insects

Question
I have had my snake for a couple months now and just today I was holding hind and found a tiny insect crawling on him. I have a 6 month old ball python. the insect looks all black and very small. It is almost completely round. Just like a very little black ball with legs. I have now idea what they are and am a little concerned because he is about to go through his shedding period.

Answer
Hello Alfred,

That little black bug is most likely a mite.  Do you have loose substrate?  If so, you will need to change out the substrate & put in some paper towels until you are sure the mites are all taken care of.
You could also clean out his tank, which should get rid of any as well.  Try bathing him or soaking him to make sure that they all get off of him as they can lodge inbetween their scales.

Tracie