Mites

[Suzle87]

Me AGAIN!! (sorry)
Following reading info on here I am pretty sure Ventress has Mites...THANKS PETSHOP, THANKS!!!!!
Scales appear a little raised around base of tale and neck, and he has white spots on his head.
I was wondering have any of you used Callington spray? I have ordered this AND mite off, which hopefully should be here in the next few days.
In the meantime is there any advice anyone has on how to make sure he is as comfortable as possible? I am going to give him a bath after work, then book a day off at the end of the week to spray down the viv, remove everything, clean and bleach all decorations, put in new substrate etc. but ANY extra advice is appreciate, I feel sick since I've come to this realisation and just want to make sure I am doing all I can for him

[AshleeTheShort]

In the mites recovery phase here. So very sad. I will be keeping Duncan on paper towels for a total of 4 weeks, just to make it a bit easier to monitor progress.

In addition to using mite spray and giving baths (during which I used a toothbrush to gently go over her scales), I have rubbed her down in olive oil on 2 separate occasions to suffocate any remaining mites (just a very light coat which was mostly wiped off soon after). I was a bit nervous about doing this but saw it suggested in a few different places. I, of course, avoided her eyes and ears during all treatments. She seems to be doing fine. Annoyed but fine.

I am not an expert in the slightest, so I would definitely recommend reading more into it. Just wanted to share what has helped us so far.

I wish you and Ventress all the best!

[Suzle87]

Thanks so much for getting back to me Ashlee, and well done on doing what sounds like a lot of hard work to make sure your BTs gets better.
Il continue to read up on if and follow your suggestion of baths and oil, fingers crossed.
What did you use on your vivarium to clear them before popping them back in? Thanks again and glad to hear it’s all worked out well for you

[kayla990]

Awww, sorry to hear! But don't feel guilty for it, it can be treated (such a shame when shops aren't on top of such things..). Sadly don't have much advice other than just repeating what is online - though, there seems to be a few posts on here that could help, such as:

viewtopic.php?t=29388

Fingers crossed they'll be gone soon!

[Suzle87]

Hi again Kayla990 , is it literally "frontline for cats and dogs" do you know? thanks

[kayla990]

is it literally "frontline for cats and dogs" do you know? thanks

Oh doh - I presumed it was at first (as I only knew the UK brand of "frontline") but after looking into it a little more, seems that people are referring to the US version of it (can see a picture of the product in http://bamboozoo.weebly.com/snake-mites ... ethod.html ) .. so now I'm more doubtful of advising it - since it's a different product!

Hmm, I know that in some cases (at the zoo) we used products intended for domestic pets, but diluted into very weak substances to use on exotics (similar to the method in the link).. but if I'm honest it may be an idea to call a reptile vet to see if they have experience using the UK version of front line to be on the safe side. Apologies for the confusion!

[Suzle87]

is it literally "frontline for cats and dogs" do you know? thanks

Oh doh - I presumed it was at first (as I only knew the UK brand of "frontline") but after looking into it a little more, seems that people are referring to the US version of it (can see a picture of the product in http://bamboozoo.weebly.com/snake-mites ... ethod.html ) .. so now I'm more doubtful of advising it - since it's a different product!

Hmm, I know that in some cases (at the zoo) we used products intended for domestic pets, but diluted into very weak substances to use on exotics (similar to the method in the link).. but if I'm honest it may be an idea to call a reptile vet to see if they have experience using the UK version of front line to be on the safe side. Apologies for the confusion!

No need to apologise, appreciate your advice.
I’m going to use callington mite spray, I’m just trying to figure out what order I do it in, ie) do I take the substrate out prior to treating and put paper towels down (then I guess risking spreading them through the house) or do I spray first then take the substrate out once mites are dead? Just wondering if it will kill them all ok if they are deep down or whatever.
If anyone reading this thread has an idea of what to do is appreciate it.
I’m aware I have to take Ventress out and water out before spraying and not put water back for 24hrs, I just think the instructions are a little unclear about when I’m putting paper down and removing substrate.
I hope this makes sense, I’m so stressed out about these mites, it’s making me ramble!
All advice is very very greatly received.
Thankyou

[3Blue]

Me AGAIN!! (sorry)
Following reading info on here I am pretty sure Ventress has Mites...THANKS PETSHOP, THANKS!!!!!
Scales appear a little raised around base of tale and neck, and he has white spots on his head.
I was wondering have any of you used Callington spray? I have ordered this AND mite off, which hopefully should be here in the next few days.
In the meantime is there any advice anyone has on how to make sure he is as comfortable as possible? I am going to give him a bath after work, then book a day off at the end of the week to spray down the viv, remove everything, clean and bleach all decorations, put in new substrate etc. but ANY extra advice is appreciate, I feel sick since I've come to this realisation and just want to make sure I am doing all I can for him

When I had my first bluey for about a month, I noticed a mit. After millions of websites telling me about how hard it was to treat them, I have it a go. Trust me, it won't be that hard! Clean your little guys enclosure with anti-mite spray, and bathe your dude, while lightly spreading the the spray on him with a cotton ball. that's it!

[Suzle87]

Me AGAIN!! (sorry)
Following reading info on here I am pretty sure Ventress has Mites...THANKS PETSHOP, THANKS!!!!!
Scales appear a little raised around base of tale and neck, and he has white spots on his head.
I was wondering have any of you used Callington spray? I have ordered this AND mite off, which hopefully should be here in the next few days.
In the meantime is there any advice anyone has on how to make sure he is as comfortable as possible? I am going to give him a bath after work, then book a day off at the end of the week to spray down the viv, remove everything, clean and bleach all decorations, put in new substrate etc. but ANY extra advice is appreciate, I feel sick since I've come to this realisation and just want to make sure I am doing all I can for him

When I had my first bluey for about a month, I noticed a mit. After millions of websites telling me about how hard it was to treat them, I have it a go. Trust me, it won't be that hard! Clean your little guys enclosure with anti-mite spray, and bathe your dude, while lightly spreading the the spray on him with a cotton ball. that's it!

You're a legend, thankyou so much. The spray has arrived today so soon as I get home from work battle will commence.
Do you have any experience with callingtons spray? it says just to remove reptile and water and spray (so im presuming it means keep in substrate and decorations?)
then to do a full clean out of substrate etc in 72 hours?
This is what i'll do i think but just want to check if you had used it. I will let you know how I get on, and thankyou so so much for the positive message, it did give me a little wave of relief between all the frantic googling.

[3Blue]

Hm, I didn't use collingtons but I'm sure it won't be that diffent. I guess just follow the directions, and it'll be fine. Best of luck!

[splashy07]

I would take out all substrate and throw out, best put it outside right away. Clean your decorations and 'furniture' with the hottest water and soak them. An adult pregnant female mite will travel, so it's best to get everything out and start with a bare cage for cleaning. All you need is one and it starts all over again. Good luck.

[Suzle87]

I would take out all substrate and throw out, best put it outside right away. Clean your decorations and 'furniture' with the hottest water and soak them. An adult pregnant female mite will travel, so it's best to get everything out and start with a bare cage for cleaning. All you need is one and it starts all over again. Good luck.

Thanks splashy, so far so good and mite free today from looking at him.
I left everything but water in as that’s what instructions said so that it kills them all within the substrate then I take it all out and clean like you’ve said 72 hours from initial treatment and then treat again.
Il keep you posted on how I get on, think I may start taking his furniture out gradually and boiling and soaking like you say as so far he’s not one for change at all haha so best to do it alowly for him.

[Suzle87]

In the mites recovery phase here. So very sad. I will be keeping Duncan on paper towels for a total of 4 weeks, just to make it a bit easier to monitor progress.

In addition to using mite spray and giving baths (during which I used a toothbrush to gently go over her scales), I have rubbed her down in olive oil on 2 separate occasions to suffocate any remaining mites (just a very light coat which was mostly wiped off soon after). I was a bit nervous about doing this but saw it suggested in a few different places. I, of course, avoided her eyes and ears during all treatments. She seems to be doing fine. Annoyed but fine.

I am not an expert in the slightest, so I would definitely recommend reading more into it. Just wanted to share what has helped us so far.

I wish you and Ventress all the best!

Hi again Ashlee, just wondering how did you keep humidity up while on paper towels? I’ve put him on them today and am a bit worried about him not having high enough humidity. Any input greatly received, thankyou

[Lizard lover]

Hi. I've just been thru a awful mite infestation. My vet who is a reptile specialist says to use use Front line spray, remove all substrate, use paper towel as you can easily see any mites on the white towel. Bath the lizard, making sure to have the correct temp and don't let water in its ears. In the tank you keep your recovering bluey in, run a ring of Vaseline around the top of tank/tub or whatever you're using to contain the awful things. Crush them with back of your fingernail if you see live ones. Boil/bleach furniture From tank and treat lizards again 2 weeks later. Your eyes will be the best detectors. Use magnifying glasses if need be. Good luck.

[kayla990]

Good tips from Lizard Lover too

Hi again Ashlee, just wondering how did you keep humidity up while on paper towels?

I've seen a method which is attaching a large sponge onto the side of the tank (close to the heatsource where possible). In theory if you soak the sponge, but not to a point where it drips a ton - it should help with evaporation / humidity. Hopefully keeping it elevated will discourage the mites onto the sponge, and it can be replaced quite frequently if you do see anything on it. Otherwise I would presume using large (or multiple dishes) nearby the heat source would assist in raising it further.

Hope they'll be gone for good soon!

[Suzle87]

Thankyou to both of you. He seems so much better now, no mites *touch wood* and did a full shed in about 20 minutes last night (first shed with me, I was embarassingly proud haha)
We have the vets tonight, just for a full health check to the vet we have signed up to, so will get him to give him a good check over for any sign of mites and then HOPEFULLY we can get back to normal and Ventress can stop being mad at me for making him live in such a plain sterile environment!! haha.
Hope you all have a great week and I will update if the vet says anything of any consequence.

[Suzle87]

Vet impressed with him, I got some worming stuff to be on the safe side, that was interesting trying to get that down his throat, snails to the rescue!!

69BA8010-73F3-4C3E-8764-579A13883152.jpeg

[AshleeTheShort]

I am so sorry for falling off the face of the earth! It looks like you have gotten some great advice. I didn’t even think about using a sponge for humidity! I have a Northern, so the humidity doesn’t have to be quite as high. I have a water bowl sitting under the heat source and I spray some of the enclosure twice a day. I also added a humid hide.

It’s nice to see you throughout the forum. I can tell you love your little one very much!

[kayla990]

Yay! So glad to see you're getting good results ^__^ here's hoping you'll never see them anymore!

[Suzle87]

Yay! So glad to see you're getting good results ^__^ here's hoping you'll never see them anymore!

Thanks very much, and thankyou for all your help.
If any Mite dare cross my path again it better pray haha, I take no prisoners!!
All the best and hope you have a great week