I always keep a can of provent a mite here. Sometimes when you come home from a show you have brought home extra presents and don't even realize it. mites. I have run into them twice, The first time was when i was pretty new to the snake expo world and didnt even know snakes could get them. i brought them home on my first carpet python, Kisses and it took a week before I even realized they were EVERYWHERE. thankfully provent a mite is the most WONDERFUL PRODUCT EVER INVENTED! The second time, I was not able to pinpoint the exact source but I am a lot smarter today than I was back then so they were unable to spread too far before I nipped them gooooood. Do not waste your time with other products and don't buy generic lice spray. But yes, this product in it's wet form is very dangerous ESPECIALLY to tiny snakes like a garter. It MUST be dried thoroughly before the snakes are allowed to be put back in. if you follow the instructions on the can to the T... you will be okay! I use provent a mite on any new acquisitions I get no matter where they come from. All it takes is ONE MITE hiding in the chin flap of ONE SNAKE to cause an infestation.