ETB with mites

[Zoe]

My new ETB has mites, and I'm not sure how to go about treating him. Normally I'd just spray down the tank and do the snake my hand so as not to get any nix in the eyes or heat sensing pits, but I doubt this boy would like to be manhandled. Plus, he's new and I'd rather keep the stress at a minimum.

He looks like he's going into a shed... Should I wait for the shed and as soon as possible after put him in some water, maybe with a wee bit of Nix, while I scrub his cage? Or is it safe to spray him after spraying him with regular water so he doesn't drink any NIX?

Thanks
Zoe

[dave68]

Hi Zoe,
I would suggest using vapona flying insect killer. It is sold in a slab encased in plastic. You only need a small piece, so remove from plastic and cut a piece about 2"x2", put it in a small container with a lid and put a bunch of holes in the container then place it in the cage. Remove the water dish and don't spray the enclosure for 24 hours, leave the vapona in this long as well. Don't forget to wear gloves when handling this stuff ! Remove after 24 hours and completely clean cage and furniture.Replace water bowl and continue misting as usual. Because of the life cycle of the mites it is imperative that you repeat the procedure in approximately three days. A further note, if you are housing your emerald in the same room as the rest of the collection you will need to treat them all to totally erradicate the problem.
Good luck ! Hope this helps

Dave

[Zoe]

Thanks... Where can I find this and how many times do I need to redo it?

Thanks
Zoe

[dave68]

You can find it at most hardware stores or Wal Mart etc... in the pesticide department. You need to repeat at least once three days after the first and preferably once more after that. Good luck

Dave

[Zoe]

can't eggs sit for a month though?

[Zoe]

hm... I followed the instructions and some of the mites died but there are still plenty on him.

Zoe

[Lisa]

I don't know how many times I've seen not to use vapona pest strips on this forum.... the vapours released are harmful to your reptile...

[Zoe]

I think that's why you only put it in for a little while, and only a small piece in a closed container and don't spray.

Other than vapona, then - any suggestions??

Zoe

[Lisa]

black knight, proventamite, sawyers, doktor doom...

[BoidKeeper]

Hey Zoe,

I used vapona once before having to treat again and then I used nix. I've treated two ATB’s with nix once just like any other snake. Sprayed them and the cage and in two weeks did it all over again.
However, for vapona here's what I did. Depending on the size of snake and cage you will need to adjust the size and amount of vapona you use. It is very nasty stuff and will kill your snake if you use too much. The beauty of it is though that it kills through chemical dehydration so it kills everything including the eggs so it is treating the snake and cage all at the same time.
Here is what I did. For a 10g tank and a baby corn I used 2 1" square cubes. I took a small deli cup and poked many holes in the sides about a 1 cm up from the bottom so if water spilled it couldn't wash through. I used a needle small enough to prevent a tongue from getting inside. Then I secured the lid with duct tape. It is very important to make sure that the snake cannot get into direct contact with the vapona. I know someone once that placed it into an open zip lock and lost an albino burm. Once the container is secure just place it in the corner and forget about it for two weeks. You need to change the water at least twice a day maybe more. The chemical can get into the water if left unchanged. Well I think that's it. Just don't use too much, change the water and make sure the snake can't get to it and you should be all set.
I would still go the Rubbermaid paper towel nix route myself though.
Cheers,
Trevor

[Linds]

Originally posted by Lisa
the vapours released are harmful to your reptile...

... and every other living organism. I know I sure don't want to be breathing the very air that is full of toxins capable of killing animals :/