MITES AND TICKS

The two most common types of ectoparasites found on reptiles are Mites and Ticks. Most information currently available on reptiles tends to treat mites and ticks as separate parasites. The truth is that these two parasites are actually in the same family and vary mostly in size. They are both ectoparasites that feed on the blood of the host animal and when compared under a microscope are identical in most respects. They can both be found under the scales and around the eyes of reptiles. While ticks are easier to locate as a result of their greater size they may be eliminated in the same manner as mites, which are smaller and usually found in greater numbers moving about the animal. Regardless of whether the reptile has ticks or mites they may both be eliminated very safely with the use of inexpensive medications available from an experienced veterinarian.

There are many home remedies that work, but most place the animal at risk due to the toxins involved. The most commonly use home remedy involves the use of no-pest strips, which have proved very dangerous to the reptile if used incorrectly. A simple solution consisting of 1cc of Ivermectin and 2cc of Propelyne Glycol added to 1 liter of distilled water may be misted on both the reptile and its enclosure twice daily for 7-10 days. The solution should be sprayed directly on ticks. This will eliminate both mites and ticks and does not pose a health risk to the reptile at all. This solution may usually be purchased from your veterinarian, who will have to mix it, relatively inexpensively. If your vet does not feel comfortable mixing the solution for you he or she may give the reptile an intra muscular injection of .02cc Ivermectin. This will have the same effect. Caution should always be used when using ivermectin in Chameleons and Chelonians as this drug may be fatal to these species. Other species do not seem to be effected by Ivermectin in the same way as chameleons and chelonians and therefor this drug offers a safe alternative for treatment of mites and ticks in all other species.

Ticks should never be removed by hand. When attempting to remove a tick by hand there is always a risk that the mouthparts may not be completely removed, leaving the door open for bacteria and a secondary infection. The other problem with this method is the potential for human exposure to lymes disease, which is known to be carried and spread by ticks. The method recommended here eliminates the risks described and when treated as directed the ticks will die and fall off on there own.

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