There was a good thread about this back in June/July/August that will help you. I had a massive infestation and cleared it up in no time by doing the following.

I forget whom it was that recommeded the olive oil, but it worked great!

Note: My cages are wood and screen, they are 4X2X3ft in size, and are well ventilated. I use small fans to circulate the air. I only mention this should you decide to try a no pest strip with the chuck in the cage. If you use an aquarium DO NOT USE A NO PEST STRIP WITH THE CHUCK IN THE CAGE. IT WILL PROBABLY KILL HIM.

Infested Cage

1) Remove infested Chuck from the infested cage.
2) Clean the cage. I use amonia and or bleach on everything.
3) Soak rocks in bleach, I also use really hot water.

******Optional and a potential health hazard******

4)Place a no pest strip into the cage and seal it the best you can. I used a few trash bags and duct tape. I also ran the heat lamp inside the cage. Do this at least 24-48 hours. DO NOT PUT THE CHUCK IN THE CAGE DURING THIS TIME!! IT WILL KILL HIM.

5) Let the cage air out for a day or so.

Infested Chuck

1) Give him/her a warm bath. This will wash many off quickly. I even use a little soap and a soft toothbrush. Be gentle

2) Apply some olive oil with a cotton applicator pad to the entire body. Try to avoid the eyes even though the oil will spread over every nook and cranny on it's own with time.

3) Place the chuck into a small box... Shoebox... overnight. I was told to use cardboard as it gives the mites something to bore into as they try to escape the oil! Wood may work to. Make sure to cut a few air holes.

4) Give the chuck another bath with soap and water after 24 hrs.

5) Repeat if mites are still present.

The only side effect that I noticed using olive oil is that it made it very difficult for the chuck to shed when that time came. The oil seemed to "thicken" his skin or something. He is fine and doing better than ever.

Extra step that I did but can be hazardous to you and your chuck
This step would be done after the above steps are finished and the cage is all set up with the chuck back in his home.

1) Cut a no pest strip in half and place in a coffee can. Make sure you poke a lot of holes all around the can. and place a lid on it.

2) Hang the can out of reach in the cage with the chuck in the cage. Do this only once for a 18-24 hr period. This is important, do not exceed 24 hrs!

3) Repeat this once a month or so for a a few months. It will prevent any unwanted insects in or near the cage.

I hope this helps, and I'm sure others here will pitch in their secrets of mite killing.

-Kory

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