Pesky Mite....

MCB · 03-23-14, 08:19 AM

Found a couple of mites this morning on my Boa. Done the usual soak & strip down.
But when I was cleaning I thought to myself I wonder if those home steam cleaners would work any better than using chemicals, you know the ones you see on the shopping channels. They say are they about as good a sterile environment you'll get using steam?

Anyone used one, just a thought really.

SSSSnakes · 03-23-14, 08:39 AM

I've used the steam cleaner to cleran my enclosure, once in a while. I prefer Prevent-A-Mite to get rid of mites.

MCB · 03-23-14, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSSSnakes

I've used the steam cleaner to cleran my enclosure, once in a while. I prefer Prevent-A-Mite to get rid of mites.

Not sure if we can get that over here, guess it could branded under a different name perhaps? Who makes it?

MCB · 03-23-14, 09:24 AM

Just been having a chat with a friend and he uses Callingtons Mite Spray, he's used Ardap which is a stronger version but only outside the viv as a preventative. Apparently if left to dry on a piece of newspaper it can be left in the viv and will carry on working. He uses it outside the viv on paper. Said it works great that way as a preventative combat.

Terranaut · 03-23-14, 09:48 AM

Killing mites is kind of like treating cancer. The chemicals used are poison to your snake as well. The idea is that the concentration is enough to kill the mites but not enough to harm the snake. 2 treatments used that we know are reasonably safe for your snake are the Nix treatment and Provent a Mite. We know these are both safe and effective. Trying other peoples methods might be ok but we have had members here cause neurological issues and kill their snakes trying other methods. Prevent a Mite is available where you are. I would use it. Follow the lable and do not spray the snake. Good luck.

Hyokenseisou · 03-23-14, 11:06 AM

I've a big fan of the Nix treatment as it's always worked well for me in the past. Being the whole one time I've needed to use it thankfully. I like to keep some on hand just in case or whenever anything new comes into my house and give it a spray when it's in quarantine.

MCB · 03-23-14, 11:26 AM

Can't get PAM over here, apparently it's banned. Can get NIX (headlice treatment), what's the mix ratio you use then?

MCB · 03-23-14, 11:33 AM

This is the Callingtons Mite Spray that gets very favourable reviews around UK forums.

Callington Mite Spray - User reviews

Kimmie · 03-23-14, 11:39 AM

I use BioKill which is really good, spray a bag so u can feel the wetness inside (why did that sound wrong lol) put the snake in for 20mins spray the cage without water ofc it is very bad if ur snake licks it I know first hand, close for 30mins or even 60mins if u wanna be sure, open for 10mins and put the snake back in u can even put it on paper so they die there.

Kimmie · 03-23-14, 11:40 AM

don't spray on the snake only wipe them if u will, buuuut never near the head! i use frontline for wiping.

Terranaut · 03-23-14, 12:07 PM

Talk to shaunyboy to get PAM. He uses it and is also in the UK.

MCB · 03-23-14, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terranaut

Talk to shaunyboy to get PAM. He uses it and is also in the UK.

Will do, thanks

Terranaut · 03-23-14, 12:57 PM

I'm not saying the other suggestions are wrong but I know this stuff works. Nix is mixed at 1 small bottle of the shampoo to 4 liters of distilled water. The left over lasts a year on a dark shelf. Both treatments have descriptions on here. Use the search and have a peek.

Lankyrob · 03-23-14, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MCB

Can't get PAM over here, apparently it's banned. Can get NIX (headlice treatment), what's the mix ratio you use then?

Ebay! Got mine with no issues

MCB · 03-23-14, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lankyrob

Ebay! Got mine with no issues

UK Ebay? Had a look but nothing, got a link?