Snake mites are the most common ectoparasite found in reptile collections and they can be a nightmare to eradicate. Thankfully, there’s a treatment which is safe, fast, natural and effective. Taurrus predatory mites!
Here are 7 good reasons why you should ditch the chemicals and use Taurrus predators instead.
As a snake owner, dealing with snake mites can be incredibly frustrating. These tiny parasites latch onto your pet and cause major discomfort through their constant biting and blood-feeding. Getting rid of them for good often feels impossible as they rapidly reproduce and infest your snake’s entire habitat. However, relief may be as simple as introducing another type of mite – pest mites.
What Are Pest Mites?
Pest mites, also known as beneficial mites or predator mites, are varieties that prey on problematic mites like snake mites. There are many genera of microscopic pest mites including Phytoseiulus, Amblyseius, Hypoaspis, and Neoseiulus. These mites hunt, kill, and consume snake mites, disrupting their life cycle. As a biological control, they provide a natural and chemical-free solution for severe snake mite infestations.
How Do Pest Mites Work?
Pest mites require warmer temperatures between 60-80°F and higher humidity levels above 50% RH to thrive. When introduced into a snake habitat prone to mite issues, they get right to work feeding on all life stages of snake mites The predatory mites attack and puncture the shell of the snake mites, injecting a paralyzing venom and sucking out the fluids inside
Within a matter of days, just a small population of pest mites can decimate snake mite numbers by consuming up to 5-20 mites per day. They also reproduce rapidly themselves, allowing their numbers to quickly rise into the thousands and keep pace with the snake mites. Pest mites continue eating any remaining snake mites until the infestation is fully under control.
Optimal Species for Snake Mite Control
One of the most popular varieties for managing snake mites is Hypoaspis miles. These tiny tan mites measure just 0.4 mm but pack a powerful predatory punch. They thrive in the warmer, humid conditions required by pet snakes.
Other excellent choices include Amblyseius cucumeris Amblyseius californicus Amblyseius swirskii, and Phytoseiulus persimilis. These mites all possess a remarkable ability to seek out snake mites and wipe out populations. Strains ideal for the environment in your snake’s enclosure are available.
Acquiring and Releasing Pest Mites
Pest mites are available from a number of commercial insectaries that supply beneficial insects and mites, They are typically sold in bottles containing thousands of mites along with a carrier substance like bran or vermiculite Expect to pay $25-$30 for a shipment
Once received, sprinkling the mites throughout the snake’s enclosure is as simple as shaking the container. Focus on areas the snake frequents and where mites accumulate like substrates and hides. The mites will disperse and get right to preying on snake mites. After a few weeks, the pest mite population will die off once snake mites are under control.
Maximizing Effectiveness
Getting the most out of pest mites requires creating an ideal environment and providing adequate food supply. Maintain temperatures around 75°F and humidity above 60%. Use substrates like cypress mulch that hold moisture well. Eliminate other insecticides which could harm the beneficial mites.
Introduce enough pest mites to match the level of infestation, using ratios provided by suppliers as a guide. Rotate substrates frequently to prevent mites from hiding. Monitor progress and release more mites if needed until snake mites are eradicated. Patience is key as it takes time for pest mite populations to establish and overcome the snake mites.
Advantages of Pest Mites
Utilizing predatory pest mites offers a safe, non-toxic solution to snake mite problems. The mites pose no harm to humans or pets, avoiding the hazards of chemical pesticides. Pest mites are inexpensive, simple to use, and provide thorough control when properly implemented. The mites often eliminate mites in places sprays can’t reach. Their effects are also longer-lasting as the mites persist until prey is scarce.
For a natural approach to serious snake mite issues, deploying an army of benevolent pest mites leads to success without risks. Allow their remarkable hunting abilities to destroy every last snake mite and finally gain the upper hand against this frustrating foe!
Chemical treatments may not be safe for reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates
Common chemical snake mite treatments such as neonicotinoids and pyrethroids can be toxic for reptiles and other animals. Garter snakes and hognose snakes are particularly susceptible; as are hatchling snakes of all species. They are of course, especially hazardous for lizards, amphibians and invertebrates.
Chemical treatments can be a big problem with large collections
Using chemicals to treat an outbreak of mites can be risky if you also own any of the susceptible animals listed above. We also know that these chemicals leave a residue inside the treated vivarium for up to 6 weeks, which can be disastrous if animals are moved to new enclosures that have previously been treated.
SNAKE MITES? – REMOVE THEM, FOREVER!
FAQ
What are the predator mites for snake mites?
Taurrus predators are the natural predator of many different species of mite, including Ophionyssus natricis – the snake mite. It works by killing and consuming both the mites and also their eggs.
What is the best treatment for snake mites?
We recommend Reptile Relief by Natural Chemistry (to treat the animal) and Provent-A-Mite by Pro Products (to treat the enclosure).
What insects eat snake mites?
Cheyletus Eruditus : This mite species is a newer biological approach to snake mites, which thrives at higher temperatures and humidity levels that are more in line with captive snakes. These mites also eat all life stages of snake mite and have been found to help control snake mite infestations.
How do you get rid of snake dust mites?
Your vet will also advise whether they want you to spray down your snake’s enclosure with an insecticide. If you prefer snake mite treatments that are less toxic, try: Betadine baths (povidone-iodine solution): This tried-and-true snake mite treatment involves soaking your snake in a Betadine bath.