Question about Mites Outside

[natsirtremraf]

Hi Everyone,

I've noticed from several pictures that people take their snakes outside on occasion and maybe let them explore and stretch out in the grass.

Now, I live in Ohio, and theres wild snakes so I would assume theres snake mites in the wild. What precautions can I take to prevent them getting mites on them? Do I need to take precautions?

For now: I have Reptile Relief mite spray(Amazon.com : Natural Chemistry Reptile Relief 8 Oz. (240ml) : Pet Grooming Supplies : Pet Supplies) and I just spray a bit on a paper towel and have them slither through it to wipe them down. I figure if they picked up a mite then this would hopefully kill it before I put them back into their home.

[FWK]

I've been wondering about this sort of thing myself. I know a lot of people who use bio-active enclosures take dirt and what have you right out of their yard and use it in their enclosures with no issues so I figured it isn't to big a risk but I really don't know. I spend a lot of time field herping and while I don't go into the snake room until I've at least changed clothes I still wonder if there is any risk of carrying mites into the house and tracking them into the snake room later. I have never noticed mites on any wild snake I've handled but that doesn't necessarily mean they aren't there.

[eminart]

*Hint*

Online pet people tend to go overboard on the precautions. There are people who sterilize everything, won't feed meal worms to leopard geckos, think a few grains of sand is going to cause impaction, etc. etc. Most of these precautions were handed down through one internet expert after another, with none of them ever having seen the problems they're so adamant about preventing.

COULD your snake get mites outside? Sure. Will it? Probably not.

You have to decide for yourself if the risks outweigh the rewards. You could start by asking all the people here that take their snakes outside if they've ever gotten mites that way.

[RBDTerrell]

I personally have never gotten mites on any of my animals from exposing them to the outside environment. I to, wondered that and then just went ahead and did it so that my snakes could stretch out and explore. I have had my fair share of mite infestations from new animals brought into my collection, but never from outside exposure.

[natsirtremraf]

Well, I guess I'll continue to take my snakes outside, and not use the reptile spray. I figure overusing it when they don't have mites could have some bad effects. It specifically states on it to not use it on a snake that shed recently so it must not be 100% safe :P.

Thanks for the replies! I'll let you know if I get a random mite infestation from taking them outside.

[Cmwells90]

I wouldn't say it's not "safe" but it is a chemical and should be used a seldom as possible, over use could cause irritation and possibly make them sick.

[natsirtremraf]

Originally Posted by Cmwells90

I wouldn't say it's not "safe" but it is a chemical and should be used a seldom as possible, over use could cause irritation and possibly make them sick.

Those were the words I was looking for!

[Pirarucu]

I take mine out when I can, and just give them a rinse in the shower afterwards as a precaution. Never gotten mites, even when I skip the rinse.