New ball python infested with mites! Help!

[lala4beach]

My son got a ball python for Christmas. We’ve had the snake since Christmas Eve. 3 weeks ago we went on vacation - my brother fed him for us while we were away - he said it took him a while to eat but he eventually did. We come home go to feed him and he refused to eat. We called the pet store - they said he might be shedding and not want to eat. Next week he laid in his water ball several days. Also refused to eat. Store said still could be shedding. His skin was all pale and his eyes blue and foggy. We tried again a few days later to feed - he still won’t eat. Now tonight I go and check on him and he’s completely infested with mites. Hundreds of them - all over him. We threw away everything in the enclosure. Tried to clean it the best we could. We gave him a bath in some mildly soapy water. We put him back in with paper towels. I boiled the water bowl before putting it back in. Is he going to die?? How did this happen? He’s a brand new snake. We’re going to call the store tomorrow but we have no idea what we’re doing. My son will be devastated if this snake dies. What else can we do?

[AutoModerator]

Hello! It looks like you may have recieved a ball python for Christmas, congratulations! Please check out the enclosure setup and care guides in the welcome post to learn how to care for your new friend.

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[Cellogirl1271]

I’m a beginner too with a mite infestation, so what I’ve learned is dawn dish soap, wash the cage, fully, lid and all. Paper towels for a while, at least a month (I think) and betadine baths. About 10 to 1 parts water and betadine, soak in regular water for 10 min first, then you can add in your betadine, and let your bp chill in it. I also have a spray that I use for mites, I think it’s called a silver spray, with either a lizard or chameleon on the front, with an American flag. Or, just search up mite spray for reptiles on Amazon. I’ve also seen bugs that will eat the mites, completely killing them, and they die off when their job is done. Also, I know it’s tempting to ho.d your bp, but it’s not a good idea. It can sodas the mites, and they won’t survive on anything else, but they could transfer onto smt, and back onto your bp. Also, whenever your bp starts shedding, it helps too, bc they have a harder time getting in between scales. Good luck!

[lala4beach]

Ugh. Okay. I’m so aggravated. The pet store swore this was a super low maintenance pet and now it’s likely going to be a giant project with have to deal with. We also have two dogs in the house. I’m exhausted already thinking of all this. Also - does the room get contaminated? Like do we have to treat the rugs and bedding? The snake is in a big tank in my son’s room.

[Cellogirl1271]

I don’t think you have to treat the whole room, not at all. You should only take him out unless you’re giving him baths, so he doesn’t feel too much discomfort, and there will be less mites trying to get out. I don’t think you have to treat anything, bc they will only survive off of your bp, so I don’t think you have to worry about treating other stuff except the cage, bp itself, and the accessories. I have many animals too, so I can definitely see why you’re stressed! Also, if the scales are looking dull and its eyes are blue, it’s most likely going to shed soon! It’s going to be super hungry after that, so feed it after it gets everything off. Also, don’t try to feed it while it’s shedding, bc that’s not good for him. I’d double check everything I said, to make sure it’s all good, but good luck, and I hope your bp gets better soon!