Snake Humidity

Is humidity important for snakes?

Like many other types of reptiles, snakes come from warm, humid environments. For snakes in particular, the moisture in air helps to keep their skin and respiratory tract moist. There are many ways to increase humidity levels inside your snake’s enclosure, from using high-tech misting and rainfall systems to simply adding layers of sphagnum moss and leaf litter. We recommend you use a digital hygrometer to keep a close eye on humidity levels and ensure that they’re always within an optimum range.

What’s the best humidity for snakes?

The ideal humidity level for snakes changes depending on species, but on average most snakes appreciate levels between 50-70%. Some snakes, like corn snakes and milk snakes, prefer drier conditions with humidity levels anywhere between 40% and 60%. Other snakes, like ball pytho, like wetter conditions with humidity levels around 70%. During shedding cycles, most snakes benefit from increased levels of humidity. It’s important that you thoroughly research your snake’s specific preferences before you bring it home.

Is too much humidity bad for snakes?

Yes, excessively high humidity levels can cause diseases like scale rot. This blister disease is usually associated with damp, unsanitary conditions where high humidity promotes an increase in the growth of bacteria inside your snake’s enclosure, as well as on its skin. The best way to reduce humidity levels inside your vivarium is by increasing ventilation. This can be done by replacing solid lids with mesh screens or by drilling small ventilation holes. You can also place a dehumidifier by the side of your vivarium or swap out your substrate for a drier variety.