Should I be Worried ?

[Plums]

Last night I did a full clean out in my two viv's. In one of them i noticed 2 x tiny tiny light grey coloured mites amoungst the Aspen. In the other viv there was no trace of the things, but I quickly inspected the boys to see if I could find anything on them. There was no sign of them on the snakes but im a bit worried about having these things in the viv..

could they of come from the Aspen ?

Should I be worried? :shrugs:

thanks

 

[Plissken]

They could just be little bugs in your viv that aren't related to the snakes, but on the other hand they could be harmful to your snakes if they are actual mites. Look carefully around the snake's eyes, and I've heard mites also like to lurk under the snake's chin. I'd keep an eye on the snakes, and make sure their tanks are really clean.

 

[Plums]

thanks for responding..No, I examined them thoroughly, all around the eyes, belly and back & nothing...

what colour are snake mites ?

 

[Plissken]

I believe they are black, but for all I know there may be different types of mite... I just think they are 'usually' black. Some research may be in order.

 

[Plums]

have just looked it up & it says when they are young they are whitish in colour, but can hardly be seen by the naked eye... I would say the greyish 2 i saw were about 1 millimeter..

 

[Plissken]

Here, you might like to read this link:

http://www.anapsid.org/mites.html

Under the heading Mites and Chiggars...oh my! it describes that mites can indeed be grey.
Hope it helps.

 

[Plums]

Thanks so much, I am going to get some diemite tonight at my local shop, heard it is good, may not be anything to worry about but i'd best do it to be on safe side..

thanks allot :cheers:

 

[Plissken]

You're welcome, I hope it isn't a serious problem and you can clear up the mites if they are present. Good luck!

 

[galofgrace]

also, you might want to put new bedding in the freezer for 24 hrs. before using. This will kill any mites that are in it. :wavey:

 

[Candachan]

^ That's a useful tip I've never heard of. Thankies.

 

[Plums]

All logs / hides have had 2 hours in the oven now, also taken out the aspen & put down newspaper, (will the ink on the paper be ok ????)

also ordered Diemite which is coming today..

thanks

 

[diamondlil]

The newsprint should be fine, but you could use plain white kitchen roll instead. It would be more absorbent and could show up any mites easier

 

[Plums]

cool idea..I feel a bit sorry for them as they both like to burrow & they look a bit like "Mommy, wheres my comfortable bedding gone??!!"

Im sure i just worry too much !

cheers

 

[diamondlil]

aw, shame, but at least you spotted the problem and dealt with it! I used itchen roll for mine at first, and they burrowed between the layers. You could maybe just put extra cardboard tube hides in too, to minimise stress?

 

[Plums]

Thanks, I wil try this..