Quarantine New Enclosure Items

[ckuhn003]

I’ve always wondered the proper protocol when introducing newly purchased items into a pre-existing enclosure. I visited the local Repticon today and purchased some grapevine for one of my enclosures. I would think it would be smart to spray the wood down with something...possibly PAM...before introducing it to my setup. Thank you.

[Bogertophis]

I agree. Furnishings from expos & pet stores alike can have mites hitch-hiking to your home, but I probably wouldn't use something as toxic as PAM; I think it
would be safer (& cheaper) to seal up the new items in a plastic bag with some diatomaceous earth for a month+; I think if any mites jump off or hatch out, they'll
be done in, especially since they won't have your snake to free-load meals from. Just remember the life-cycle of mites...you have to worry about existing adults as well as eggs.

[ckuhn003]

I agree. Furnishings from expos & pet stores alike can have mites hitch-hiking to your home, but I probably wouldn't use something as toxic as PAM; I think it
would be safer (& cheaper) to seal up the new items in a plastic bag with some diatomaceous earth for a month+; I think if any mites jump off or hatch out, they'll
be done in, especially since they won't have your snake to free-load meals from. Just remember the life-cycle of mites...you have to worry about existing adults as well as eggs.

Appreciate the response Bogertophis. I think you were the one who gave me the idea to use diatomaceous earth on my dogs fleas over the summer and it worked well. I'll give that a try. Just need to find a plastic bag big enough to secure the grapevine I picked up. Maybe I'll try a garbage bag and tie it off.

[Bogertophis]

Appreciate the response Bogertophis. I think you were the one who gave me the idea to use diatomaceous earth on my dogs fleas over the summer and it worked well. I'll give that a try. Just need to find a plastic bag big enough to secure the grapevine I picked up. Maybe I'll try a garbage bag and tie it off.

An unused trash bag would work just fine- you might need a large "contractor" size bag? -I'm so glad to know the diatomaceous earth helped with your dog's fleas.