question about mites

[Alika]

I have always been told that mites and fleas don't do well in this climate; we just don't really get them here (UT). Is that true? I know that reptiles come in from all over, but I was under the impression that even if they do come in with mites, they won't keep them?

I'm starting to doubt this now, and would like to have it cleared up by someone who knows a bit more about mites than I do. Is there anyone here in Northern Utah who has ever had a mite problem?

I haven't seen a reptile, petstore or otherwise, that has mites, but then, my experience is limited.

The reason I bring it up is because I use cypress mulch as a bedding. If I need to treat it before using it, it would be good to know BEFORE I find out that mites really do well in Utah.

	Mites Mites, close relatives of fleas and ticks

[ball python chick]

i would think snake mites are snake mites and will do fine as long as they are on a snake i personally dont know about areas but i would still think you would get them.they arent easy for the first timer to spot.i recieved a new carpet that was brought to me and she looked great that night i noticed her in the water where she stayed and didnt come out.someone said it could be mites i said no i dont see anything on her.so i used a magnafying glass and found one here and one there.if you look in the water bowl you can see dead ones where the snake has drowned them off.gross.i have only had them once and that was enough.

	Mites Mites, close relatives of fleas and ticks

[Alika]

Thanks.

I am sure my snake doesn't have them, but now I will be more careful with the cypress mulch I buy. I will start treating it as has been suggested.

And thanks for not acting like it was a stupid question. I felt pretty stupid typing it

[_BoidFinatic_]

mites are hatched out of the eggs in snake feces when the feces are in high humidity. I go to store called the Snake Pit and the guy has been in to snakes for a long time and tells me that if the feces are left there than the mites and ticks will hatch.

	Mites Mites, close relatives of fleas and ticks

[wreckwriter]

Even if they don't do well in that climate, remember that your snake cages are artificial climate zones all their own. If the mites are somehow introduced, they'll thrive.

	Mites Mites, close relatives of fleas and ticks

[Nexus]

The mite eggs will be deposited in a dark humid hatching medium by the mites , females mites will lay eggs anywere within the vivarium or even outside of the vivarium if they find a dark position with appropriate humidity. For a detailed description of the mites life cycle and habits see the link below.

http://www.vpi.com/9VPITipsAndTechs/...owTheEnemy.htm

Cheers
Nick

	Mites Mites, close relatives of fleas and ticks