What External (Skin) Parasites Commonly Affect Reptiles?

Ticks and mites are the most common external parasites found on reptiles, and can infest lizards, snakes, and chelonians (turtles and tortoises). There are 7 genera of ticks and over 250 species of mites that affect reptiles, including chiggers. "Acariasis" is the medical term for an infestation with mites or ticks.

How Do Ticks and Mites Cause Disease?

Ticks and mites both feed on the blood of reptiles, and if the infestation is severe, may cause anemia. Ticks can also transmit a number of diseases and may spread various protozoan parasites that live in the blood stream. Ticks from other continents, such as Africa, may pose special dangers if they get into the environment. They may carry diseases, such as heartwater, that are devastating to other animals such as farm livestock and wildlife. They can also carry diseases that can be transmitted to people, such as Lyme disease.

What Are the Signs of Tick or Mite Infestation?

The signs of a tick infestation are generally obvious, as the adult ticks are typically visible with the naked eye, especially if they are engorged with blood. Ticks may cause dysecdysis (abnormal shedding) or local reactions where they are attached. If left untreated, large infestations of ticks can cause anemia.

Mite infestations may cause the animal to have a dull appearance. The skin or scales may be pitted or crusty, with small hemorrhages. Mites may cause ulcers in lizards, especially iguanas. Affected animals may be depressed or lose their appetite, and be seen rubbing themselves on cage furniture or soaking in water for long periods of time. Severe infestations can cause anemia, and even death.

How Are Infestations With Ticks and Mites Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of a tick infestation can be made by visually observing the parasite. Ticks are usually found under the scales or in the nostrils of snakes. On lizards, they are commonly seen near the vent or in the nostrils. Ticks usually attach to turtles near the vent, or in the soft skin under the shell in front of or in back of the legs.

Mites are much smaller and less easy to recognize. They may be seen as very small black or red dots on the animal, often around the eyecaps of snakes, or under the scales. They also may be seen floating in the water, or on the owner after handling the reptile.

How Are Animals With These External Parasites Treated?

Ticks: Ticks should be manually removed from the reptile using small forceps or tweezers.

Grab the tick by the head or mouth parts right where they enter the skin. Do not grasp the tick by the body.

Without jerking, pull firmly and steadily directly outward. Do not twist the tick as you are pulling.

Using methods such as applying petroleum jelly, a hot match, or alcohol will NOT cause the tick to 'back out.' In fact, these irritants may cause the tick to deposit more disease-carrying saliva in the wound.