Reptile & Amphibian Forums

hi my retic had mites i cleaned his cage as well as him..i was wondering about the no pest strips that you put in or around a cage..anyone have any experience with them good or bad i just wanted to know if they work , if they hurt the snakes, and where to get them from. thanks Gerald

I would not ever recommend using any no-pest strips or any other toxin for any long term use. Reptiles are very vulnerable to even mild toxins and prolonged exposure to them can and will cause permanent neurological damage that can then lead to death.
Our Website

-----
David Beauchemin
High End Herps.Inc
http://HighEndHerps.com

We have not had mites in our collection (40 snakes) in 5 years (knock on wood). When there have been problems, we have used no pest strips with outstanding results! As with any toxic substance, it can be very dangerous. If used the correct way, no pest strips are great.
-----
Chris & Alliey
website
E-mail Us

No pest strips are better then anything else on the market as far as I'm concerned. Follow the instructions carefully. You only need to use them for 18-24hrs. You can get them at home depot for about 6 bucks.

I used them with great success years ago and didn't have a problem.
I cut a 2 inch piece across the stip, put it in a deli cup with holes cut in it (can use an empty margarine cup), taped the lid on to make sure it wouldn't come off and put it directly into the animals cage. This keeps the animal from having direct contact with the no pest strip. You don't want to use an entire no pest strip in a cage. I would leave it in for 2 days and out for one then in for 2 etc. This method worked great. They are available at Home Depot as "Hot Shot" no pest strips for $6.
That being said, I have also used Provent-a-Mite with great success also.
Good luck!

thanks for all you imputs and experiences...

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 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 at a time and then wonder why they have problems. 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 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

that is a biggie!!!!
-----
Chris & Alliey
website
E-mail Us

I am pleased to see that factual scientific data is used to demonstrate how something otherwise potentially harmful could be used in a safe and harmless manner. Very helpful and informative post indeed. If I had mites I'd probably be fixing to go out and buy those things based on your post, lol.

I had no idea you have been in this field since the 70's. That's impressive also. Good to see old time herpers still in the hobby for the love of the reptiles.
Our Website

-----
David Beauchemin
High End Herps.Inc
http://HighEndHerps.com

I can't stress enough, Chris and Alliey's comment about the water. Not allowing direct contact with the strip and removal of the water are important. Hanging it a few inches below the center of the cage ceiling and away from climbing accessories, will pretty much solve any contact issues. I have seen people use the strip by placing it unprotected on the cage floor, and also leaving the water bowl in the cage. That is definitely a problem waiting to happen. The 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. Thanks,

Kelly

Provent-a-Mite is what I use. Works everytime and I've never had any problems with it. Never had mites come back.