Beginner’s Guide to Dealing with Mites in Ball Pythons
Mites are a common issue for ball pythons and other reptiles, but with quick action and the right approach, you can eliminate them and keep your snake healthy. This guide will help you identify, treat, and prevent mites effectively.
What Are Snake Mites?
Snake mites (Ophionyssus natricis) are tiny, parasitic insects that feed on your ball python’s blood. They can cause irritation, stress, and even serious health issues if left untreated.
Signs of a Mite Infestation
• Small black or red specks moving on your snake, particularly around the eyes, mouth, and under scales.
• Snake soaking in the water dish excessively.
• Lethargy or restlessness.
• Tiny specks (mite feces) around the enclosure.
• Scales that look irritated or lifted.
How to Get Rid of Mites
Step 1: Isolate Your Snake
If you have multiple reptiles, separate the affected ball python to prevent mites from spreading.
Step 2: Clean the Enclosure
1. Remove all substrate and decorations. Dispose of them immediately.
2. Clean the enclosure with a diluted bleach solution (1:10 ratio of bleach to water) or a reptile-safe disinfectant.
3. Bake wooden decor at 200°F for 30 minutes or soak it in a bleach solution.
4. Replace substrate with paper towels for easy monitoring during treatment.
Step 3: Treat Your Snake
Option 1: Dawn Dish Soap Soak (Safe and Effective for Mild Infestations)
• Fill a tub with lukewarm water just deep enough to cover your snake’s body.
• Add a few drops of Dawn dish soap and mix until the water is slightly sudsy.
• Gently place your snake in the water and let it soak for 15-20 minutes.
• The dish soap breaks the surface tension of the water, causing mites to drown.
• After soaking, rinse your snake with clean, warm water and dry it completely with a paper towel.
Option 2: Betadine Soak (For Irritated Skin)
• Fill a tub with lukewarm water and add a few drops of Betadine until the water is light brown (like weak tea).
• Let your snake soak for 15-20 minutes to help clean wounds and remove mites.
• Rinse and dry your snake thoroughly before returning it to the enclosure.
Option 3: Reptile-Safe Mite Sprays
• Natural Chemistry Reptile Spray or Frontline Spray (Fipronil, vet-recommended)can be applied carefully.
• Avoid spraying directly on the snake’s head or eyes. Instead, spray on a cloth and wipe your snake down.
• Let the spray dry before placing your snake back in its enclosure.
Step 4: Repeat Treatments
• Repeat mite treatment every 3-5 days for at least 3-4 weeks.
• Keep using paper towels as substrate until mites are completely gone.
Preventing Future Mite Infestations
1. Quarantine New Snakes – Always quarantine new reptiles for 30-60 days before introducing them to your collection.
2. Inspect Reptiles from Shows/Pet Stores – Mites are common in high-traffic reptile environments. Check for signs before bringing a new snake home.
3. Keep the Enclosure Clean – Regularly clean and disinfect the enclosure.
4. Use Preventative Sprays – A light application of mite spray on new décor or enclosures can prevent infestations.
5. Monitor Your Snake – Check under scales and around the eyes for early signs of mites.
Final Thoughts
Mites can be a headache, but with prompt treatment and good husbandry practices, you can eliminate them and keep your ball python healthy. The Dawn dish soap soak is a great first step, especially for mild cases, while stronger treatments like mite sprays help ensure complete eradication.
Would you like a printable checklist or a treatment schedule?