)
0.2.0 Feline (Pippen and Pandora)
0.0.1 Dessert Tortoise (Pope)
7.9.5 Fish (1,2,3,4...)
0.0.1 Frog rescued from pool skimmer
0.0.2 Lizards rescued from pool skimmer

I have seen pictures of ticks and mites and I am quite positive what I have are ticks. They are large round black bugs with very small legs that I can see with the naked eye. Pretty much like the picture you included. but since reptile relief is good for ticks and mites, if I am wrong or right, it doesn't matter, either way they will be dead N ow if I can just find the stuff..went to about three different petstores looking for it. None had any. Fortunately I went to the main webpage for the company th at makes Reptile Relief and found what petstores sell their products and we have alot of those around where I live. Now, just have to call around and see which one has them in stock, to save me driving from one end of the city to the other. (about 6 pet values in the city)
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PHLdyPayne