Provent-a-Mite (Update 8/15)

[guidofatherof5]

Recent events on the forum have prompted me to do this update. Provent-a-Mite is aerosol product use to treat mites and ticks that feed on reptiles. In wet or vapor form it is deadly to those reptiles. Once dry the product is safe in normal respects but there have been some issues with neonates(snakes under a year old). The product is to be applies to an enclosure or bedding at an application rate of 1 second spray per square foot of space. I would suggest less use with neonates. I think it would be best to spray an empty enclosure and allow it to dry for at least 24-48 hours if not more. During this time neonates can be housed in a small tub and monitored for any mites. Damp white paper towels are good to use in the tub as it allows for quick identification of any mites and also allows for daily/bi-daily changing of the paper towels and water. These enclosures should be sprayed and wiped out with water. Many snakes will soak when dealing with mites. Applying a very, very small amount of liquid soap to the water will cause the mites to drown rather then float on top of the water tension. If the Provent-a-Mite is applied in an aquarium or plastic tub a fan needs to be placed so it will blow into them. This product will pool in the bottom of these enclosures. Air flow must be used to dry the product completely. Do not be in a rush to get the neonates back into the tub.
I have lost neonates to this product(no, a necropsy or tox screen was not done) even after following all of the above precautions. I believe some neonates are sensitive to this product due to their size and/or some other physiological reason.
This danger must be understood before using this product with neonates or young(under a year) snakes.

[Albert Clark]

Points well taken Steve. Thanks for all the info.