Hi everyone. We just got our 11 month old girl about 3 weeks ago from a local shop. We are first time reptile owners. This week she's been soaking a lot, and today I found what I think are mites that were in her water bowl. 

I read the mites guide and a lot of other posts, but am still a little confused. Here is what I think is the course of action. 

\-Buy Provent a mite 

\-throw out all substrate in her enclosure

\-thoroughly clean the enclosure and treat with provent a mite\*

\-Treat surfaces around the enclosure with provent a mite

\-clean hides, water bowl, and other things that were inside 

\-let her soak in water with dish soap and remove visible mites (I haven't actually seen any on her, just a few in the water bowl)

\-put her back in the enclosure but with paper towels as substrate to monitor. Don't put water bowl back in for 24 hours\*

Here are my questions:

\-I read that the enclosure needs to air dry from the provent a mite completely before letting the snake in. How long does that take? 

\-Does anyone know why the water bowl can't be placed back in until 24-48 hours after treatment? Is this assuming I've treated the bowl?

\-we spent like $45 on that branch that she loves to climb. Is it possible to clean it without throwing it out?

\-What do I do after all of this?

\-I may get new hides since I've l

earned that the half logs aren't the best, but in the mean time, can they even be cleaned?

I'm so sad that we have to put her through this treatment right when she (and we!) finally got everything nice and cozy in her enclosure. Any advice and positive stories are appreciated. 

Mites :( Can you check my method?