Snake Mite Infestation

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Snakes mites are tiny spider-like organisms that reside on and

between the scales of snakes and tend to also congregate around

their eyes.  They are relatively easy to see with the unaided

eye, but a magnifying lens aids in their identification.  Mites

are the most common and most dangerous of the external parasites

of captive snakes.  These mites feed on the blood of their hosts

causing anemia (often severe with heavy infestations).  Blood-

feeding can also transmit viruses, at least one very serious

disease-causing bacterium  and blood parasites.



The snake mite completes its life cycle on its host.  The

females, however, lay up to 80 eggs off the snake within the

immediate environment.  This is one reason why particulate floor

coverings (corn-cob material, pebbles, etc.) are not

recommended.  These substrates provide too many hiding places for

the mites and their eggs.



Snakes that are most likely to be seriously compromised by this

external parasite are those that have been recently imported and

those housed under crowded unhygienic conditions.  Heavily

parasitized snakes are also likely to be adversely affected when

they are suffering from malnutrition and/or other diseases at the

same time.



Veterinarians must be consulted when these various circumstances

arise.  These snakes must be carefully examined and thoroughly

evaluated so that underlying disease and problems with husbandry

can be identified and corrected.  Furthermore, the recommended

treatment can often be injurious, especially to snakes suffering

from debility and/or disease.  The veterinarian must perform a

thorough physical examination and may recommend a blood analysis

to fully evaluate the patient, the advisability of treatment,

and the least harmful method of treatment for mites.



Several treatments are available for snake mites.  One popular

method involves suspending a No-Pest Strip (Shell) above or

adjacent to the snake's enclosure for 2-5 days.  One expert

recommends a dosage of 0.2 inches of commercial strip per 10

cubic feet of enclosure.  An alternative is to place a 1-inch

section of a No-Pest Strip within a 35-mm film container with

multiple perforations and suspend it inside the enclosure for 2-5

days.  These products should be used cautiously, however.  They

can be especially toxic to severely ill and debilitated snakes.



Flea sprays formulated for use on dogs and cats can be applied to

a small towel and the chemical can be wiped onto the skin and

scales.  This procedure should be repeated about 10 days later.

During treatment, any particulate floor covering (gravel,

crushed corncob, wood shavings, etc.) within the enclosure must

be replaced by paper or towels.  All water containers should also

be removed.  The enclosure itself should be thoroughly cleaned

and fumigated with 10-15% solution of formalin and hot water.

After a thorough rinsing, the enclosure should be allowed to

completely dry before it is reinhabited.  Treated snakes should

be closely monitored for several months for signs of

re-infestation and mite-related disease.