Proactive mites/etc maintenance?

Skumbo · 02-21-12, 07:50 PM

So, I'm using cypress mulch bedding, and was wondering If there is some sort of proactive way I should be preventing mites? I've seen like anti-mite stuff you have to spray on the snake etc etc but I'd rather not do something that might have any sort of negative effect without asking you guys who have more experience than I do!

I'd just rather think about it now and prevent it rather than wait for a snake to end up with something nasty.

Thanks!

Gungirl · 02-21-12, 07:58 PM

I think the best preventative thing you can do is be clean. Do not buy from a store that is dirty or you can see mites on their animals. The most popular way people get into mite issues is when they go to a pet store, reptile expo or even a friends and that place has mites. You then bring them home to your pets. If you are out and around other reptiles wash up and change your clothes when you get home.

Skumbo · 02-21-12, 08:02 PM

I dont really know anyone else with reptiles that I would see regularly, and i always wash my hands thoroughly before going into the cage or handling him, Im just using Zoo-Med cypress mulch that I bought on amazon (local pet store wanted literally twice as much for a smaller bag! :O)

is there any chance mites or anything would be in the cypress mulch (even if its rare) or unless i introduce it somehow, it wont be an issue?

youngster · 02-21-12, 08:33 PM

You can spray Provent a mite (PAM) like monthly and that works.

UwabamiReptiles · 02-21-12, 09:02 PM

I saw a video from Brian Gundy from For Goodness Snakes that sprays PAM once a month just like Eli said. He said he's been doing that for years and has never had a mite problem.

Gungirl · 02-21-12, 09:03 PM

I wouldn't want to expose my snakes to a chemical like that all the time.. but that is just me.

Strutter769 · 02-21-12, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gungirl

I wouldn't want to expose my snakes to a chemical like that all the time.. but that is just me.

I guess I'm sort of "middle of the road" on this one. I can understand every three months or so, unless of course somethin' happens between..

Skumbo · 02-21-12, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gungirl

I wouldn't want to expose my snakes to a chemical like that all the time.. but that is just me.

I'm the same way, i don't even use most "normal" cleaning products cause I hate the chemicals in them. I'll just be as clean as possible and deal with removing mites if (hopefully not!) it ever happens.

**millertime89** · 02-21-12, 11:41 PM

I know some big breeders that swear by PAM. I still need to get some. My plan is to respray every time I completely change out the substrate (once every few months since I use cypress mulch).

Lankyrob · 02-22-12, 07:49 AM

The main risk is you bringing mites into the house on you - whenever i visit the reptile shop (even tho they are squeaky clean there) when i come home i close the front door and strip - all clothes go straight in the washing machine and i go straight into the shower.

Norm66 · 02-22-12, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lankyrob

The main risk is you bringing mites into the house on you - whenever i visit the reptile shop (even tho they are squeaky clean there) when i come home i close the front door and strip - all clothes go straight in the washing machine and i go straight into the shower.

This is good stuff from what I've read. Other than that though, I don't believe it's necessary to treat for mites on a consistent basis. For quarantine on new acquisitions certainly but every month? No.

Skumbo · 02-22-12, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lankyrob

The main risk is you bringing mites into the house on you - whenever i visit the reptile shop (even tho they are squeaky clean there) when i come home i close the front door and strip - all clothes go straight in the washing machine and i go straight into the shower.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norm66

This is good stuff from what I've read. Other than that though, I don't believe it's necessary to treat for mites on a consistent basis. For quarantine on new acquisitions certainly but every month? No.

Hokay cool, i'm not worried about bringing them in, considering i really don't handle or am around other reptiles very much, but if i am, i'll make sure and clean up after

SerpentLust · 02-22-12, 01:06 PM

And of course, always properly quarantine any new snake you bring into your home. In my opinion, THAT is the most common way to get mites. Laziness.

For me, if I've been to another house or place with reptiles, I won't enter my snake room until I've had an outfit change.

I'm an avid NIX user when it comes to mites, it's never steered me wrong.

Skumbo · 02-22-12, 01:12 PM

So, i'm getting a new snake whenever the weather warms up from rainbows-r-us, I have a cage all setup and everything for her.. how would I "quarantine" her from my other snake? they aren't going to be sharing a cage or anything and im not breeding anyone, so.. yeah..?

Gungirl · 02-22-12, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skumbo

So, i'm getting a new snake whenever the weather warms up from rainbows-r-us, I have a cage all setup and everything for her.. how would I "quarantine" her from my other snake? they aren't going to be sharing a cage or anything and im not breeding anyone, so.. yeah..?

You Quarantine by keeping them in separate rooms, washing your hands and clothes after you handle the new one. Never mix tongs, hides or anything. If you use something for your new snake it must be cleaned and disinfected before it goes into the room with your other snakes.