Re: Tons of black granules appearing in snakes cage?? Help
I have an update! I was taking a look at my driftwood and noticed a small crevice/hole sitting at the very top (above my water bowl!) filled with whatever this stuff is. I think you all may be right about it being bug droppings or eggs, if so then im horrified to find out how many could be in there lol
Here's a picture, Im going to quarantine each of my pieces to see what happens. If it is bugs, does anyone know how to get rid of them?? I'd hate to throw away such good pieces of wood :(
https://i.imgur.com/HWP29mi.jpg
Re: Tons of black granules appearing in snakes cage?? Help
Put them in the oven at 200 for about an hour and that should do it. Make sure you supervise it so nothing burns.
Re: Tons of black granules appearing in snakes cage?? Help
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Snakkegi
I shook one of my pieces of wood and it rattles :O I am so mortified hahaha
As we've said before, shake out all you can, saturate them in water (for safety so they don't catch fire!) then bake them in a "slow oven" (about 200*) for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Keep an eye on them while they bake so they don't catch fire...they shouldn't if you get them wet as directed & keep the oven temperature low (not over 250*).
The heat should kill bugs...allow to cool completely first before putting back in cage. Most beetles that eat wood actually lay eggs in the wood, then it's their larvae that tunnel thru, munching away & pooping little pellets. Live & learn, eh? :D
Re: Tons of black granules appearing in snakes cage?? Help
Quote:
Originally Posted by
wnateg
This thread is very interesting.
Yeah, this is why pet stores sell branches & grapevine decor that have been baked...the trouble is that when this stuff sits in the store, little critters can still sometimes move in. Nature is pretty amazing...there's always something that eats something else. :D
Re: Tons of black granules appearing in snakes cage?? Help
Thanks everyone for your help!! I'll definitely bake them to get rid of the bugs. I'm hoping this thread is useful to someone else who runs into this problem! I was so scared something was wrong with my snake :( I feel a lot more at ease now hahaha.
Re: Tons of black granules appearing in snakes cage?? Help
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Bogertophis
Calm down everyone...:O They're just little bugs & they only eat wood...not people, not snakes...just wood, LOL! And if you bake them, they die. ;)
Or if you have a small pet lizard, you can break apart the wood & feed all those soft little munchers to your lizard...he'll be so happy!
Hahaha I wish! He'd probably have a feast considering how many may be in there!!
