Something is living in the substrate...

There was a sale for Exo-Terra Jungle Earth bedding at my local PSP (I am NOT purchasing my hoggy there as I was told I should get one from a reputable breeder and PSP doesn't order hoggies anyway, but that's where we head for to find good sales for equipment) and poured in the substrate in the "30, "12, "12, terrarium (which we also got for a great price). Then I noticed tiny pearl-white insects in the substrate:O (okay, I just had to post that smily). Hopefully they're just harmless wood-eating insects but I thought I should tell all of you this so you could give me an explanation and/or your opinion about it.

i've had that substrate before and had no problems! i don't think i'd be comfortable putting that with my snakes. i think there's a way you can sanitize it but i dunno... hopefully someone else will chime in!

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Originally Posted by python.princess

i've had that substrate before and had no problems! i don't think i'd be comfortable putting that with my snakes. i think there's a way you can sanitize it but i dunno... hopefully someone else will chime in!

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So you're saying that's a rare case? I thought it was. Oh yeah, since you said you've used it before now I know it's not pine/cedar!

Get some Provent-a-Mite to kill the bugs and whatever eggs they may have laid. In the meantime, you can bake the substrate to kill all the live bugs. (Not sure that would kill the eggs...they may hatch later, but P-a-M will prvent that) Spread it on a cookie sheet and bake it in the oven at about 250* for about 30 minutes.

Consider yourself smart - I'm glad you noticed and are finding help! The other option is to return it to the store and demand your money back. That is weird.

One guy was needing to get his snake to the vet and having husbandry issues. He had bought mulch as substrate from the local home supply store (Home Depot, I think) and ended up with cockroaches in his tank!!!! :O
http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...t=55006&page=3

So it could be worse!

Are they really tiny like mites or a slightly larger like termites?? YUCK! either way I'd get it out of the house asap and I'd be bringing it back to the store!

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Originally Posted by TekWarren

Are they really tiny like mites or a slightly larger like termites?? YUCK! either way I'd get it out of the house asap and I'd be bringing it back to the store!

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They're these little pearl-white insects that are a little bit bigger than a louse (which is the size of a pin's head). By the looks of it they look like harmless wood-eating insects but I guess I should find a way to rid them.

Yes, get rid of them and all the substrate. It's not worth it. They could be larvae for something bigger/worse. Give that store what for!

Good luck!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MelissaFlipski

Consider yourself smart - I'm glad you noticed and are finding help! The other option is to return it to the store and demand your money back. That is weird.

One guy was needing to get his snake to the vet and having husbandry issues. He had bought mulch as substrate from the local home supply store (Home Depot, I think) and ended up with cockroaches in his tank!!!! :O
http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...t=55006&page=3

So it could be worse!

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Oh, I'm sure it could get worse, but I need to know what they are.

hard to tell would need a pic. also hard to take since they are so small lol.

not sure what to say.
i wouldnt risk it no matter what they are.

I use the coconut bark. it works great. and is dehydrated before hand. looks kinda like dirt.