STOP. Do NOT mix your chemicals! If you're going to use PAM, stick with that and do not use Reptile Spray.Originally Posted by cowbully
As you can see, most folks here prefer PAM. And it does work - I have nothing against it. However, I don't think it's always the only answer. And there have been some reports that PAM does not work on some species of mites, or that some mite infestations can build up a resistance to it. I do not know how true that is first hand, but I sure have seen a lot of folks post here and on other forums that they've tried PAM and it has not worked for them (see Salamander's previous post) - or that they have to treat and re-treat time after time to solve the problem. And, yes, it has been used properly.
My personal opinion is, why use a strong chemical like PAM if a natural product like Reptile Basics' Reptile Spray is every bit as effective?? I have PAM on my shelf and I always will. But the Reptile Spray is what I reach for first. Safer + just as effective = better.
Here is my experience with mites and Reptile Spray and why I advocate this product over PAM.... I purchased a baby sunglow boa at the Tinley Park expo in October. Found mites on her that first night in the hotel room. Promptly went back to the expo the next morning intending to grab a can of PAM and nuke everything. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to speak with Rich from Reptile Basics before I did that and he gave me a bottle of Reptile Spray and told me how to use it. I sprayed down my baby in the hotel room sink and watched the mites die (and, yes, these were the little hard ones that squished blood and were active on the snake, hince preditory mites). My baby was instantly and completely mite-free! I sprayed and wiped down her small travel tub and put in fresh paper towels. Also sprayed the other boa I'd purchased the day before as well to be on the safe side. I didn't come home with a single one of these little buggers, the problem was solved in one morning after only 30 minutes.
Incidentally, I have NEVER heard of a snake dying from Reptile Spray. This product does not contain permethrin which can be dangerous to reptiles and amphibians (and is the first ingredient in PAM). Reptile Spray destroys the insects' exoskeleton and they die on contact. It also kills with a residual effect so eggs cannot develop. Summit Reptiles does have a good write up on this - although they do indicate specifically to be very careful using any product with permethrin around your reptiles. http://www.summitreptiles.com/id109.html
Good luck with whatever you decide!!
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