How to Handle Pests on Uromastyx Lizards

External parasites are pests for both the uromastyx and its owner as well. If you find mites or ticks on your lizard, immediate attention is required, or your uromastyx could die. The reason for this is that these pests suck the blood of their host, which causes problems. Follow these steps to handle pests on your uromastyx.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Forceps or tweezers
• Povidone iodine solution
• Internal or external parasiticide
• Bleach

1. Check the body of your uromastyx, especially in the folds of his skin, for mites and ticks. Mites are very small, and may be hard to see. They may appear to be a small piece of dirt, and can differ in color. Ticks are a little larger than mites are, and they will swell with blood the longer they stay on the lizard. If you see mites or ticks, continue to Step 2.
2. Remove ticks with a pair of tweezers or forceps. However, remember that you must also remove the head, which is in the skin, or your lizard could develop an infection. Then disinfect the area where the tick was with a povidone iodine solution.
3. Give your lizard a bath to get rid of many of the pests. Many of them will be able to escape to the head, but you may be able to wipe many off with a wet cotton swab.
4. Choose either an internal or an external parasiticide to treat your uromastyx. Know that internal parasiticides usually work best, but you can only acquire these from your veterinarian. You can purchase an external parasiticide from a pet store. If you choose the external parasiticide, follow the package directions.
5. Clean the uromastyx vivarium. To clean the uromastyx habitat, remove everything from it. Clean the enclosure, food bowl and water bowl with bleach, making sure you rinse them out completely. Put pieces of wood in the oven to kill any mites. Replace substrate and plants. If you had any rocks in the vivarium, boil them. Reassemble the vivarium and replace your uromastyx back to his home.