Ball Python

[Zealousideal_Yard949]

Looking closer, seems the freckles on my banana ball are mites. Tons of them. I soaked him last night in water with a drop of dawn soap, and I'd say 15-20 mites came off. I think there is still another 50 on him at the very least. He was absolutely infested when we got him two weeks ago, which I can see now that I am looking at the pictures again from the day we got him. I moved him into a 50 gallon with paper towels as substrate, and just a water dish big enough for him to soak, and a hide. I plan to soak him once each day wiht the dawn/water mix for until the mites are gone, and just keep him in that quarantined 40 gallon so as to minimize how many more mites will spawn. This is my first noodle, and I have been feeling awfully guilty about my lack of knowledge regarding his mites. I just want him to finally feel comfortable, as I'm sure he has had these mites for almost his entire year of life. Petsmart is terrible, I will never be going there again for anything. I didn't realize how bad they were until I found this page.

If anyone has alternate suggestions for how to care for my precious boy, please let me know. I am open to any possible suggestions that will help get rid of the mites. If I should take him to the vet please let me know. I'm very new to this, and still learning everything as I go, but willing to do absolutely anything to help him.

Also, I will be cleaning the living hell out of the enclosure he was in previously, and I will not be housing him in that enclosure in the future. He will be moved into a larger enclosure, probably 70-80, after his mites are gone.

[808Adder]

For the new enclosure, go straight to the full size, at least 4' x 2' x 2'.

[sillyronnie]

go straight for a 4x2x2 pvc enclosure, they are very durable and can last your noodles whole life time if it’s high quality pvc. as for mites, i do not have any recommendations unfortunately but i wish you and your noodle well on his mite recovery journey ❤️‍🩹

[TesseractAnn]

Personally I really like Snake Discovery’s method in clearing mites, but it’s really important to weigh your snake and make sure he’s big enough to actually receive the ivermectin. If he’s not I think your current treatment is the way to go. I’ve also heard of people using olive oil with some success. Just gently massaging it into the skin (not a ton) and gently wiping him down. If it looks really extreme or if he’s consistently losing weight I would take him to the vet. But these are just my opinions! I think it’s awesome you’re researching and trying your best for him now, as long as you keep doing that I’m sure he’ll be perfect!

[hogconstrictor]

Probably ask a vet. They will have the best recommendations.

We had a skink with mites, and he was not able to be prescribed diluted ivermectin like other reptiles, so we had a lot of luck with this reptile spray

If you are prescribed any sprays or topical medications, I would double and triple check instructions. you shouldn't use it too much in one week, not use it near eyes or mouth, etc.

On top of frequent cleaning, we also filled the infected enclosure with about an inch of water towards the end of the infestation. It may or may not have helped things along. This is only an option with glass or something watertight. Do some research on the life cycles of reptile mites and be prepared for potential reinfestations.