mites_ticks

Ticks:
As with mites, ticks are a nuisance and also a significant source of disease. Tick laden reptiles develop generalized blood-borne infections. As with mites, ticks tend to hide under scales, near the eyes and near the vent.

Manual Removal:
Once a tick is identified, it can be firmly grasped with forceps or even fingers and pulled out. The key to pulling ticks out is to not jerk them violently, but to apply firm, steady pulling pressure over the course of several seconds. The tick injects enzymes and other substances onto the skin of it's host to help liquify the tissue and gain access for feeding. This works to our advantage as this island of tissue will pull away grasped in the ticks mouth, allowing for the head to be completely removed with the body. One reason why so many people worry needlessly about leaving a head in place is that an inflamatory lump forms after the removal of the tick. The lump is often misinterpreted as the severed head of a tick. The site of removal can be treated with Betadine (povidone iodine) or hydrogen peroxide solution. The application of a light layer of a triple antibiotic ointment (Neosporin) after cleaning the site is appropriate. Some veterinarians routinely treat tick laden snakes with systemic antibiotics, due to the high incidence of infection associated with ticks.

Reference: Understanding Reptile Parasites by, Roger Klingenberg, DVM

Mites:
The most common mites, are the snake mite (Ophionyssus natricis), the lizard mite (Hirstiella tronbidiiformis), and the chigger mite.
These mites feed on blood which is required for the transformation from one mite life stage to another. In optimal conditions of high heat and humidity, as is commonly seen in reptile enclosures, they reproduce profusely. The mites will tend to accumulate on the reptiles body in areas that afford the most protection, such as under the scale, in the post orbital areas, labial pits and skin folds near the vent and in a similar manner, they take refuge in every nook, cranny and crack of the cage and it's substrates. In small numbers, mites may represent a nuisance to the reptile, causing discomfort and agitation. In moderate to severe numbers, mites can cause:

1. anemia
2. rough, eroded, damaged scales which predispose the skin to infection
3. peri-orbital inflammation and swelling
4. depression and anorexia
5. signs related to blood-borne infections (including IBD)
6. difficulties in shedding
7. death

Mites can be removed by gently bathing or rinsing the animal in tepid water. Extended soaking is a common method employed by reptiles to drown their mites. While somewhat effective, the reptile may develop skin lesions from the excessive soaking and will be exposed to new mites when leaving the soaking container.
The presence of mites and, to a lesser extent ticks, requires a thorough cleaning of the cage and it's substrates. Cleaning the cage with a solution of soapy water and household bleach ( 1 teaspoon per gallon of water) is an excellent disinfectant for parasites of all types. Replacing chips, rocks, corncob, etc., with newspaper during treatment is also indicated.
Newspaper can be easily and frequently changed while offering few hiding areas for ticks and mites. Branches, shelters, rocks, and other porous objects need to be disinfected by soaking in a 5% bleach solution or eliminated.

Reference: Understanding Reptile Parasites by, Roger Klingenberg, DVM

It is our opinion that Provent-a-Mite is the best modern day treatment for reptile mites and ticks. In our personal use of this product over the last several years of rescue work we've performed, we have found it to be safe and completely effective with no recurrences of infestations nor loss of animals due to it's use. Quarantine and use of Provent-a-Mite is a must for anyone concerned with protecting other reptiles in their collection, as a precaution to eliminate the spread of dreaded snake mites. It is easy to use, quick acting, inexpensive, time saving and laboratory tested safe for use on reptiles. All new acquisitons, rescues, loaner animals (for breeding etc.) should be treated either when mites are suspected or as a good, general routine precautionary measure.
Provent-a-mite should be used as directed in the instructions that come with the product.
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