Snake Mites

Understanding the biology of the snake mite will help the herpetologist control and prevent infestations of this pesky and possibly dangerous invertebrate.

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ADULTS: active; blood feeders; can live up to 40 days (fed or unfed)

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EGGS: a single female can produce 60 eggs, with or without a male, unfertile eggs will become male, fertile eggs will become female, eggs will hatch in 40-56 hours

DEUTONYMPH: active but not feeding; usually not on the snake; lasts 24-26 hours

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PROTONYMPH: active; blood feeders; lives 19-31 days with or without feeding

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LARVA: not active; do not feed; last 18-24 hours

The snake mite prefers 20-23 C and 95% humidity.
Lower humidity levels increase unsuccessful molting. Actual water droplets in the mites can drown them.
These mites prefer snakes over other animals, and prefer deeply scaled animals over smooth.
They prefer darkness.
Active stages will climb upwards in search of snakes.
All stages spend some if not all of their time off the host.
Long term treatment of the environment and the animals is needed.

WATER - soaking snakes is a safe treatment good for a fast quick reduction in the mites feeding on the snake. This is good to do if a snake is debilitated and may not do well with insecticidal treatment. Soaking cages and accessories with hot water is effective for environmental control.

DESICCANTS - hard to achieve contact with mites; small animals can be dehydrated by desiccants. Some are carcinogens.

DICHLORVOS - no pest strips, place 1-3 cm strip in cage for 2-3 hours per day for 10-14 days. No skin contact (human or herp.) should occur with strips. Long term use or exposure may be hepatotoxic.

PYRETHRINS / PYRETHROIDS: Many variations on the market with a wide range of efficiency / toxicity. Wide range o carries, monitor animals closely. Rinse / wash well after 5-10 min. of exposure. (Mild soapy water, followed by just water.)

IVOMECTIN: Long half life in mammals (longevity in snakes is unknown at this point.) Variation in effectiveness between species. Can be used as a "spray-on" to treat snakes and environment. Shake well, and protect from light. Some use combination of injection and spray. Never use in / on chelonians (turtles / tortoises). Some lizards are prone to ivomectin toxicity. Dose - injectable .2mg./kg weekly for 3 weeks; spray 5mg./L H2O every 4-5 days for 3 weeks.

INSECT GROWTH REGULATORS: Research is being done with Program TM Lufeneron as an injectable, may hold great promise in the future.