The larvae migrating through the human body can cause varying degrees of inflammation and reaction. Surgery may be necessary to remove larval cysts. Medical treatment of humans with larval cysts is not usually effective. Mites are external parasites that can infest a variety of reptiles. While most are quite species specific, and can only complete their life cycle on their intended host, they are capable of biting humans.
Ticks are another group of insects that can be found on reptiles.
The ticks themselves are not usually dangerous to humans, although they can bite humans and family pets. But ticks can carry several different diseases that can infect humans, such as relapsing fever, western equine encephalitis virus, among others. This information is not meant to scare herp owners, but to ensure that pet owners understand that it is very important to teach all family members that practicing scrupulous hygiene is very important when it comes to owning herps. It is equally important to find and utilize the knowledge of a qualified herp vet. By having appropriate testing performed by your vet, by washing after handling a herp, and finally by keeping herp cages clean, any risk of disease will be minimized.