Treating substrate for mites

[pbyeerts]

I'd like to include some cypress as substrate in Ginger's enclosure, but I'm terrified of a bag being contaminated with mites. Are there any ways to treat the mulch before using it to eliminate any mites? Freeze it? Spray it with the PAM spray? What's best????

[bcr229]

Why the concern? Did you buy the cypress from a big box store or pet shop that has a reputation for problems?

If you're not worried about a current infestation and just want to do something as a preventive measure, pour some into a disposable baking pan like you'd use for a turkey, and bake it in the oven at 200*F for about half an hour before you use it. Leave the rest of the bag outside.

[KMG]

I use Forest Floor from Petco and have never had an issue. I like it because its damp out of the bag. I have never treated it.

[pbyeerts]

Ginger had a bad mite infestation that I believe came from the substrate that I bought in PetSmart....

[jasonmcgilvrey83]

I've never got mites from substrate from pet store. Maybe u got a bad bag or it came from outside.

[KMG]

Ginger had a bad mite infestation that I believe came from the substrate that I bought in PetSmart....

The issue is the word believe. Without knowing it is just a guess. There are a number of ways mites can find their way to your snake.

[bcr229]

Ginger had a bad mite infestation that I believe came from the substrate that I bought in PetSmart....

It's possible, since the cypress is usually pretty close to the live critters. Or, you could have carried one home on you.

Personally I've found it easier to just avoid the big-box stores. If you need cypress, have it shipped from Reptile Basics as it's less expensive and mite-free.

[pbyeerts]

Thanks!