Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I went to clean out my California king's cage today when I noticed lots of small, tan mites crawling around in the substrate(mulch). Along with the mites, were lots of individual scales. I checked my snake thoroughly for mites but found none. I admit its been a while since ive cleaned the cage but the snake is very healthy. I wonder if the mites are something to worry about or could they be nonparasitic? could they be eating mulch, terds, or shedded skin? Also are the scales and mites related? All help is appritiated

It's very likely that these are not snake mites at all. How is the snake doing? What is it's shedding history? Did an old shed get shredded over time or did it come off in tiny pieces? This could indicate a husbandry problem (ie humidity, cleanliness, health of the snake).

If all's going well, I'd just monitor the situation. To find out an answer more definatively you can quarantine the snake on newsprint substrate and see if the bugs are still a problem. They can be captured and classified by your veterinarian. Herp vets may have snake mites preserved to compare to bugs such as yours.

Ian

Thanks for the reply. The snake has made complete sheds ever since Ive owned it. I have left sheds in the tank for over a week without removing them so maybe some just fell apart. I examined the snake closely and all was well. I think you are right and they are not snake mites. I will continue to monitor it but I am fairly sure they are harmless.

I think i have the same things. Do they stay in small groups in the substrate and on the lids of the snake containers? I have tried a couple things, pest strip, a complete clieaning and they slowly have been coming back. Also I haven't seen them on my snake either but definitly gross little bugs. They kind of look like Fruit fly mites. Do you breed Fruit Flies at all? Anyways let me know if you are able to get rid of them. Thanks,
Josh