Animal Mites: What to do?

Mites are an issue that a pet owner may encounter from time to time so its imperative that some insight is placed upon this issue. Mites are tiny parasitic arachnids that live on the skin, hair, feathers, or scales of an animal. They can cause itchy irritated spots and prolonged exposure could cause certain upper respiratory disorders along with many other problems. Mites either eat skin cells or suck lymph fluid from an animals body. There are many options to rid the animals of these pesky parasites depending on the type of animal and how long the animal has had them. Its no walk in the park either way but with a little dedication they can be brought to bay.

Scabies Mite. Photo courtesy of

Itching in a Miniature Pig | Avian and Exotic Animal Care, Raleigh, NC. (n.d.). Retrieved December 27, 2011, from http://avianandexotic.com/archives/861

 Once it has been established that the animal has mites if there is any other animals around, the infected animal must be isolated from the rest of the animals because mites will spread like wildfire. Don’t allow any other animals around the infected animal. It is much more difficult to get rid of a mite infestation in two or more animals. Once the infestation gets out of control it is a lot harder to control. There are several sprays that can be bought at pet shops that work decent. I have personally used sprays on parrots that have had mites and a few reptiles with mites. If the sprays are used properly, most of the time they will yield positive results. Another option for snake owners is to place the snake in a container with water for 24 hours. Make sure the snakes head isn't completely submerged but allow its entire body to be under water and place a lid on the container with holes for breathing. This will drown the mites.

One thing to keep in mind when dealing with a mite infestation is that all pet litter and the entire cage should be cleaned thoroughly with a solution of one cup bleach per one gallon of water. This dilute solution is sufficient enough to kill the mites but also won't be strong enough to harm the animal. This will eliminate any mites that may exist in the bedding. It is a good idea to sanitize the cages and bedding as soon as the mites are found. Any material that is to be reused and small enough to fit in something that has the solution should be placed in the solution for at least 48 hours.  The mites will keep coming back until everything has been sanitized.

Reptile Mite. Photo courtesy of

Recognize & Treatment of snake mites. (n.d.).Stöckl - Die Nr.1 Boa constrictor  Seite im Internet. Retrieved December 27, 2011, from http://www.boa-constrictors.com/en/Interesting_facts_about_Boa_constrictor/Boa_constrictor_Care/mites/Recognize_Treatment_snake_mites

 It is difficult to detect mites in animals because they are so small. There are several indicators of mites. Reptiles that have mites are easier to examine than birds or mammals. In most cases mites can be seen with a magnifying glass and looking over the reptiles body. If careful attention is payed to the reptile a magnifying glass may not be needed. In birds, one more serious sign that a mite infestation may be present is plucking. Other ways of determining if a parrot has mites is by looking at the base and the tip of its feathers. Looking carefully at the feathers clusters of mites may be visible. A Mammal infestation can prove to be harder to determine. Some signs to look for is lethargy, drinking an unusual amount of water, bold spots, and an overall sickly appearance. One way to visibly see if mites are on an animal is by taking a white piece of paper and gently brush the animals hair with a fine toothed comb. Once the animal is completely brushed examine the paper for mites.

If the infestation is extreme and/or it can't be determined that mites are the cause then seeking a veterinarian immediately is essential to the animals well being. Mites are a common problem that shouldn't be taken lightly. With a little information, they can be eliminated, greatly increasing an animals quality of life. It isn't bad for an animal to have mites but it is horrible if they keep mites. It is our job as caretakers of our beloved pets to ensure that they live happy, healthy, long lives.

A type of Mange. Photo courtesy of

The Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention of Sarcoptic Mange in Dogs. (n.d.). Retrieved December 27, 2011, from http://www.dogsobediencetraining.com/the-symptoms-diagnosis-treatment-and-prevention-of-sarcoptic-mange-in-dogs/

Thanks for reading!

James