I used paper towels when I had a mite problem, they are a lot of work. Every day at least one or two tubs have to be cleaned out, they stink when the snake pees. With Reptichip it's totally absorbed and has no smell, I spot clean only twice a week now (the poo) and change substrate every two months and even then it's still pretty scent free. Now I usually keep my snake on the bottom of the plastic tub over the hot spot, nothing between the snake and the tub, and put Reptichip coconut all around him. If they make a mess I move the snake, spot clean or move the Reptichip, and spray down the back of the tub with diluted Chlorhexidine solution and wipe dry with paper towels. Makes my substrate last a long time.