texas spiney lizard

Question
We caught a Texas lizard in our backyard this past summer.  He is one of the largest we have seen.  We bought all of the necessary items for an aquarium habitat.  He seems to be doing very well.  We've been feeding him crickets we buy at the pet store.  Today, I noticed there are teeny, tiny bugs crawling on his heat rock. They are a brownish-orange color %26 very small.  Do you know what they could be?  Should I be concerned?  

Answer
It sounds like mites, and that would br natural as he is a wild caught.  I would have him seen by a good reptile veterinarian for mites plus have a fecal test done to find out what gut parasites he may also have and get proper treatment.  This means also boiling his furniture that can be boiled, Washing his tank out with disinfectant and boiling water.  While he's being treated, have him on white paper towel and cardbord boxes that can be thrown out and replaced.  feed him in a white sterlite bin that can also be rinsed in boiling water after every use.  Only when he is mite and parasite free can you re-set his furniture.  Throw out the heat rock, it causes belly burns in reptiles frequently.  All heat should come from above, from lights and ceramic heat emitters.