Questions about Cypress Bedding

[SoonerGirl8]

I recently went to the pet store to pick up some new bedding for my BP and the only thing they had was Cypress.
I've never heard anything about it, but it does look nice.
Its reletively decent priced.
But my big questions is, will it be good for my snake?
Being a first time snake owner I'm trying to figure out the things that work best and are available to me.
Any information Cypress would be greatly appreciated.

[The Serpent Merchant]

Cypress is great for keeping humidity up, but it can be a little dirty and with any wood based substrate there is the possibility of there being a few little bugs in it (not as likely when buying the stuff from the pet store). If you are using a UTH (heating pad) to heat your cage make sure that you use 1/2" or less of it so the UTH can do its job. (any more and it blocks out too much heat)

[FoxReptiles]

I'd almost argue that you might have a better chance of get a pet related bug from substrate bought at a pet store. I've never had a problem with cypress mulch I pickup at Ace Hardware. I think I remember someone complaining that they got some kind of bug with a batch of their cypress substrate, but can't remember specifics. Definitely a possibility thought.

Here are some thoughts that I recently posted in another thread about Cypress mulch. It happens to be my favorite substrate of the three (paper, aspen, cypress) that I've tried.

Cypress Mulch - I have most my animals on this now. I love the more natural feel of it, it doesn't float/drift everywhere when changing it out. It also hold humidity better than anything I've used. A very big benefit here in Utah where I struggle to keep any sort of humidity for long. This might be harder to find in your area or might be seasonal. I've been slowly working through 5 bags of mulch that I custom ordered through Ace Hardware.

[The Serpent Merchant]

I'd almost argue that you might have a better chance of get a pet related bug from substrate bought at a pet store. I've never had a problem with cypress mulch I pickup at Ace Hardware. I think I remember someone complaining that they got some kind of bug with a batch of their cypress substrate, but can't remember specifics. Definitely a possibility thought.

Here are some thoughts that I recently posted in another thread about Cypress mulch. It happens to be my favorite substrate of the three (paper, aspen, cypress) that I've tried.

Cypress Mulch - I have most my animals on this now. I love the more natural feel of it, it doesn't float/drift everywhere when changing it out. It also hold humidity better than anything I've used. A very big benefit here in Utah where I struggle to keep any sort of humidity for long. This might be harder to find in your area or might be seasonal. I've been slowly working through 5 bags of mulch that I custom ordered through Ace Hardware.

Mites yes, But home depot mulch is far more likely to have little spiders and such in it.

[SoonerGirl8]

I'll look into buying from Ace hardware cause they are everywhere in Oklahoma. Might be better to buy it bulk so I don't have to travel out for it as often. But just do be on the safe side, how do I ensure that there are no bugs in the cypress? I don't think they'd be a very good thing to have in Slytherin's Tank

[FoxReptiles]

I've heard of some people treating their substrate with extreme heat or cold with varying degrees of success. Sometimes they bake their substrate, freeze it in a freezer, leave it outside in the winter. The only thing that I personally do is to visually inspect the mulch as I'm setting up a new tub. I'm sure it only takes one time of finding some bugs or spider hatchlings to change my mind though.

Other treat with chemicals such as PAM (Prevent a Mite), but I would advise against it unless you have a known infestation.

Below is a snippet from the other thread that you might find useful if you want to go down the Ace Hardware route.

--- Snippet ---

I think this is the exact Cypress Mulch I use. I wouldn't recommend ordering it directly online and paying shipping. I called up Ace Hardware directly and they ordered into a local brick n' mortar store for me for FREE. No shipping. Plus I think I only paid like $7 a bag...

http://www.acetogo.com/product/mulch...s-2cf-ace.html

Just call up, give them that SKU number and ask for them to order it into the store. The 1st store I called didn't know what they were talking about and said they'd charge me shipping to get it into the store. The 2nd store looked up inventory in the warehouse and said it would be no problem.

[LLLReptile]

We carry Cypress, use it in the store, and many of the staff members use it at home as well. I like it because it absorbs plenty of water, as well as readily lets it evaporate, making maintaining humidity easier without having to soak the bedding.

I've never had an issue with bugs, of any kind, and I only bring my bedding home from work. If you're really worried about it, why not provent-a-mite the tub before putting the snake in? I do this twice a year anyway as a preventative thing just in case, that might be something to consider as well.

-Jen

[kitedemon]

Cyprus is fine it has negative environmental connotations associated with if that matters. I would not suggest P-A-M as it is a very toxic substance mis use can kill snakes and damage the human user as well it is being limited/banned all over NY, FL, Canada, and much of Europe. Like all chemicals it requires caution and knowledge of its specific hazards.

[Kodieh]

Because its wood, a boiling or baking of it couldn't hurt. That's what I did with any wood when I had display tanks. Just a couple minutes at 350F in the oven, and you're good!


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[RoseyReps]

Cyprus is fine it has negative environmental connotations associated with if that matters. I would not suggest P-A-M as it is a very toxic substance mis use can kill snakes and damage the human user as well it is being limited/banned all over NY, FL, Canada, and much of Europe. Like all chemicals it requires caution and knowledge of its specific hazards.

Banned/limited in Florida? Seriously? Sonofa....I'll have to check out how bad the regulation is. Urg. I swear..I love the weather and the scenery, but FL is really tickin' me off...