![]() My name is Mariah Healey, professional reptile husbandry researcher and consultant. When you take a “better safe than sorry” approach, you can make sure you never have to experience the horror of a mite infestation.įor more information about treating mites, refer to this article by Cheryl Sterrenburg of Boa Constrictor Keepers: Get Rid of Mites Using NIX. However trustworthy you think the vendor/breeder of the reptile is, assume that your new reptile has mites. If that is not possible, animals intended for cohabitation should at least be housed in a separate enclosure. PreventionĪll new reptiles should be quarantined for 2-3 months, ideally in a separate room from where your other reptiles are housed. This ensures that you kill every last mite. Repeat this procedure after 7 days, and then again after 7 more days, for a total of 3 treatments. If/when your reptile poos during treatment, remove the paper and clean the area per usual, but reapply the Nix solution to the replacement paper and soiled surface. This ensures that the Nix solution does not get washed off the snake via soaking in the bowl before the Nix has had a chance to destroy all mites that may be hiding under the reptile’s scales. The water bowl and fresh water should not be returned to the enclosure until 24 hours later. Return the reptile to its enclosure and spray it, the cage, furniture, and paper one more time. Remove the water bowl from the enclosure. 3 weeks is a safe period of time to wait before using your usual substrate again. It is absolutely essential to use paper substrate until you are certain that the mites are gone for good because it helps you spot any mites that may have survived the initial treatment. Replace the substrate with paper or paper towel. Do not wipe off these surfaces - the leftover residue helps keeps the mites away. Also spray in a 2’ perimeter around the enclosure on the floor and/or shelving that holds the enclosure. Focus on corners and crevices especially, as these are where mites tend to hide and lay their eggs. Spray the entire enclosure inside and out, including all cage furniture. Do not do this indoors - the bag containing the infested substrate must be placed outdoors immediately to prevent reinfection. While the animal is soaking, remove all substrate from the enclosure and throw away. Do not avoid spraying this on their head, eyes, ears, heat pits, or anywhere else - the chemical MUST be applied everywhere. Spray the animal generously with the Nix solution. Remove each reptile from the enclosure and place in a tub. Therefore this treatment must be used on all snakes and their enclosures to help ensure that you won’t have to repeat the treatment. Mites are also capable of transferring to reptiles housed in other rooms by hitchhiking on your hands or clothes. If mites are only found on one reptile/one enclosure in your collection, assume that mites have infested all of your reptiles kept in that room. Once mixed, pour the solution into the spray bottle. Shake until evenly mixed, which may take a few minutes. Pour the Nix cream into the jug of distilled water to dilute. Additionally, if your snake is visibly ill, small, or very young, discuss treatment options you’re your vet before proceeding.Īll clear? Okay, here is the procedure for using Nix to kill snake mites: However, usage for snakes is very different than using Nix on humans, and can easily kill your snake if you’re not careful, so DON’T USE THE DIRECTIONS ON THE BOX. ![]() Nix is arguably more effective than other reptile-specific mite remedies that you can find at the pet store. Nix is a chemical treatment that humans use to get rid of head lice, but it so turns out that it can also be used to help get rid of a snake mite infestation because it kills both mites and their eggs. ![]() Tiny black dots visible moving on the snake and/or enclosure walls.Tiny black dots on hands after handling.Tiny black dots around eyes, ears & vent (cloaca).But with diligent effort, you can get rid of the little bloodsuckers for good. But if you think your snake has them, roll up your sleeves - you’re in for a long haul. The best way to prevent mites is to wash your hands before and after handling, as well as disinfecting any supplies you buy secondhand with bleach. Snake mites are tiny black parasitic insects that live by sucking the blood of reptiles. ![]()
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