Mites and Ticks

MITES
The lizard mite feeds on blood. In warm environments they will multiply quickly. If mites are present, they’ll likely be in the skin folds, eyes, the vent and underbelly. They will also seriously infest the enclosure. Mites can cause anemia, skin infections, shedding problems, anorexia and death.

TICKS
Ticks are also a significant source of disease and migrate to the same spots as mice do, only they are larger, if they begin to burrow into the skin,there would likely be inflammation on the surrounding area.

TREATMENT
1: Manual removal - After manual removal of ticks, treat affected skin with Betadine or Hibitane. Mites can be removed with gently rinsing or bathing with lukewarm/tepid water. Clean and disinfect the enclosure carefully. Discard any sand and permeable wood. Clean the glass with a bleach water (5-10% bleach) mix and soak, scrub, rinse very well and allow to completely dry. Eliminate any wood and soak all sterilizable bowls and furniture in more bleach/water mix for 60-80 minutes, scrub and rinse well, also allow to completely dry before putting them back in the enclosure. I do recommend ensuring all mites and ticks are eliminated before putting in more sand.
2. A vet could prescribe Ivomec. Consult your vet for this, as I have said, only they know the proper doses for your gecko.
3. No Pest Strips: For a 20 gallon tank, cut about 1/8 of one strip, put in a small container with several holes punched in the lid and put in the affected reptile’s enclosure for 3-4 hours, 2-3 times a week for 3 weeks. Larger enclosures will need a slightly larger piece.