Mites

[Corey209]

I'm not asking how to rid of them or anything but just curious on something. I had brought my king home and found 2 mites, I quickly soaked him and didn't have any problems for around 2 months until yesterday I found my boa was infested. I'm just wondering how it took so long for them to be noticed and spread. I've already sprayed everything down and baked all the stuff that I could so I shouldn't have anymore problems.

[millertime89]

You probably didn't get rid of them completely and they spread. It happens, nothing for a while then one day they're everywhere.

[Corey209]

You probably didn't get rid of them completely and they spread. It happens, nothing for a while then one day they're everywhere.

Guess so, I'm using a high grade livestock pesticide recommended by the reptile shop I go to, it already killed all the mites off of my snakes and supposedly is supposed to kill the mites after they hatch. I'm hoping my gecko doesn't get the mites though because I can't spray him with this stuff..

[millertime89]

You can use NIX as well, doesn't really matter as long as its diluted plenty. You can find it at pharmacies with the lice treatment products.

[Corey209]

You can use NIX as well, doesn't really matter as long as its diluted plenty. You can find it at pharmacies with the lice treatment products.

Think I'll need ever need to retreat?

[millertime89]

hopefully not, but there's a chance.

[Terranaut]

Nix does not last and you would be nuts not to retreat to ensure they are gone. Better to retreat than to find out you should have and then have to treat and retreat anyway. This way you only use chemicals twice instead of 3times. Thats 50 percent less stuff you expose your snake to. So yes retreat.

[Corey209]

You can use NIX as well, doesn't really matter as long as its diluted plenty. You can find it at pharmacies with the lice treatment products.

They gave me the chemical that's in nix permethrin I think. It killed all the mites on my snake and I have yet to see more. I need to decide what snake I'm going to get for my 40g now.

[millertime89]

Yeah, permethrin, wasn't sure what the concentration was on the stuff you were given.

[Corey209]

Yeah, permethrin, wasn't sure what the concentration was on the stuff you were given.

It was in the bottle for livestock and stuff so im assuming 10% http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/general-discussion/17014-nix-treatment-snake-mites.html

[KORBIN5895]

Be super careful with permethrin. That stuff is potent enough to cause problems in kids.

Also your gecko can't be a host to snake mites.

[Corey209]

Be super careful with permethrin. That stuff is potent enough to cause problems in kids.

Also your gecko can't be a host to snake mites.

I had the people at the place dilute it for me and they use it regularly and that's good to hear.

[Ridge Runner_20]

Look for 0.5% permethrin. It's the same active ingredient and concentration found in Provent-A-Mite. However, be careful to NEVER, EVER spray it directly on your snake!

From a local and respected breeder: Remove everything from the cage, bedding included, and fog the enclosure with a light mist of your chosen 0.5% permethrin product (Provent-A-Mite, Nix, RID, Equate, etc.). Allow product to dissipate for a few hours, then put fresh bedding and bleached/baked hides, branches, etc. back into enclosure along with snake. It is also recommended to wait another 4-6 hours before introducing a water source.

Hope this helps. Good luck getting rid of the little buggers. :mad:

RR_20 (Mike)

[Corey209]

Look for 0.5% permethrin. It's the same active ingredient and concentration found in Provent-A-Mite. However, be careful to NEVER, EVER spray it directly on your snake!

From a local and respected breeder: Remove everything from the cage, bedding included, and fog the enclosure with a light mist of your chosen 0.5% permethrin product (Provent-A-Mite, Nix, RID, Equate, etc.). Allow product to dissipate for a few hours, then put fresh bedding and bleached/baked hides, branches, etc. back into enclosure along with snake. It is also recommended to wait another 4-6 hours before introducing a water source.

Hope this helps. Good luck getting rid of the little buggers. :mad:

RR_20 (Mike)

I haven't found anymore mites so far, but I'm afraid they might be in the substrate of my gecko's terrarium. I'm probably going to spray it down tomorrow just to be safe. I was told though that it's fine to spray your snake and even on that post the guy does it. What would you recommend to get mites off of the snake with?

[Aaron_S]

Look for 0.5% permethrin. It's the same active ingredient and concentration found in Provent-A-Mite. However, be careful to NEVER, EVER spray it directly on your snake!

From a local and respected breeder: Remove everything from the cage, bedding included, and fog the enclosure with a light mist of your chosen 0.5% permethrin product (Provent-A-Mite, Nix, RID, Equate, etc.). Allow product to dissipate for a few hours, then put fresh bedding and bleached/baked hides, branches, etc. back into enclosure along with snake. It is also recommended to wait another 4-6 hours before introducing a water source.

Hope this helps. Good luck getting rid of the little buggers. :mad:

RR_20 (Mike)

What? I dilute my Nix with water and spray everything. Bedding and snake included. I don't mist anything. It makes ZERO sense to bake/bleach everything and then use nix purely on just an enclosure. Nix will kill everything on all substrate/branches/hides/rocks...

Once done spraying. Place water bowl into enclosure. Fin.

[Ridge Runner_20]

What? I dilute my Nix with water and spray everything. Bedding and snake included. I don't mist anything. It makes ZERO sense to bake/bleach everything and then use nix purely on just an enclosure. Nix will kill everything on all substrate/branches/hides/rocks...

Once done spraying. Place water bowl into enclosure. Fin.

I'm talking specifically about the bedding spray in aerosol form. That can be toxic in liquid form, and needs to dry completely before adding bedding, hides, water, etc. The dried spray will leave a thin film in the enclosure which will continue to kill any hiding mites or unhatched eggs for a period of time after initial treatment. Read the instructions for using Provent-A-Mite (again, same 0.5% permethrin as lice bedding sprays), and as stated, DO NOT treat the snake directly. Makes perfect sense to me.

RR_20 (Mike)

[Corey209]

I'm talking specifically about the bedding spray in aerosol form. That can be toxic in liquid form, and needs to dry completely before adding bedding, hides, water, etc. The dried spray will leave a thin film in the enclosure which will continue to kill any hiding mites or unhatched eggs for a period of time after initial treatment. Read the instructions for using Provent-A-Mite (again, same 0.5% permethrin as lice bedding sprays), and as stated, DO NOT treat the snake directly. Makes perfect sense to me.

RR_20 (Mike)

I treated my king snake directly and he's not acting any different nor has any complications arisen. The place I go to even told me it'd be fine if I avoided the head.

[Aaron_S]

I'm talking specifically about the bedding spray in aerosol form. That can be toxic in liquid form, and needs to dry completely before adding bedding, hides, water, etc. The dried spray will leave a thin film in the enclosure which will continue to kill any hiding mites or unhatched eggs for a period of time after initial treatment. Read the instructions for using Provent-A-Mite (again, same 0.5% permethrin as lice bedding sprays), and as stated, DO NOT treat the snake directly. Makes perfect sense to me.

RR_20 (Mike)

I don't use PAM. It tends to be worse with it's aerosol.

I prefer the wet spray of water/Nix. All is well with the snakes I Nix.

Every new snake gets Nixed. I know breeders who Nix before and after vending a show. It's fine.

[Corey209]

I don't use PAM. It tends to be worse with it's aerosol.

I prefer the wet spray of water/Nix. All is well with the snakes I Nix.

Every new snake gets Nixed. I know breeders who Nix before and after vending a show. It's fine.

That's what the shop I go to does as well and they go to all the conventions in California without having any infestations in their shop.

[millertime89]

I don't use PAM. It tends to be worse with it's aerosol.

I prefer the wet spray of water/Nix. All is well with the snakes I Nix.

Every new snake gets Nixed. I know breeders who Nix before and after vending a show. It's fine.

Think I might've asked you this before, what's your mix ratio for nix?

[shaunyboy]

I treated my king snake directly and he's not acting any different nor has any complications arisen. The place I go to even told me it'd be fine if I avoided the head.

if your talking about provent a mite...

read the can...its NOT intended for direct use on a snake...!!

do NOT spray it directly on the snake...

you run the risk of your snake showing neurological issues,even death,imo just because you got away with it once,does not mean it won't affect the longevity of the snake

provent a mite is the ONLY product i use...

no need to spray chemicals directly on snake

its designed for reptiles

remains active for 30 days,so is great for quarantine tanks for new arrivals

also theres NO need for repeat treatments,like most other mite methods require

re mites
The Life History of Snake Mites | Vida Preciosa International, Inc. (http://www.vpi.com/publications/the_life_history_of_snake_mites)

cheers shaun

[Corey209]

if your talking about provent a mite...

read the can...its NOT intended for direct use on a snake...!!

do NOT spray it directly on the snake...

you run the risk of your snake showing neurological issues,even death,imo just because you got away with it once,does not mean it won't affect the longevity of the snake

provent a mite is the ONLY product i use...

no need to spray chemicals directly on snake

its designed for reptiles

remains active for 30 days,so is great for quarantine tanks for new arrivals

also theres NO need for repeat treatments,like most other mite methods require

re mites
The Life History of Snake Mites | Vida Preciosa International, Inc. (http://www.vpi.com/publications/the_life_history_of_snake_mites)

cheers shaun

Talking about permethrin or nix.

[millertime89]

permethrin is the active ingredient in PAM and NIX

[Terranaut]

Also there are many isomers of premethrin and not all are safe. It's toxicto your snake as well. For the cost and knowing it's safe I would recomend sticking to the 2 best known treatments PAM and Nix. Plenty of writeups of how to use either. Their use differs due to the different delivery methods (aerosol vrs soapy water) . IMHO why risk trying something new when these work 100% and have proven to be safe with most herps.

[Corey209]

Also there are many isomers of premethrin and not all are safe. It's toxicto your snake as well. For the cost and knowing it's safe I would recomend sticking to the 2 best known treatments PAM and Nix. Plenty of writeups of how to use either. Their use differs due to the different delivery methods (aerosol vrs soapy water) . IMHO why risk trying something new when these work 100% and have proven to be safe with most herps.

Premethrin is basically all of what nix is.

[KORBIN5895]

Premethrin is basically all of what nix is.

And so is Pam and rid.

[Corey209]

And so is Pam and rid.

But pam has big price tag while permethrin itself is much cheaper

[Terranaut]

Premethrin is basically all of what nix is.

Basically but what your getting may not be the same isomer. Why chance it? Nix makes a gallon for about $10 and is known to be safe.

[KORBIN5895]

But pam has big price tag while permethrin itself is much cheaper

If you are unwilling to pay for the proper product then get rid of the animal.

Nix is cheap and reliable. Rid exactly like Pam chemically and only cost about $6 a can.

[Corey209]

If you are unwilling to pay for the proper product then get rid of the animal.

Nix is cheap and reliable. Rid exactly like Pam chemically and only cost about $6 a can.

Diluting the permethrin is the same exact thing as using nix or pam.

[CMRetics]

Nix, Pam, Rid, any store brand variant of the above are all the exact same stuff dilute it properly and it will work fine. I've started using it on all new snakes/enclosures regularly "just in case". I buy the walgreens brand stuff that costs about $14 and will make around a gallon and a half per package, that gallon and a half will last me a long time.

[KORBIN5895]

Diluting the permethrin is the same exact thing as using nix or pam.

So what's the original percentage of permethrin you are getting?

[Ridge Runner_20]

So what's the original percentage of permethrin you are getting?

That's the key right there! It's all about the concentration you're using. PAM and the lice bedding sprays in aerosol form (Nix, RID, Equate, etc.) ALL contain permethrin at 0.5%, and although it may not sound like much, it IS! It is also very difficult to effectively dilute anything in aerosol form, so IF you plan on using this type of product, FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY, and DO NOT apply directly on ANY animal.

Now, should you choose the mix-it-yourself version of any of the above lice treatments (dilute-and-shoot, if you will), the final concentration will depend entirely on your product-to-water mix ratio. So, the real key to a "safe" mixture is knowing the percentage of active ingredient (also permethrin) to begin with, and where you need to be with your final concentration. The right concentration is likely to be perfectly safe, but getting the math wrong could spell disaster.

And you thought high school algebra would never come in handy! :pissedoff:

RR_20 (Mike)

[Corey209]

So what's the original percentage of permethrin you are getting?

10% and the reptile place I go to diluted it for me in a chemically resistant spray bottle.

[CMRetics]

I use nix mixed with water, spray right on the animal. Never had problems with this method.

[Corey209]

I use nix mixed with water, spray right on the animal. Never had problems with this method.

I sprayed my king as well, no problems and from research a whole lot of people do it too. So I don't know what everyone is talking about.

[Terranaut]

10% and the reptile place I go to diluted it for me in a chemically resistant spray bottle.

After I read this all I could think of was...
Apparently your stuff isn't working if you have needed more.
10% of how many? I don't even know of 10 stores that sell PAM. You must live at a pet store only mall.
If they mix it for you do you actually know what your talking about?
How often have you needed to treat for mites? This is rediculous to say the least.

[Corey209]

After I read this all I could think of was...
Apparently your stuff isn't working if you have needed more.
10% of how many? I don't even know of 10 stores that sell PAM. You must live at a pet store only mall.
If they mix it for you do you actually know what your talking about?
How often have you needed to treat for mites? This is rediculous to say the least.

The original permethrin was 10%, they diluted it down with just a capful in the entire spray bottle. I also go to one single reptile shop, which does happen to have reptile relief and pam but I did not buy pam.. I had permethrin diluted for me. I've only had the mites once and that's the only time I'll ever need to have it as I now treat anything I get with permethrin.

[KORBIN5895]

The original permethrin was 10%, they diluted it down with just a capful in the entire spray bottle. I also go to one single reptile shop, which does happen to have reptile relief and pam but I did not buy pam.. I had permethrin diluted for me. I've only had the mites once and that's the only time I'll ever need to have it as I now treat anything I get with permethrin.

That's way too strong. Nix is only .3-.5 % permethrin and it is diluted into a whole gallon of water. You are talking about diluting 10% into a 24 oz bottle. Do the math and you will find you have great potential to damage your snake.

[Corey209]

That's way too strong. Nix is only .3-.5 % permethrin and it is diluted into a whole gallon of water. You are talking about diluting 10% into a 24 oz bottle. Do the math and you will find you have great potential to damage your snake.

I think nix and pam are .5% but the guy who diluted it for me uses it all the time without any problems.

[KORBIN5895]

So you do know people have killed their snake by putting straight nix on them right? Do you realize that this 10% permethrin mixed with 24oz of water is way stronger?

[Aaron_S]

I think nix and pam are .5% but the guy who diluted it for me uses it all the time without any problems.

It's in a pet store. He sells the animals before he ever sees anything LOL

[Corey209]

It's in a pet store. He sells the animals before he ever sees anything LOL

I don't go to a pet store bud, it's specific for reptiles. "LOL"

[mykee]

After reading this entire thread, I feel stoopider for having done so.
People are dumb.
And stubborn.

[Terranaut]

After reading this entire thread, I feel stoopider for having done so.
People are dumb.
And stubborn.

Yup. Well put.

[Aaron_S]

I don't go to a pet store bud, it's specific for reptiles. "LOL"

Sold as pets...seriously. Mykee has it correct.

[CMRetics]

Maybe the solution he is mixing into the spray bottle is 10%, so then mixing it has an even lower perecent? This would make more sense, although I doubt it....

It doesn't take much to kill mites, my nix is like 2oz or something into a gallon and it's .5% and it works wonders.

[Corey209]

Maybe the solution he is mixing into the spray bottle is 10%, so then mixing it has an even lower perecent? This would make more sense, although I doubt it....

It doesn't take much to kill mites, my nix is like 2oz or something into a gallon and it's .5% and it works wonders.

They mixed like around a cap full into a large chemically resistant spray bottle. I didn't run into any problems with making my snakes sick and they use it for anything they bring into their shop which they have been doing for years. It saves a lot of money to only use a little bit of a large bottle into a spray bottle instead of buying aerosol that can kill your snake, which is like $20 and doesn't last long.

[KORBIN5895]

They mixed like around a cap full into a large chemically resistant spray bottle. I didn't run into any problems with making my snakes sick and they use it for anything they bring into their shop which they have been doing for years. It saves a lot of money to only use a little bit of a large bottle into a spray bottle instead of buying aerosol that can kill your snake, which is like $20 and doesn't last long.

Maybe you missed where I said you can get the same stuff for under $6 a can.

[Terranaut]

This is what I mean. We give good advice about a for sure,tested and of course cheaper alternative to this unknown brew and he just doesn't listen." Thanks for the advice guys"". Wow even saving me money "or "thanks from my snake" would all be much more appropriate. 4 pages of this has me banging my head off the wall. Why can't some accept sound advice?:(

[Aaron_S]

Think I might've asked you this before, what's your mix ratio for nix?

1 tablespoon to 1 litre.

[Aaron_S]

This is what I mean. We give good advice about a for sure,tested and of course cheaper alternative to this unknown brew and he just doesn't listen." Thanks for the advice guys"". Wow even saving me money "or "thanks from my snake" would all be much more appropriate. 4 pages of this has me banging my head off the wall. Why can't some accept sound advice?:(

Because he has a "reptile specialist" to go to. :rolleyes:

We're all just chumps who don't know anything.

[CMRetics]

Because he has a "reptile specialist" to go to. :rolleyes:

We're all just chumps who don't know anything.
He has someone who might have a degree with years of experience who he actually knows and can talk to in person.

You honestly expect him to trust some random nobody over the internet about his animal's medical needs over a licensed professional? I take everything to do with my health or my animal's health that I read on the internet with a grain of salt, because ANYONE can say ANYTHING here, and claim it's god and that everyone knows nothing.

His animals are at stake, and he's going to trust the source he knows and trusts most, rather than a stranger with an avatar. Kudos to him.

[Corey209]

I originally only asked how it took so long for the mites to spread after I first thought they were eliminated. I was told by my brother a few mites isn't a big deal and just to soak which I did not thinking about the eggs which led to my eventual infestation of mites. I NEVER asked about the methods I used for my snakes because like I said "I'm not asking how to rid of them". I know how to do this and whether you feel it's safe or not guess what it's my animals and they're healthy after using what I was recommended.

[shaunyboy]

He has someone who might have a degree with years of experience who he actually knows and can talk to in person.

You honestly expect him to trust some random nobody over the internet about his animal's medical needs over a licensed professional? I take everything to do with my health or my animal's health that I read on the internet with a grain of salt, because ANYONE can say ANYTHING here, and claim it's god and that everyone knows nothing.

His animals are at stake, and he's going to trust the source he knows and trusts most, rather than a stranger with an avatar. Kudos to him.


it all depends where you look,as to the value of the info on the internet.....

i am a member of a Morelia dedicated forum,where there are a lot of good solid reliable keepers,also a few world firsts being done,it does not take a genius,to go over a few of Keepers past threads and work out who is giving out sound hands on knowledge...

hell a " stranger with an avatar ",just wrote the most recently published Carpet Python book...

Nick Mutton and Justin Jullanders,Complete Carpet Python book

imo there are plenty of cases where people,who own or work in reptile shops give out terrible advice....

like the advice the op of this thread was given

cheers shaun

[dinosaurdammit]

it all depends where you look,as to the value of the info on the internet.....

i am a member of a Morelia dedicated forum,where there are a lot of good solid reliable keepers,also a few world firsts being done,it does not take a genius,to go over a few of Keepers past threads and work out who is giving out sound hands on knowledge...

hell a " stranger with an avatar ",just wrote the most recently published Carpet Python book...

Nick Mutton and Justin Jullanders,Complete Carpet Python book

imo there are plenty of cases where people,who own or work in reptile shops give out terrible advice....

like the advice the op of this thread was given

cheers shaun

if i remember correctly this person in the reptile shop USED to be a vet? Why used to is my question. Also- vets are people. They make mistakes and are ignorant as well. I have seen vets make really REALLY stupid calls that I point out and they get all blustered because "NUH HUH IM A VET I R SMART AND EWE R DUM I HAZ VET DEGREE". Just because they used to be a herp vet or a vet in general I usually get a second or third opinion if I am left feeling unsure.

[Aaron_S]

He has someone who might have a degree with years of experience who he actually knows and can talk to in person.

You honestly expect him to trust some random nobody over the internet about his animal's medical needs over a licensed professional? I take everything to do with my health or my animal's health that I read on the internet with a grain of salt, because ANYONE can say ANYTHING here, and claim it's god and that everyone knows nothing.

His animals are at stake, and he's going to trust the source he knows and trusts most, rather than a stranger with an avatar. Kudos to him.

Then don't come here for advice if you just want to be told the same thing as the other person and shut down any other proper advice given.

I don't see where anything that has been offered in this thread is really wrong.

Also, there is no licensed professional at that store. They either gave it up or lost it. We don't know.

It's the internet. Everyone should take everything with a grain a salt but in general, if info is continually said by a lot of people I'd be more inclined to be swayed.

Either way, if you or anyone didn't always listen to licensed professionals as the end all be all there would be less malpractice suits in the world.

[Wildside]

They gave me the chemical that's in nix permethrin I think. It killed all the mites on my snake and I have yet to see more. I need to decide what snake I'm going to get for my 40g now.


It's probably Ivomec.

[shaunyboy]

if i remember correctly this person in the reptile shop USED to be a vet? Why used to is my question. Also- vets are people. They make mistakes and are ignorant as well. I have seen vets make really REALLY stupid calls that I point out and they get all blustered because "NUH HUH IM A VET I R SMART AND EWE R DUM I HAZ VET DEGREE". Just because they used to be a herp vet or a vet in general I usually get a second or third opinion if I am left feeling unsure.

^^^^^
used to be a vet says it all imo

the guy in the shop sounds like a Walter Mitty type guy...


re vets
imo theres plenty good vets out there who have NO reptile experience,if they would just TELL you they have NO reptile experience,then you would move onto a vet that did...

imo its the vets out there with NO reptile experience,that think " what the hell,i'm a vet,so i'll have a go at sorting out this ill reptile,that give vets a bad name...

imo you really need to do your homework,when looking for a GOOD knowledgable reptile vet...

i had 3 good vets here in Scotland,1 retired,1 took a job in a zoo,so i'm down to one very elderly vet...

i don't know what i'll do when he retires

cheers shaun

[CMRetics]

it all depends where you look,as to the value of the info on the internet.....

i am a member of a Morelia dedicated forum,where there are a lot of good solid reliable keepers,also a few world firsts being done,it does not take a genius,to go over a few of Keepers past threads and work out who is giving out sound hands on knowledge...

hell a " stranger with an avatar ",just wrote the most recently published Carpet Python book...

Nick Mutton and Justin Jullanders,Complete Carpet Python book

imo there are plenty of cases where people,who own or work in reptile shops give out terrible advice....

like the advice the op of this thread was given

cheers shaun
I'd be willing to bet none of the people offering advice in this thread are reptile medical experts, nor have written books. Again, none of them have offered credentials, they just speak under random screen names that could be anything. No, I don't trust randoms unless I know WHO THEY ARE. Nor should anyone.

if i remember correctly this person in the reptile shop USED to be a vet? Why used to is my question. Also- vets are people. They make mistakes and are ignorant as well. I have seen vets make really REALLY stupid calls that I point out and they get all blustered because "NUH HUH IM A VET I R SMART AND EWE R DUM I HAZ VET DEGREE". Just because they used to be a herp vet or a vet in general I usually get a second or third opinion if I am left feeling unsure.
I don't disagree that a second or third opinion is good, but anyone who's taking advice from randoms on the internet is no better than the guy taking advice from some washed up nobody mammal vet. Both are pretty unreliable.

Then don't come here for advice if you just want to be told the same thing as the other person and shut down any other proper advice given.

I don't see where anything that has been offered in this thread is really wrong.

Also, there is no licensed professional at that store. They either gave it up or lost it. We don't know.

It's the internet. Everyone should take everything with a grain a salt but in general, if info is continually said by a lot of people I'd be more inclined to be swayed.

Either way, if you or anyone didn't always listen to licensed professionals as the end all be all there would be less malpractice suits in the world.
I never said anything in the thread was wrong did I? I simply stated before you bash him for not listening to you, put yourself in his shoes. He's new and ignorant to reptile medical needs, and he trusts a former vet over a random on the internet.

[Terranaut]

I have no credentials at all and would never give anything more than what I have learned in the time I have owned herps. But advice was asked for regarding the treatment used. The answer given boiled down to this. Nobody on here is familiar with the mix you are using but these other 2 products we are very familiar with. Both work the same but use different delivery methods. These are in the eyes of the vast majority of people on this site the most predictable and safe/tested forms of premithrin to use. In this instance or when just discussing herp products for me the accumulated knowledge of this site outweighs the single vet opinion. Wanna discuss snake infectious diseases and the vet should have the upper hand. This site is a huge library of collective knowledge all gained from experience. Sure not all opinions are university level papers to publish but there is plenty of fantastic information being traded for free. You can never dismiss the group opinion on here as something to be ignored. I think the other posters in this case are more dissapointed that the op is ignoring the good group advice rather than upset that he has chosen his methods of treatment.
NIX and PAM are proven why go any other route ? Especially when it costs more than Nix.
Just my $.02 I do trust in the site. I have seen it work for many listeners out there.

[Wildside]

I have no credentials at all and would never give anything more than what I have learned in the time I have owned herps. But advice was asked for regarding the treatment used. The answer given boiled down to this. Nobody on here is familiar with the mix you are using but these other 2 products we are very familiar with. Both work the same but use different delivery methods. These are in the eyes of the vast majority of people on this site the most predictable and safe/tested forms of premithrin to use. In this instance or when just discussing herp products for me the accumulated knowledge of this site outweighs the single vet opinion. Wanna discuss snake infectious diseases and the vet should have the upper hand. This site is a huge library of collective knowledge all gained from experience. Sure not all opinions are university level papers to publish but there is plenty of fantastic information being traded for free. You can never dismiss the group opinion on here as something to be ignored. I think the other posters in this case are more dissapointed that the op is ignoring the good group advice rather than upset that he has chosen his methods of treatment.
NIX and PAM are proven why go any other route ? Especially when it costs more than Nix.
Just my $.02 I do trust in the site. I have seen it work for many listeners out there.


Me Me I'm familiar with the ivomec mix lol

[Corey209]

Then don't come here for advice if you just want to be told the same thing as the other person and shut down any other proper advice given.

I don't see where anything that has been offered in this thread is really wrong.

Also, there is no licensed professional at that store. They either gave it up or lost it. We don't know.

It's the internet. Everyone should take everything with a grain a salt but in general, if info is continually said by a lot of people I'd be more inclined to be swayed.

Either way, if you or anyone didn't always listen to licensed professionals as the end all be all there would be less malpractice suits in the world.

I never came here asking for advice on how to get rid of mites, I already had that under control. But I will invest in some PAM and Reptile relief for future use if needed. I didn't have any problems with using diluted 10% permethrin but if everyone feels it's really that unsafe I don't want to risk any animals in the future seeing as I may have been lucky.

[KORBIN5895]

I never came here asking for advice on how to get rid of mites, I already had that under control. But I will invest in some PAM and Reptile relief for future use if needed. I didn't have any problems with using diluted 10% permethrin but if everyone feels it's really that unsafe I don't want to risk any animals in the future seeing as I may have been lucky.

Face palm!

Go buy Rid at Walmart! Its only $6 a can!

[Gungirl]

^ this.. I keep a bottle of Rid on hand for any new snakes coming into my house. I have never had mites and I would like to keep it that way.

[CMRetics]

^ this.. I keep a bottle of Rid on hand for any new snakes coming into my house. I have never had mites and I would like to keep it that way.
Done this, used nix, been careful, still randomly ended up with some mites. LOL

[Aaron_S]

Done this, used nix, been careful, still randomly ended up with some mites. LOL

Clearly you did it wrong or again, someone is lying to you about their practices that either visits you or you visit. Or where you buy/trade animals from.

*knock on wood* I have NEVER had mites in my home in over a dozen years.

[CMRetics]

Clearly you did it wrong or again, someone is lying to you about their practices that either visits you or you visit. Or where you buy/trade animals from.

*knock on wood* I have NEVER had mites in my home in over a dozen years.
I did not bring any new animals into my home. No one besides myself and my fiance came in or out of our home during that time, neither of us went to a pet store at all up until we recently visited a newly opened one.

No animals came or went, I only use newspaper bedding, and everything is hit with a dose of nix beforehand. The only exposure they could have possibly had is if they came from the new herp shop having them and they hitched a ride on me, even though I didn't touch anything in the store.

It's weird how it works.

[Aaron_S]

I did not bring any new animals into my home. No one besides myself and my fiance came in or out of our home during that time, neither of us went to a pet store at all up until we recently visited a newly opened one.

No animals came or went, I only use newspaper bedding, and everything is hit with a dose of nix beforehand. The only exposure they could have possibly had is if they came from the new herp shop having them and they hitched a ride on me, even though I didn't touch anything in the store.

It's weird how it works.

To each their own. You believe in miracle mites. I believe that they come from somewhere and that you're just missing it. Could be the herp shop, even though you didn't touch anything. Mites can travel I believe I read upto 8 miles or something ridiculous in a single night so from the wall to your pant leg isn't far.

[Gungirl]

I would never buy from someone that has "miracle mites" lol..

Common sense is needed. These things don't magically show up they are carried in on something or someone.

[Wildside]

I had no idea they could travel 8 miles a day. As always Aaron makes a solid argument. It's possible that on the rare occasion I see mites on one of mine it's because it came from the pet shop.

[Falconeer999]

To each their own. You believe in miracle mites. I believe that they come from somewhere and that you're just missing it. Could be the herp shop, even though you didn't touch anything. Mites can travel I believe I read upto 8 miles or something ridiculous in a single night so from the wall to your pant leg isn't far.
If they can travel 8 miles in a single night, then that means that they can come from almost any point in town and get into your enclosure overnight without any/with very little help. How many people don't have a space under their front door/a window/crack in foundation or something similar that isn't at least big enough for a mite(s) to get into?

[Corey209]

Mites also die in any life cycle when the temps are too low or too high

[KORBIN5895]

Mites also die in any life cycle when the temps are too low or too high

Really? Do you have a link to this? From what I gather from researching them the cold doesn't kill them unless exposed to freezing temperatures for extended periods.

[shaunyboy]

To each their own. You believe in miracle mites. I believe that they come from somewhere and that you're just missing it. Could be the herp shop, even though you didn't touch anything. Mites can travel I believe I read upto 8 miles or something ridiculous in a single night so from the wall to your pant leg isn't far.

mite eggs are easily transfered as well mate

after a visit to a reptile shop,eggs may well be in your hair and on your clothing

heres some of the best information i have found on mites
vvvvvv

The Life History of Snake Mites | Vida Preciosa International, Inc. (http://www.vpi.com/publications/the_life_history_of_snake_mites)


cheers shaun

[Aaron_S]

mite eggs are easily transfered as well mate

after a visit to a reptile shop,eggs may well be in your hair and on your clothing

heres some of the best information i have found on mites
vvvvvv

The Life History of Snake Mites | Vida Preciosa International, Inc. (http://www.vpi.com/publications/the_life_history_of_snake_mites)


cheers shaun

That's what I use Shaun.

Sorry, not even close to 8 miles in a night. I'm well off. Like seriously. I don't know what I was talking about. Anyway, it's ridiculously fast for 55 feet an hour (at best).

[Gungirl]

Aaron.. everyone makes mistakes you still rock. :)

It still shocks me that people think these things appear out of no where.

[Wildside]

Since we're on the subject does anyone know whether or not Nix/Pam or any of the other stuff we use safe for gravid females?

[Aaron_S]

Since we're on the subject does anyone know whether or not Nix/Pam or any of the other stuff we use safe for gravid females?

To my knowledge. Yes.

[Wildside]

To my knowledge. Yes.

Based on the post below I should probably wait for a second opinion...

Sorry, not even close to 8 miles in a night. I'm well off. Like seriously. I don't know what I was talking about. Anyway, it's ridiculously fast for 55 feet an hour (at best).

[Aaron_S]

Based on the post below I should probably wait for a second opinion...

Hey, I just RE-READ that, it had been a super long time.

[Wildside]

Hey, I just RE-READ that, it had been a super long time.


Yes it has *wink* *wink*

[CMRetics]

I would never buy from someone that has "miracle mites" lol..

Common sense is needed. These things don't magically show up they are carried in on something or someone.
I never said I had miracle mites, I pin-pointed a likely cause, even though it seems very strange it happened. It's part of the hobby, most breeders have had mites, and sometimes we have 0 clue where the hell they ended up coming from.

Aaron.. everyone makes mistakes you still rock. :)

It still shocks me that people think these things appear out of no where.
Still shocks me how little you know.

Since we're on the subject does anyone know whether or not Nix/Pam or any of the other stuff we use safe for gravid females?
I've used it fine with gravid females.

[Wildside]

I've used it fine with gravid females.


Thank you :D

[Aaron_S]

I never said I had miracle mites, I pin-pointed a likely cause, even though it seems very strange it happened. It's part of the hobby, most breeders have had mites, and sometimes we have 0 clue where the hell they ended up coming from.


Still shocks me how little you know....

It shocks ME how little YOU know.

Nobody just gets mites. The breeders I frequent DO NOT have mites. I visit the largest ball python breeder in Canada and he's literally over a thousand snakes including his boas. He has no mites.

My good friend who's been breeding over a decade, again no mites. Myself, as I said, NO MITES. Hell, when I was in my mid teens I worked in a pet store with wild caught things and such and NEVER had a mite hitch a ride home. Honestly, it's ridiculous that people think "it just happens".

[CMRetics]

It shocks ME how little YOU know.

Nobody just gets mites. The breeders I frequent DO NOT have mites. I visit the largest ball python breeder in Canada and he's literally over a thousand snakes including his boas. He has no mites.

My good friend who's been breeding over a decade, again no mites. Myself, as I said, NO MITES. Hell, when I was in my mid teens I worked in a pet store with wild caught things and such and NEVER had a mite hitch a ride home. Honestly, it's ridiculous that people think "it just happens".
Do tell me expert, where did they come from short of visiting that store if:

A) No new animals entered my home
B) No commercial bedding entered my home
C) No live feeders entered my home
D) Not a single person outside of myself entered my home, I don't like people in my home, personal space thing ;)
E) My neighbors do not own reptiles of any sort
F) I did not enter ANY pet store of any sort until that herp store.
G) No one has entered my car with another reptile, nor have I been around them.
H) I have never had a single case of mites in 15+ years of reptile keeping. I randomly found about 6, and they were quickly illiminated with some soaking and a good nixing.

Do educate my doctor, if they didn't come from the herp store where did they come from? I'm extremely careful about exposing my animals to anything. I never said they magically showed up now did I? I said it sure seems like it sometimes. I'm not denying it's possible it hitched a ride on my clothing from that herp store. LOL

[KORBIN5895]

Seriously? You only have six mites? Oh the stupidity!

[Aaron_S]

Do tell me expert, where did they come from short of visiting that store if:

A) No new animals entered my home
B) No commercial bedding entered my home
C) No live feeders entered my home
D) Not a single person outside of myself entered my home, I don't like people in my home, personal space thing ;)
E) My neighbors do not own reptiles of any sort
F) I did not enter ANY pet store of any sort until that herp store.
G) No one has entered my car with another reptile, nor have I been around them.
H) I have never had a single case of mites in 15+ years of reptile keeping. I randomly found about 6, and they were quickly illiminated with some soaking and a good nixing.

Do educate my doctor, if they didn't come from the herp store where did they come from? I'm extremely careful about exposing my animals to anything. I never said they magically showed up now did I? I said it sure seems like it sometimes. I'm not denying it's possible it hitched a ride on my clothing from that herp store. LOL

I don't believe this because you're earlier post indicate it's happened more than once. Since you've said you've used Nix on breeding females and talk about how it just pops up in every collection once in awhile (The secret is it doesn't). My personal guess. You never got rid of them the last time. You thought they were eliminated but a few obviously stuck around. I highly doubt you had only 6. I hope you used Nix on ALL of your enclosures/snakes.

[SnakeyJay]

Not got much to add on this thread as I've never had mites... However I will say that I've been keeping snakes for 3.5 - 4 years now (not long really I know) but I've never had mites "just happen"... Funny how that works eh.

[CMRetics]

Seriously? You only have six mites? Oh the stupidity!
I'm sure there are nymphs/eggs as well, I only saw 6 on 4 retics and I searched pretty hardcore.

I don't believe this because you're earlier post indicate it's happened more than once. Since you've said you've used Nix on breeding females and talk about how it just pops up in every collection once in awhile (The secret is it doesn't). My personal guess. You never got rid of them the last time. You thought they were eliminated but a few obviously stuck around. I highly doubt you had only 6. I hope you used Nix on ALL of your enclosures/snakes.
I never had the mites before, I did however help several friends over the years treat mites, some of them were gravid females who successfully carried a clutch.

Never had them before this one incident, doesn't mean I'm ignorant on how to treat them. Again, I came up with a source that is likely, unless they laid dormant since the last snake I purchased but I doubt that as I do nix when I add to my collection.

[SnakeyJay]

You go and help others to get rid of mites and then wonder why/how they turn up in your collection lol... There's your source right there. :)

[Aaron_S]

I'm sure there are nymphs/eggs as well, I only saw 6 on 4 retics and I searched pretty hardcore.


I never had the mites before, I did however help several friends over the years treat mites, some of them were gravid females who successfully carried a clutch.

Never had them before this one incident, doesn't mean I'm ignorant on how to treat them. Again, I came up with a source that is likely, unless they laid dormant since the last snake I purchased but I doubt that as I do nix when I add to my collection.

LOL. Does everyone in your community need someone to hold their hand to do anything? Your friends need you to use a spray bottle. Kyle needs you to fight his battles. LOL

Your posts still don't add up.