After removing the tick, place it in a jar of alcohol to kill it. Ticks are NOT killed by flushing them down the toilet.

Wash your hands thoroughly.

Please do not use your fingers to remove or dispose of the tick. We do not want you in contact with a potentially disease-carrying tick. Do NOT squash the tick with your fingers. The contents of the tick can transmit disease.

Snakes and lizards with ticks may also be treated with ivermectin, especially if the ticks are located in areas where they are difficult to remove (e.g., the nostrils).

Mites: There are numerous treatments used to eliminate mites from reptiles. Many of them can be hazardous to the animal if not applied correctly. Always consult with your veterinarian before using any insecticide/pesticide on your reptile.

Water baths: Soaking a reptile in a lukewarm water bath for twenty minutes will drown the mites on the animal's body, but not affect those on the animal's head.

Olive oil: Olive oil can be applied to the entire animal. It works by smothering the mites, but it can be messy.

Pyrethroids: Pyrethroids are synthetic variations of the insecticide pyrethrin, which is found naturally in chrysanthemums. Pyrethroids generally kill the mites in a shorter period of time and have a longer residual activity. Resmethrin, a pyrethroid, at a concentration of 0.35% is found in commercial sprays and is effective and generally safer for use in reptiles than pyrethrins, if used according to directions. Spray the animal with the product, avoiding the mouth and eyes. Then rinse the product off under running, lukewarm water. Do NOT leave the product on the animal or toxicity may result. Rinsing the animal off will remove the pyrethroid and the dead mites. Animals showing signs of anemia or weakness should be evaluated by a veterinarian and given supportive therapy prior to treatment with pyrethroids.

Ivermectin: Ivermectin can be given orally, by injection, or a diluted solution can be sprayed on the snake, but in some cases, it is not as effective as pyrethroids. Do NOT use ivermectin in turtles or tortoises.

Pest strips or dog/cat flea collars: Pieces of pest strips or flea/tick collars of dogs and cats have been used by some as a treatment for external parasites by placing them inside of or on top of the reptile's cage. These often contain organophosphates which are very toxic to reptiles, and their use is NOT recommended.

In addition to treating the animal, the cage should be cleaned on a regular basis, disinfecting it with a diluted bleach solution (1-3 ounces of household bleach to one quart of water).

Most mite and tick infestations are found on newly acquired reptiles. If you are adding a reptile to your collection, remember to quarantine it away from the other reptiles for at least 1 month. Ticks, especially, can travel fairly large distances (into other rooms) and can accidentally be transferred to other animals on your clothing or other items. Always feed, clean the cage, handle that reptile last, etc., and wash hands and utensils well afterward.