Quick mite question

Will freezing a substrate or moss kill any potential mites? Just wondering....

If you freeze it for several weeks, yes. I'd recommend baking (for substrate... maybe not sphagnum moss. Seems like that might burn a bit to easily).

EDIT: I'm assuming you're using cypress mulch, eco-earth ect. or something similar to those for substrate.

This is a good read: http://denardo.lab.asu.edu/publicati...snakemites.pdf

Mites and eggs can't survive for more than a few seconds over 150*F if you want to bake your substrate as a preventive measure.

:) you could try leaving the moss under the sunlight maybe it will kill the mites

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DVirginiana

If you freeze it for several weeks, yes. I'd recommend baking (for substrate... maybe not sphagnum moss. Seems like that might burn a bit to easily).

EDIT: I'm assuming you're using cypress mulch, eco-earth ect. or something similar to those for substrate.

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Isn't overnight enough? Current nighttime temp is around -10C or 14F.

I leave Coco Husk bricks outside and then when time to use, pour boiling water over it.

Lol I was hoping for easy answer of freezing it by putting it outside. I'll bake it for sure