Hey Tom,After reading my reply I thought I should make things a little clearer.First mites will KILL your snake in short order if left unchecked.In the wild they're constantly falling off,in a tank them and all their eggs are not going anywhere.This will turn into an epidemic quick.A snake is like a fish in that they don't have very much blood to begin with.A small glass tank is best for the infected animal.This should be cleaned every day,and at least every three days.This should be cleaned with hot water and DAWN soap or windex and again with clean water.Also the surrounding area.Animal also should be kept far away from other animals(seperate room).Use toilet paper to clean with and flush it right away.Use terry-cloth,washcloths for substrate,the mites get caught in it.Toss them in the wash with liquid detergent and wash them right away,dry on high heat.It helps alot if you wash the snake off also.Feed the snake alot,those water snakes dig fish(goldfish work).Northern water snakes eyes go very blue when they're in shed.When their eyes go clear again you can put them in a damp pillowcase,this moistens the skin and makes it more likely the skin will turn inside out and trap any remaining mites,this part isn't absolutly nessisary but it usually works well.I all this does not work the first time be vigilant and try again.Like I said before I DO NOT USE POISON and DO NOT recomend its use.And also as I said before just doing these easy things a I have cleaned up all infected animals I have ever recieved.hope this helps jenni/

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