he-ribbon or she-ribbon?

[aquamentus_11]

hmm i ordered a heat panel from them and have the pamphlet about provent a mite they sent. i was under the impression that it was only for the enclosure, not the mite son the snake.

[aquamentus_11]

btw, do you think boy or girl, steve?

[guidofatherof5]

Yes the product is for the enclosure which is where the mites are born and live.
There are other things that can be done to remove the mites from the snake.
It's the enclosure that is the problem. The microscopic newborn mites are killed long before they ever get on the snake.

[aquamentus_11]

ok, so what about for a new snake with possible mites that will be coming to a brand new, miteless cage? i would think treating the snake for the existing mites before allowing it into the cage would work in that case.

[guidofatherof5]

It only takes one missed mite to cause an infestation a few weeks later. Then you have the entire area to treat.
Since using Provent- A -Mite I haven't seen a single mite in almost over 2 years.
The first thing I would ascertain is whether or not the snake even has mites.

[aquamentus_11]

even before that, i need to make sure that it's actually a girl, but the wet paper towel will reveal mites for sure?

[guidofatherof5]

even before that, i need to make sure that it's actually a girl, but the wet paper towel will reveal mites for sure?

As a rule that would be a correct statement but sometimes it just takes observations.
This being a ribbon snake means excessive soaking/water time might be more normal then a clue that mites are present.
Black specks in the water bowl or actual mites on the snake are something to look for. The black specks will show black or even red when smashed and smirred on a white paper towel.
Under the chin, around the eyes, under and around the anal plate area. These are all areas to look for mites.
Excessive rubbing against the substrate is a possible sign of mites.

What makes you think these snakes have mites?

[aquamentus_11]

the larger snake that she(?) is in with had a couple ventral scales that were raised and looked injured. i looked closer and saw dark masses packed in underneath each scale. i lifted the scales up to see a little bit better and came away with a perfectly round/oval black speck on my finger. the owner was right there through it all and said it was an injury. i just put the snake back and washed my hands.

[aquamentus_11]

i didn't see anything like that on the little one.

[EasternGirl]

Did the speck move?...mites usually move...you see them crawl around.