Provent A Mite

[earthberry]

I have a question about Provent a Mite. I've read a lot of articles about getting rid of mites once and for all and I bought provent a mite as well as the Natural Chemicals Reptile Relief. My question is this. I have thoroughly cleaned the tanks, decor, etc. Threw away all substrate and made a new brick of eco earth. The Eco earth was still damp when I replaced it in the tank and sprayed the PAM. Do I have to wait for the EE to dry completely now? It's been about 11 hours since I sprayed the PAM. The snakes have been in rubbermaids in a different room.

[Skittles1101]

As long as the fumes have diminished, it's safe to place the snake back. The biggest risk is if the snake inhales the fumes.

[The Serpent Merchant]

If you have mites it is much better to use paper towels as substrate until they are gone.

[Skittles1101]

If you have mites it is much better to use paper towels as substrate until they are gone.

Heh, I agree with this actually. It didn't click in my head that if you are treating you should use newspaper or paper towels, but it's okay for a preventative.

[snake lab]

Yes you do not want to put new substrate in until you know the mite problem is taken care of. The reptile relief is all i would use. It doesnt contain poisons like pam. It works great.

[earthberry]

I'm going by what LLL told me. The PAM is supposed to be so you can keep your normal set up while still preventing mites. I understand the whole paper towel thing. But still, that's not what I'm asking.

[The Serpent Merchant]

I'm going by what LLL told me. The PAM is supposed to be so you can keep your normal set up while still preventing mites. I understand the whole paper towel thing. But still, that's not what I'm asking.

I never heard that you should keep your normal set up while using PAM. When dealing with mites you need to get rid of them as quickly as possible. You just going to have to get rid of the Eco-Earth anyway

*that is if you already have mites. I personally don't agree with "Pre-treating" for mites. PAM is dangerous stuff and I see no reason to put a snake at risk without reason.

[earthberry]

"To actually clean the cage you can use any mild cleanser, Zoo Med's Wipe Out #3 cage cleaner, or even better, the Reptile Relief can be used directly on the cage surfaces. Wipe down all surfaces thoroughly, and rinse with water if you suspect any residue. To get your cage glass sparkling clean use a non-toxic glass cleaner or rubbing alcohol. Avoid products with strong fumes or ammonia. After all (if any) fumes have dissipated, refill the cage with fresh substrate.

Rinse your cage

Now you can replace all of your cage decor back into the cage EXCEPT for the water dish. That will go in last. Once the enclosure is all set up and looking great, it is time for the Provent-A-Mite. This stuff works great, but it is strong, so do not use any more than recommended. (See the directions on the Provent-A-Mite can for further information) Once it is dry, it is completely harmless to your snake, but in a liquid or gas form, it can be harmful (that is why you do not want the water dish in there when you spray.) You will now spray the Provent-A-Mite all over the bedding and decor at a rate of about one second per square foot (that's just over a second of spray for a 10 gallon tank). Allow the enclosure to air out for at least 15 minutes, or longer if you think you may have sprayed too much."

Directly from LLL.

My decor and tanks have been completely treated. The substrate is brand new, from a sealed, wrapped brick of EE.

[Skittles1101]

LLLreptile isn't exactly a good example of "great husbandry advice"

Do yourself a favor, if you want the mites gone, use paper towels or newspaper. That's all.

[The Serpent Merchant]

"To actually clean the cage you can use any mild cleanser, Zoo Med's Wipe Out #3 cage cleaner, or even better, the Reptile Relief can be used directly on the cage surfaces. Wipe down all surfaces thoroughly, and rinse with water if you suspect any residue. To get your cage glass sparkling clean use a non-toxic glass cleaner or rubbing alcohol. Avoid products with strong fumes or ammonia. After all (if any) fumes have dissipated, refill the cage with fresh substrate.

Rinse your cage

Now you can replace all of your cage decor back into the cage EXCEPT for the water dish. That will go in last. Once the enclosure is all set up and looking great, it is time for the Provent-A-Mite. This stuff works great, but it is strong, so do not use any more than recommended. (See the directions on the Provent-A-Mite can for further information) Once it is dry, it is completely harmless to your snake, but in a liquid or gas form, it can be harmful (that is why you do not want the water dish in there when you spray.) You will now spray the Provent-A-Mite all over the bedding and decor at a rate of about one second per square foot (that's just over a second of spray for a 10 gallon tank). Allow the enclosure to air out for at least 15 minutes, or longer if you think you may have sprayed too much."

Directly from LLL.

My decor and tanks have been completely treated. The substrate is brand new, from a sealed, wrapped brick of EE.

Do you have mites or are you Pre-treating?

If you are Pre-treating then this is fine (I still don't agree with Pre-treating) but if you do have mites it will be easier to moniter them and will be gone faster if you use paper towels.