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[Chimera]

I think the case you present about tolerance and residual build up is only valid in case of half hearted attempts at mite eradication. A snake has it's own defense against mites which is to soak in it's water bowl thus drowning the mites.

I think if people follow all the basic steps in mite eradication the exposure to TOD on the part of the snake can be minimised. If each attempt to eradicate mites is followed through to completion then the potential for genetically passed tolerance to TOD is removed.

Having said that, natural alternatives such as the predatory mite if successful assist in the prevention of problems. Prevention is ALWAYS better then treatment however bi-weekly sprays of TOD in enclosures is probably overkill.