For those who have used Equate to treat mites...

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Originally Posted by elevatethis

Sure, Equate kills mites, albeit temporarily as the substance breaks down too quickly to kill the eggs and larvae. It has been proven that Provent-a-Mite kills mites in ALL stages of its lifecycle. Equate, consequently, has not been proven to do that.

That's not the issue here...its that Equate is dangerous to reptiles and inadvisable to be used by new keepers that are inexperienced with it. That includes you Steven, as you previously stated that you have zero experience with it. Don't make dumb statements like "Use PAM or Equate, they both work great," you might end up being responsible for a new keeper killing their animal. I'm not willing to advocate something like that, niether should you, regardless of what you've been told by your so-called sources that have yet to be named.

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How about the wording on the packaging of Equate (as is required):

"It is a violation of federal law to use this product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling."

Those are pretty strong words...

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Originally Posted by jglass38

As I stated, I will continue to answer every ridiculous post with a truthful explanation of why its not only not fact but could be dangerous. We, as EXPERIENCED keepers need to make sure that the inexperienced, new keepers don't follow a path that may be harmful to their animal. That is done by educating them and giving them the tools to make the right decision. Until Equate has been tested and approved for use in reptiles, Steven shouldn't be recommending it to anyone.

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I know exactly what you're trying to say. And I happen to agree with it 100%. BUT....your point is no less valid or visible just because someone posts a comment behind it. Anyone reading this thread will have read your point (and those of many others) loud and clear and will have made their choice on who's viewpoint to believe whether you get the "last word" in or not. It really begins to erode your position to continue arguing in such a petty manner. (And please believe me, I do NOT believe your position or opinion on this topic are petty!)

Let them that have eyes see...and them that have ears hear. :rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by JLC

I know exactly what you're trying to say. And I happen to agree with it 100%. BUT....your point is no less valid or visible just because someone posts a comment behind it. Anyone reading this thread will have read your point (and those of many others) loud and clear and will have made their choice on who's viewpoint to believe whether you get the "last word" in or not. It really begins to erode your position to continue arguing in such a petty manner. (And please believe me, I do NOT believe your position or opinion on this topic are petty!)

Let them that have eyes see...and them that have ears hear. :rolleyes:

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Good point. However, every time he posts there is one more chance that an inexperienced keeper (such as himself) will see those words and make the wrong decision.

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Originally Posted by jglass38

Good point. However, every time he posts there is one more chance that an inexperienced keeper (such as himself) will see those words and make the wrong decision.

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Really? Is that 1 in 1,000,000,000,000,000,000 chance worth tearing the forum up with long-winded arguments that said "inexperienced keeper" is highly unlikely to wade all the way through anyhow?

That said...I'd just like to point out that my two last comments (including this one) seem to be directed at you, Jamie, because I'm simply responding to your direct queries. My original attempt at a light-hearted derailing of this discussion is most certainly directed at all parties involved...as are the rest of these posts about the foolishness of playing the "last word" game.

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Originally Posted by jglass38

Once again you miss the point! Just because something works (or so you say) doesn't mean that it is the right thing for the animal. .

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Well you have members on here that have already posted their success with equate and the fact that they have had no ill effects...Jamie go to any other reptile forum and look up equate and see what people have to say.

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Originally Posted by jglass38

You are freely recommending something that is being used in a manner other than the label states and may have long term effects..

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Well we don't have any record of equate spray having any long term effects affecting any animals lives.

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Originally Posted by jglass38

You sound like a little child and I fully expect a picture of a piece of pie next.

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Wrong! Brownies! Rich Chocolate gooey Brownies! :8: :sweeet: :laughing:

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l1...0/brownies.jpg

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Originally Posted by JLC

Really? Is that 1 in 1,000,000,000,000,000,000 chance worth tearing the forum up with long-winded arguments that said "inexperienced keeper" is highly unlikely to wade all the way through anyhow?

That said...I'd just like to point out that my two last comments (including this one) seem to be directed at you, Jamie, because I'm simply responding to your direct queries. My original attempt at a light-hearted derailing of this discussion is most certainly directed at all parties involved...as are the rest of these posts about the foolishness of playing the "last word" game.

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The problem I have is, I have posted facts backed up by science and Steven has posted conjecture, speculation, the claims of a few that have used it successfully (for an initial infestation, not long term protection) and pictures of pies. He comes off as more ridiculous with each post.

You know, going back and forth on this seems almost pointless. It wasn't that long ago that people were using pest strips to get rid of mites, and many people still use a lot of homemade remedies such as olive oil, soap and water, etc.

The point is the both Equate and PAM will get rid of mites, and Equate can probably do it safely although not as effectively. (keyword there is probably)

I did learn a lot about both products from this post, and I don't think I would have any problems recommending Equate to someone if they refused to use PAM for whatever reason. It seems to me that Equate is better than many alternatives, and if someone is going to try and save a few bucks then they're probably the type of person that would either ignore the problem or try another home remedy that may be worse.

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Originally Posted by xdeus

The point is the both Equate and PAM will get rid of mites, and Equate can probably do it safely although not as effectively. (keyword there is probably)

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I disagree. While Equate may get rid of an initial infestation, it will do nothing to prevent a new outbreak. What do you base its probability of safety on? That no one has reported that their snake has died yet (that we know of)? What about long term safety? Use what you want (you being anyone, not specifically you) but don't recommend something that may be lethal unless you are prepared to have the death of someone's animal on your conscience.

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Originally Posted by jglass38

I disagree. While Equate may get rid of an initial infestation, it will do nothing to prevent a new outbreak. What do you base its probability of safety on? That no one has reported that their snake has died yet (that we know of)? What about long term safety? Use what you want (you being anyone, not specifically you) but don't recommend something that may be lethal unless you are prepared to have the death of someone's animal on your conscience.

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Okay, but if someone asked you about getting rid of a mite infestation and they told you they didn't want to use PAM because it was too expensive, or they didn't like the owner, or whatever else... what would you recommend?

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Originally Posted by xdeus

Okay, but if someone asked you about getting rid of a mite infestation and they told you they didn't want to use PAM because it was too expensive, or they didn't like the owner, or whatever else... what would you recommend?

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I wouldn't recommend a product that is not proven to be safe for use with reptiles. I once did and realized how dangerous it was. Its one thing to take a chance with your own animals, but it is dangerous and flat out wrong to do so with others.