Mite Transfer??

BP_okay · 11-12-09, 11:50 PM

Okay, I hope I don't sound too OCD, but I was at a pet store today, and I handled a bp, and I noticed it had mites(obviously, I won't ever shop there again.) What was sad is that the store employee took it out and didn't even notice - I had to tell her.

The point is, I am wondering how long snake mites can survive on humans. I immediately washed my hands, but stayed out 4 more hours. When I came home, I immediately took off the clothes I was wearing, put them in the washer, showered and disinfected my hand and wrist jewelry, w/ a vingegar water solution I was just wondering if I took enough precautions, and if there's a mite lingering around on my person, how long would it take to die. I am actually afraid to handle my guys tonight, for fear of transferring them.

Like I said, I may be a little OCD, but better safe than sorry, right?

Thanks guys,
Traci

citysnakes · 11-13-09, 09:39 AM

hehe i do pretty much the same thing...

you should be fine.

Will0W783 · 11-13-09, 09:44 AM

Sounds like you probably did ok. But you were right to be careful- snake mites can hitch a ride on your clothes and hair and get transmitted to your snakes. That's one of the reasons I never buy from pet stores anymore- the snakes are hardly ever in as good condition as ones from breeders.

siz · 11-13-09, 01:43 PM

Haha, thorough :P Yeah, I never handle pet store animals...in fact, I can't remember the last time I've been to a pet store...yay expos!

BP_okay · 11-16-09, 02:27 PM

Thx everyone! I am glad to know that I am not as obsessive as I thought! Yeah I didn't even handle my babies for a few days, and got my mom to change their water!

Re: the pet store, I am completely with you guys. I usually never handle them either, and wouldn't ever consider buying one from them, as it only propagates animal abuse imho, but I was hanging out w/ a friend who is snake shy, and wanted him to see how gentle they were..guess it backfired on me, albeit he was gentle at least

Thx again,
Traci

Smilts · 11-17-09, 03:55 AM

I go in pet stores fora few reasons like crickets and dog supplies, not reptiles. One thing I do though is bring and use hand sanitizer. I dont know if Ethyl Alcohol kills mites ( even though I also dont handle or buy the reptiles) but it makes me feel better...

BP_okay · 11-18-09, 01:01 PM

You guys are completely right! And Coy, that is so smart to sanitize even if you don't handle the repitles, as I am sure those little buggers could be all over the place, in the reptile section.