Using predatory mites for snake mite eradication

[Jamiekerk]

Heat lamps naturally lower humidity, and without a substrate to hold humidity it will be difficult.

Once mites are dealt with a mix of coconut fibre and moss will bring the humidity up nicely.

In terms of the mite treatment there’s a product you can get which I have used numerous time but do your own research it’s a mite that hunts snake mites called Taurrus.

These will rapidly hunt and consume the mites then die off and are completely harmless to your reptile.


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[Bogertophis]

...

In terms of the mite treatment there’s a product you can get which I have used numerous time but do your own research it’s a mite that hunts snake mites called Taurrus.

These will rapidly hunt and consume the mites then die off and are completely harmless to your reptile.


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Except I don't think they're available or legal in the U.S. so that probably won't help.

[GuardianHunter]

That is fascinating. I had not seen that. I’ll absolutely check that out.

[Jamiekerk]

Except I don't think they're available or legal in the U.S. so that probably won't help.

The world is bigger than just the US, and yes they are available in the us


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[Bogertophis]

... yes they are available in the us


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Oh good, that's changed now then- I'm glad. Mite be worth a try- (pun intended)

[Homebody]

In terms of the mite treatment there’s a product you can get which I have used numerous time but do your own research it’s a mite that hunts snake mites called Taurrus.

These will rapidly hunt and consume the mites then die off and are completely harmless to your reptile.

How was your experience with it? Sounds too good to be true. Why would keepers continue to apply dangerous chemical treatments if all you have to do is salt on predatory mites? Their website says that they are best used as a preventative solution.

[Jamiekerk]

How was your experience with it? Sounds too good to be true. Why would keepers continue to apply dangerous chemical treatments if all you have to do is salt on predatory mites? Their website says that they are best used as a preventative solution.

The best defence against anything is always preventive measures, I had two snakes I rescued at one point that both came with mites had them segregated for 3 weeks and used them they was fine after this time.


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[Jamiekerk]

Also regarding mites they like to crawl out of tubs and enclosures so do multiple deep cleans in the room they are in as they like to go elsewhere and come back


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[Malum Argenteum]

Is there evidence that these, Cheyletus eruditus, are legally available in the US? Insect predators are regulated by USDA/APHIS. I find no sources for purchase in the US, and importing them would require a permit.

They are also potential human parasites:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31014844/

[Jamiekerk]

Is there evidence that these, Cheyletus eruditus, are legally available in the US? Insect predators are regulated by USDA/APHIS. I find no sources for purchase in the US, and importing them would require a permit.

They are also potential human parasites:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31014844/

May not be that exact species but there are various mites available for sale In the us that feed on other mites such as

https://www.arbico-organics.com/prod...er-guide-mites

A quick Google search and you can find the various species for sale in the us

https://www.andermatt-biovet.de/medi...en_English.pdf

Also linked is a study by American association of zoo veterinarians.


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