Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Just wondering...
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Mike
KingPin Reptiles Inc.
Helmz777@aol.com
www.freewebs.com/mikesnake
Updated 10/28 NEW PICS AND NEW SECTION!

Snake mites which are the most common type we know, feed on the blood of their hosts and usually cause little, if any harm to snakes unless found in great numbers since they take very little blood individually.
There are also other, less known, species of mites that feed on dead skin cells only.
But the most important thing to remember is: ALL mites can be vectors of harmful bacterial infections & diseases that CAN kill snakes. Therefore they MUST be eliminated whenever possible!!!

Zee

I've also found dust mites in my cages, although very infrequently, but if you're testing under a scope fairly often you'll likely find them eventually. I treat my cages periodically, at least twice a year at certain times, because other things might get in your cages too, like those darn tiny flies sometimes in summer.

TC

Dust mites are everywhere. They aren't a problem except for people with allergies to them. They are ugly enough to make you cringe when you realize you are sleeping on a pile of them. They are scavengers whereas snake mites are parasites.

Me...I'm a bit of both I guess.

True..only said that 'cus when I see one under the microscope it makes me worry about snake mites..heheh. I've learned to tell the difference though

TC

>>Dust mites are everywhere. They aren't a problem except for people with allergies to them. They are ugly enough to make you cringe when you realize you are sleeping on a pile of them. They are scavengers whereas snake mites are parasites.
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>>Me...I'm a bit of both I guess.

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Ratsnake Haven...researching ratsnakes since 1988

Ratsnake Haven Group...an information providing list site.

hate dem flies....yo, terry its me again..........

>>hate dem flies....yo, terry its me again..........

Regarding those persistent flies. Someone (thankyou!) suggested a jar with a hole in the lid, with an inch or so of vinegar in it as a fly trap. Using vinegar I caugh very few, using apple cider vinegar I caught a bunch...I think having a few going in the house all Summer is a good prophylaxis against these fly pests. Wine would probably work also. Give it a try and thanks to whomever posted this suggestion some time ago.