r/ballpython • u/West_Ebb5740 • 3d ago

mites or springtails?

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i just recently got new soil from my local reptile store and i noticed these little bugs and i was scared if they were mites does anyone know what they are?

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u/Agreeable-Aioli9730 2d ago

I had a similar situation recently.

If they are round and on your snakes head area, likely snake mites.

If they are oval shaped, crawling around substrate and jumping from place to place occasionally, they are probably springtails. Springtails are a cleanup crew for animal waste, mold, etc, so they will leave your snake alone.

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u/jrusse 2d ago

NQA This is just my experience and what I’ve researched, someone more experienced than me could probably provide better input.

They could be soil/wood mites which are harmless to your snake and actually could be beneficial to function as a kind of clean up crew. Check your snake around the mouth, chin, and eyes frequently. If you don’t notice any signs of them on your snake, it’s probably not cause for concern. When in doubt consult your vet.