is using mineral oil to treat mite a good idea?

Jamie · 10-16-02, 06:35 PM

I have a friend who has the mites curse right now...I gave them some mite treatment from my vet (it's a mite and tick shampoo) and they decided to go ahead with mineral oil instead for reasons unknown. They also use it to help with shedding by adding it to the warm water. I am against them using it without putting in a little research in instead of going by "what someone told them". I am just curious as to what everybody has heard or had expereince with mineral oil for mites and shedding aids. Thanks very much

Jamie

Linds · 10-16-02, 07:26 PM

I haven't used it, and I never will. Several people still employ oil to treat mites, but it does have side effects, some of which are some minor scale loss (they grow back). Oil no only suffocated the mites, but it disable the snakes skin from getting air to it as well. These days there are much better alternatives to using oil as a mite treatment IMO.

Grant vg · 10-16-02, 08:34 PM

Heres a reply from dave barker i got when i asked him about mineral oil.

"Mineral oil can make snakes shed the “stratum corneum” the outermost layer of the skin, probably because it coats the scale so completely that the underlying “stratum germinitivum” can no longer respire. It’s not good to lose too much."

Go with Nix, Provent a mite, or Soak the snakes in soapy water.

i've used mineral oil before and the outcome wasn't pretty.
Your snake will lose most of its outerlayer scales, and will look like crap.
And it takes at least 2 sheds till it looks like normal again.

if your friends have already used the mineral oil, tell them to thouroughly rinse it a few times, and get as much as it off as possible.

And if i understand correctly, they also added some in there water bowl????
if this is the case, tell them to change the water immediately.
Drinking oil wont do anything to the mites.

Kurzix · 10-17-02, 04:12 PM

two words for mite problems

BLACK KNIGHT

Linds · 10-17-02, 04:16 PM

Hehehe.... wish it was that easy! Black Knight isn't available in Canada, hence it can be quite difficult to find up here. I've been trying for a while to get some, finally Mice4You have some available but their PayPal link doesn't work

mice4you · 10-17-02, 07:53 PM

Linds,
I am holding that can for you. I am just trying to see the next time I am by your way to get it to you.

I think I still have 2 cans

zouleous · 10-17-02, 08:11 PM

I recently had a mite problem. I asked a local reptile store what they used to treat it. Provent-A-Mite. I bought some and it worked great!

Provent-A-Mite is strong stuff...make sure to follow the directions and don't spray it directly on your reptile. Don't have the reptile in the enclosure...let it air out afterwards for a half hour. It can be used to kill and prevent mites and tics. With many other treatments the mites seem to come back. I used Provent-A-Mite and haven't seen one since that day. It runs about $25 for a can...but you'll never have to worry about mites again...the can will last you years and years.

Z

Linds · 10-17-02, 08:21 PM

Oh ok, thanks Andrew

Grant vg · 10-17-02, 09:01 PM

andrew
Dont forget my two cans! lol
i just emailed u.

Syst3m · 10-18-02, 04:13 AM

YIKES... Provent-a-mite. I vote for black knight. Safe to spray directly on your snake. I would not beleive it myself if I did not read what is was made for and what it was made from. Black knight cost about 20 usd, I swear to you that its worth every cent. I can not say enough good things. Call mice4you today if you live in canada to get some. There is no other alternative for the health of your snake in my opinion. Everything else is dangerous imho. As soon as I can I'm going to be ordering at least 2 cans of it myself. I'm Still kicking myself in the arse for not buying it at the chicago reptile expo. Please for the safety of your Herps AND for you. Black Knight.

Linds · 10-18-02, 09:48 AM

I have to agree with Syst3m, there are much safer alternatives to P-A-M such as Black Knight and Nix. I would rather use something that is safe enough that you can spray it right on your snake, than something so toxic it can easily kill if directions are not followed very carefully. Something so potent (yet not necessarily as effective as other methods) would make me wonder what kind of long-term residual effects there may be for both animals and keepers after exposure.

silke · 10-18-02, 09:59 AM

Beware of Pyrethrens

I had 3 skinks that were diagnosed with an unknown kind of mite and Pyrethrens were recommended.
2 of them died a traumatic death - convulsions and bleeding through the mouth.
I have never seen anything so horrific.
The vet I saw didn't know what he was doing and sought the advice of a vet at Guelph. Neither one knew what he was doing. They guessed and my animals suffered the consequences.

Before treating for Anything PLEASE do your research.

Linds · 10-18-02, 10:18 AM

Treating lizards for mites is very different from treating snakes for mties. Ingredients such as ivermectin can be fine for a snake but can kill a lizard. As Silke said, research is key.

Edwin · 10-18-02, 05:30 PM

Does Black Knight expire? I don't have a mite problem (yet?), but I was thinking of purchasing a can just in case I should need it in the future.

Lisa · 10-19-02, 10:56 PM

all you get with mineral oil is a greasy snake. use something else.
I like Provent a Mite. haven't had a problem since we sprayed once.