Snake Tick Infestation

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Ticks resemble oversized mites and occupy many of the same sites

on the skin and scales of snakes as mites.  They are often found

just inside the mouth, nostrils or vent.  Even under conditions

of captivity, ticks rarely reach the burdensome numbers reached

by mites.  Recently imported snakes are usually the most heavily

parasitized.



Like mites, ticks feed on blood of the host snake and can cause

severe, life-threatening anemia.  Their blood-feeding habit

enables them to transmit certain blood-borne diseases to snakes.



Manual removal of each individual tick is the most expedient

treatment for tick infestations.  The hobbyist must exercise

great care in performing this task.  Simply pulling off the tick

leaves the tick's mouthparts embedded in the skin.  A small

amount of alcohol applied to the exposed parts of the tick causes

it to relax and facilitates removal.  The treatment methods

recommended for mites are also effective.  Parasitized snakes

usually require a minimum of four days' exposure to No-Pest

Strips to kill ticks.  Enlist the services of an experienced

veterinarian for a thorough pre-treatment evaluation of the

snake, especially if the use of a No-Pest Strip is anticipated.