I find the use of predatory mites very interesting and would welcome any first hand experience information on them. I also do not like the idea of using chemicals to solve the mite problem, and would have no issue using the predatory mite solution if it proves out to be a viable fix. However, I did post the following information on another forum a few weeks back. I believe pest strips to be an excellent choice for mite control when you have all the facts. I will admit that the active ingredient, dichlorvos, is a serious organophosphate insecticide and acetylcholinesterase inhibitor and must be used with caution. But, if properly used, and I stress properly, it is one of the best and safest ways to eradicate mites. Serious boid hobbyists have been using dichlorvos strips since the 1970’s without incidence on literally hundreds of snakes. The key is to know what you are doing and use it properly. I conducted a personal study on the use of dichlorvos while at the University of Kansas in the late 70’s. I came to the conclusion that the quantity of strip that appeared to work the best was about one square inch of strip per 5 cubic feet of cage volume. This gave an interior air concentration that was just strong enough to kill the mites over a 12 hour time period. The water was always removed and the strip section was suspended from the middle of the roof of the enclosure inside a perforated container. It should only be left in the enclosure for about 12 hours and air vents should be covered as well as possible. This was repeated at weekly intervals for a month. I think toxicity problems come about when keepers leave the strips in the enclosures for too long of a time period, some even leave them in for days or weeks at a time and then wonder why they have problems. The 12 hour weekly treatments for a month will pick up any new mites that enter the cage from the room itself after the first treatment, and any eggs that may hatch later. This is needed because it appears to me that the eggs are somewhat resistant to this treatment. Also, the efficiency of the strips drops off rapidly with use, so they should be sealed in their packaging between uses and disposed of after the four treatment period. When used with care and attention, I have never heard of any adverse effects with regards to the snakes that it was used with from the many collection owners I have spoken with. Additionally, numerous vets have spoken highly of it’s use, even Dr. Klingenberg. It's pretty tough to beat its ease of use, efficiency, and safety when used correctly.



Kelly

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