Mite infestations are probably one of the most frustrating conditions to deal with, especially for pet owners in multi-reptile households. Three species of mites can be found in reptiles. The snake mite (Ophionyssus natricis) is a small black mite and is most commonly found on snakes and lizards.
Ophionyssus acertinus is red, found mostly only on lizards. Nymph Trombiculid (chigger) mites are also red but only the 6-legged larval form is infectious. Mites can travel between cages in the same room and the whole collection may require treatment. As well as the environment will need frequent cleaning until the infestation is cleared. Adult mites may survive up to 40 days without feeding.
Reptiles with mites exhibit dermatitis, redness, itchiness, restlessness, extended soaking, frequent ecdysis (shedding), excessive rubbing on cage decorations, dehydration, decreased appetite, and/or failure to thrive. Diagnosis is often made by visualization of ectoparasites on the patient or in the habitat. All life stages are visible to the naked eye, but a hand lens can be used for magnification if needed. Mites tend to congregate around the head, eyes, chin, within skin folds, or gaps between scales. Within the habitat, mites may hide on the inner surface of the cage lid, hide boxes, or within any crevices and corners. Wiping the skin with a gauze sponge or cotton swab is often enough to collect mites for observation.
Bacterial or fungal skin infections can sometimes be mistaken for a mite infection.
Successful treatment of mites relies on treating both the patient and the environment and should minimally continue for at least 3 weeks if not longer to ensure eradication. All affected animals need to be isolated in a separate room from unaffected animals for a minimum of 40 days. Several different medications can be prescribed for both systemic and topical treatment of mites. Some medications are not safe for all reptiles, such as ivermectin which cannot be used in turtles, tortoises, skinks, or indigo snakes. Your veterinarian will provide treatment recommendations appropriate for your pet.
Maintaining hydration is important during treatment. This can be accomplished by soaking the patient for 15-30 minutes in shallow, warm water daily to encourage them to drink. Never leave your pet soaking unattended.
In order to prevent reinfestation, it is important to decontaminate the environment. Remove and dispose of all porous substrates and accessories in the cage. Sanitate and clean the cage, lid, and decor in hot water (120F) twice weekly. Heavy infestations may require insecticide application in the environment around the cage.
A significant mite infestation will take a long time to fully clear. Re-infestation is common.
The prognosis for an individual animal depends on the load of the infestation, secondary pyoderma, and the animal’s condition, but is generally fair to good.
We recommend returning for a recheck examination 14 days after the last dose to make sure problems have been resolved. Mite infestations in the environment may not be readily observable on the patient during an exam; owners must thoroughly examine the environment, too. Mites may temporarily infest humans exposed and can cause rash, but cannot complete life cycle on humans alone.
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