Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am thinking of switching my Peach Throat, and Water Monitors to cyprus mulch. I looked at past posts and saw talk of mites and ticks in the mulch. I was going to pick up several bags at Lowes Home Improvement, but am a little concerned. I know that Pro Exotic sells it, but Robyn suggested a search locally. What is the real story, and is there a good way to treat for pests without chemicals. Thanks for the help, and I offer an olive branch for any anger over last weeks posting. I am here to learn and share my experiences.

Mike

unless you have a REALLY dirty supplier, it should work fine. baking or "cleaning" it is just goofy. i would guess that perhaps 1 in 100 bags has some nats or fruit flies, but whatever the bug, they aren't REPTILE bugs, so it doesn't matter a whole lot.
-----
robyn@proexotics.com

Pro Exotics Reptiles

Thank you for the help.

Like Robyn said your not going to get the reptile nasties, just some unassociated pests. If they really concern you I found Freezing the bags of mulch works great. But then again everything outside here freezes in the winter. Other than that I really never froze the bags to much time and effort but with a smaller enclosure and less needed quanity it can be done.
My 2 Cents
Jeremy
-----
"I am become death, the destroyer of worlds" July 16, 1945 Robert Oppenheimer

1.1 Double Het "Sharp" Snow RTB's -Coming Soon-
0.1 Albino RTB -Coming Soon-
1.1 Hypomelenistic RTB's
0.2 Pastel Hypo RTB's -Coming Soon-
2.0 Double Het Stripe Albino RTB's
0.1 Suriname RTB
0.1 Anerthrystic RTB
1.0 Ball Python
1.1 Rhinoceros Iguana's
1.0 Green Iguana
1.1 Cream Golden Retrieviers
1.0 Pomeriaian
0.3 Catus Terribilis
0.1 Spouse