Getting rid of mites

[smy_749]

Originally Posted by Abraxxos

I don't know if it's a regional thing or what but I can't get a hold of this in florida. From what I've been told it's only sold to companies and stores.

Buy it online mang

[Chris72]

If you are going to try the route of using no pest strips DO NOT use the entire thing! Cut about a 1 inch x 1 inch chunk....then follow the directions giving by MarvelFreak. If you are putting it onto a Sterelite tub it only needs to be in there for 2-4 hours. Remember you are making your animal inhale Permethrin. (Same stuff in Pam and Nix)

I picked up an albino pair a while ago that came with mites. (Didnt see them until we started the intake /quarantine proccess.) After a little reading we decided to stay away from using the strips because of the reported risk by some (and deaths as noted by Kevin)

I watched a YouTube video of a snake with neurological damage..(it was a mess)

We quarantined for 30 days....
-Nix bath 1xwk (ensure animal drinks clear water first...so it is not likely to drink Nix)
-Use newspaper sprayed with PAM, replace at least 1xweek. (Let dry)
-to be on the safe side we kept water out of the quarantined tubs for 24hrs after treatment.

You can kill mites easy, but if there are eggs around they will come back and find your snake. I remember reading they can travel 10 to 12 feet per day.

Reasons you may not want your animal to be inhaling Permethrin (strips):

From EPA site:
After additional toxicity data were reviewed, EPA concluded that permethrin was a weak carcinogen. Further, laboratory studies indicated that permethrin was highly toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates; therefore, it was classified as Restricted Use..(but somehow it's found to be safe to use on human food....wash you fruits & veggies people!!)

Wiki:
Permethrin acts as a neurotoxin, slowing down the nervous system through binding to sodium channels. This action is negatively correlated to temperature, thus, in general, showing more acute effects on cold-blooded animals over warm-blooded animals.

[marvelfreak]

Originally Posted by Abraxxos

I don't know if it's a regional thing or what but I can't get a hold of this in florida. From what I've been told it's only sold to companies and stores.

Here's were i got mine from. Reptile Medications, Mite Sprays & Cleaners

It worth the money and work better than anything else out there. plus it easy to use. The site i linked even has a video on how to use it.

[gonesnakee]

First off before exposing yourself or your animals to any deadly chemicals (ALL of the above mentioned are straight up POISON BTW) ensure it is even required.
The "mites" need to be properly identified is step one.
If they are not even snake/reptile mites no reason to expose the snake to ANY chemicals.
IF they are actual snake mites I suggest either the NIX or the PAM route (NOT the cooking spray! LOL)
Mites are easily identified, the nasty parasites are usually a dark red or black & look like little crabs & can be seen attached to the snake usually in the facial areas & pits/nostrils & they will squish red (blood) when squashed.
Any other types of mites are just a minor annoyance & can also be rid of without exposing the animal to any chemicals. Mark

[Chris72]

Originally Posted by gonesnakee

First off before exposing yourself or your animals to any deadly chemicals
(ALL of the above mentioned are straight up POISON BTW)
ensure it is even required.
The "mites" need to be properly identified is step one.
If they are not even snake/reptile mites no reason to expose the snake to ANY chemicals.
IF they are actual snake mites I suggest either the NIX or the PAM route (NOT the cooking spray! LOL)
Mites are easily identified, the nasty parasites are usually a dark red or black & look like little crabs & can be seen attached to the snake usually in the facial areas & pits/nostrils & they will squish red (blood) when squashed.
Any other types of mites are just a minor annoyance & can also be rid of without exposing the animal to any chemicals. Mark

Yup..that. The line in bold cannot be over emphasized. Permethrin will turn your snakes water to poison. It is designed to kill things so use great care.