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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/reptile-mites

What do mites look like on reptiles?

Mites look like tiny moving dots.

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  1. White fluffy clumps
  2. Tiny black, brown, or reddish specks that move ✔
  3. Hard bumps on the shell

Why: Merck says mites look like tiny black, brown, reddish or orange moving flecks. They gather around the eyes and face or neck folds, and a vet can recommend safe treatment.

Huh, didn't know that: Merck says reptiles with mites often soak in their water dish for long periods to drown the mites.

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Why did the turtle avoid the computer? Too many hard shells and bugs.
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References

Answer: Tiny black, brown, or reddish specks that move. Merck says mites look like tiny black, brown, reddish or orange moving flecks. They gather around the eyes and face or neck folds, and a vet can recommend safe treatment.

  1. Merck Veterinary Manual (pet owner): Selecting a Reptile www.merckvetmanual.com/all-other-pets/reptiles/selecting-a-reptile
    tiny black, brown, reddish, or orange flecks that move on the head, neck, and belly.
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  2. Merck Veterinary Manual (pet owner): Disorders and Diseases of Reptiles www.merckvetmanual.com/all-other-pets/reptiles/disorders-and-diseases-of-reptiles
    often found around the eyes, skin folds on the face or neck, or any other indentation on the body.
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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