How to Get Rid of Mites on Snakes

Co-authored by Jeff Jensen

Last Updated: February 3, 2023 References

Mites are a common parasite which can transmit bacteria and viruses between reptiles such as snakes. To get rid of mites on snakes, soak the snake in a povidone-iodine solution daily until the mites disappear. While the snake is soaking the first time, clean out the enclosure thoroughly by removing all substrates and use bleach to kill any harmful organisms. Check the snake daily for mites to ensure that its condition is improving and visit your local veterinarian if the snake deteriorates.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Soaking the Snake

1
Get a shallow plastic container that has a lid with holes. Find a plastic container that is large enough for your snake to fit comfortably into. Make sure that the lid has holes so that the snake can breathe while its soaking.^{[1]
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- If you cannot find a lid that already has holes in it, use an electric drill to punch holes through the plastic.
- The lid prevents the snake from climbing out of the container.
2
Place the snake into the plastic container. Remove the snake from its enclosure. Transfer it into the plastic container and keep the lid off for the time being.

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3
Fill the container with a solution of warm water and povidone iodine. Combine 1 part povidone iodine and 10 parts warm water. Use water that is 75–85 °F (24–29 °C) so that it is a comfortable temperature for the snake. The amount of water that you use depends on both the size of the snake and the container. Use enough water so that the snake can bathe, but not too much that the snake could drown.
- Povidone iodine is commonly sold under the name of Betadine.
4
Keep the snake soaking in the solution for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Place the lid on the container. Make sure that the container is close by so that you can keep an eye on the snake while its soaking.
5
Take the snake out and wipe away remaining mites with mineral oil. Check the chin, vent fold, and belly scutes for any dead or alive mites. Dip a cotton-tipped swab in mineral oil and use it to gently rub between the folds and scales to remove the mites.^{[2]
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- You can also dab the heat pits and eyes with mineral oil.
- The vent fold is located on the underside of the tail, the belly scutes are the wide scales on the belly, and the heat pits are the small holes located between the eyes and nostrils.^{[3]
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6
Repeat the soaking process daily for up to 1 week. Check the snake and the enclosure for mites daily. Soak the snake in the povidone-iodine solution every day until the mites are gone. If the mites persist or if the snake’s condition deteriorates, take the snake for specialist treatment with a veterinarian.
- You will be able to tell if the snake's condition deteriorates if it has a loss of appetite, vomiting, starts breathing with an open mouth, or if it experiences changes in shedding.^{[4]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Cleaning the Enclosure While the Snake Is Soaking

1
Get rid of all food and water within the enclosure. While the snake is soaking, begin cleaning the enclosure. Pour the water out and discard any uneaten or leftover food. Clean out the food and water containers thoroughly.
- Food and water must be disposed of to prevent it from being contaminated with cleaning chemicals.
- You only need to clean the enclosure once to remove the mites, not every day.
2
Dispose of all of the substrate and porous items in the enclosure. Take all of the substrate and porous items out of the enclosure. Place these into a plastic garbage bag and keep it outside until it can be discarded. Make sure it is out of reach from pets.
- Wood is a porous item that cannot be cleaned adequately and must be removed.^{[5]
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- Whether you are getting rid of mites or simply doing a regular complete cleanup, don't reuse any portion of old substrate after it.
3
Vacuum the inside of the enclosure thoroughly. Vacuum the floors and wall of the enclosure. Use the corner attachment to vacuum out the corners.^{[6]
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- This will help to remove mites, mite eggs, and mite feces.
4
Mix together a bleach and water solution. Use 1 part bleach to every 30 parts water and combine these in a clean bucket. Stir it to combine the water and the bleach.
- If you use 1 US gal (3.8 L) of water, you will need to use ¹⁄₂ cup (120 ml) of bleach.
- Make sure that you wear gloves when working with bleach.
5
Wash the enclosure with the bleach and water solution. Use clean rags to wipe down all areas of the enclosure with the bleach solution. Make sure that the area you are working in is well-ventilated.^{[7]
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- Disinfecting the enclosure doesn’t kill the mites themselves, but it does kill the harmful organisms that are associated with the mites.
- The bleach solution may also drown some remaining mites.
6
Rinse the enclosure out with clean water after 10 minutes. Let the bleach solution sit in the enclosure for 10 minutes. Then use fresh water and a new clean rag to remove all of the bleach residue.^{[8]
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7
Boil any rocks in the enclosure for 20-30 minutes. Place any rocks from the snake enclosure into a large pot. Fill the pot with water so that the rocks are completely submerged. Boil the rocks to kill any mites that may be on or inside them.^{[9]
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8
Use a no pest strip inside the enclosure. Purchase a no pest strip online or from your local pet store or veterinarian. Follow all of the directions on the label thoroughly by sealing the enclosure and then ventilating it correctly once the no pest strip has been removed. Keep the no pest strip in the enclosure for approximately 3 hours.
- Never use a no pest strip while your snake is in the enclosure as it can be dangerous for the animal.
- No pest strips release an insecticide vapor into the enclosure which will kill any remaining mites.^{[10]
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9
Set up the enclosure and return the snake. When both the enclosure and the snake have been cleaned, set up the enclosure again with a brand new substrate. Transfer the snake back into the enclosure and check it for mites daily.^{[11]
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- Paper towels are often a good substrate to use when you are trying to get rid of snake mites. This is because you will be able to easily spot any additional mites.

Community Q&A

Question

My daughter has a boa constrictor, and its throat is swollen. Could it be an infection caused by a mouse scratching while swallowing? How can we treat it? He is quite irritated.

FutureHow

Community Answer

There are many causes for this. The best solution is to take the snake to an experienced vet. It might cost more, but you'll be saving the snake's life!
Question

How do mites get on pet snakes?

Bacon_hair8535 Noob

Top Answerer

Most mites are introduced through new animals, or substrate, though you can also introduce them to your pet's enclosure on your hands and clothing. Pet stores and reptile expos are especially risky areas due to the large number of reptiles.
Question

I have a ball python that won't eat. What do I do?

Bacon_hair8535 Noob

Top Answerer

Make an appointment with your vet anytime your snake refuses food for longer than a few weeks. Your vet will be able to determine if your snake is suffering from parasites, respiratory infections, or any other health problems that may limit his appetite.

Warnings

Take your snake to the vet if its condition worsens or if you cannot get the mites under control. Although you will still need to thoroughly decontaminate the enclosure, the vet will be able to treat severe cases of mites using antiparasitic medication.^{[13]
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