Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I bought two bags of mulch today and was wondering if freezing it for four days would be enough to kill all parasites that may be in it? Or should I freeze it and spray it with provent-a-mite?

Thnx, SH101

Freezing it below 0°F will only take care of a precentage of what could be in the product. I would do both, freeze and then treat with the insecticide product of your choice.

24hrs should be sufficient.
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Jeremy Payne
JB Reptile

1.0 Snow "Kahl"
0.2 Triple Het Moonglow "Kahl"
0.1 Orange Tail Hypo Het Leopard
0.1 Double Het "Sharp" Snow
1.0 Ghost
0.1 DH Ghost
1.1 "Kahl" Albino
1.0.2 Hypomelenistic
1.3 Pastel Hypo
0.1 Anerthrystic
0.0.2 Normal

1.1 Morelia Clastolepis

So you dont believe that freezing it for that long will kill all the bugs in the mulch?

Sh101

>>So you dont believe that freezing it for that long will kill all the bugs in the mulch?

It's not a question of duration as it is temperature. Some insects can go into suspended animation at temps below zero, while others can't. Being that I don't know the particulars of all mites and insects that may inhabit the bedding. I would do both as a precaution...
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Jeremy Payne
JB Reptile

1.0 Snow "Kahl"
0.2 Triple Het Moonglow "Kahl"
0.1 Orange Tail Hypo Het Leopard
0.1 Double Het "Sharp" Snow
1.0 Ghost
0.1 DH Ghost
1.1 "Kahl" Albino
1.0.2 Hypomelenistic
1.3 Pastel Hypo
0.1 Anerthrystic
0.0.2 Normal

1.1 Morelia Clastolepis

Does cypress mulch commonly contain snake mites?

I would not spray any insecticide (even Provent a Mite) unless the snakes have mites.

If you want preventative maintenance, a better plan is to follow the instructions on the PAM can - spray the floor of the cage, let dry, then add bedding. You know, treat the cages being used only.
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Mark

>>Does cypress mulch commonly contain snake mites?
>>
>>I would not spray any insecticide (even Provent a Mite) unless the snakes have mites.
>>
>>If you want preventative maintenance, a better plan is to follow the instructions on the PAM can - spray the floor of the cage, let dry, then add bedding. You know, treat the cages being used only.
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>>Mark

In my experience snake mites aren't an "other" on the ingredients for cypress mulch. However its a great host for them, and I've gotten other tag-a-longs with the mulch.

But no I have never gotten snake mites from a mulch bag...

I agree treating the cage before the bedding is added is the preferred treatment. However if you already have mites, treating the animal would be ideal before adding it.
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Jeremy Payne
JB Reptile

1.0 Snow "Kahl"
0.2 Triple Het Moonglow "Kahl"
0.1 Orange Tail Hypo Het Leopard
0.1 Double Het "Sharp" Snow
1.0 Ghost
0.1 DH Ghost
1.1 "Kahl" Albino
1.0.2 Hypomelenistic
1.3 Pastel Hypo
0.1 Anerthrystic
0.0.2 Normal

1.1 Morelia Clastolepis

So by PAM you mean the cooking spray? I've heard of mites showing up in the mulch so thats why I'm trying to take all these precautions. I'm about to go into a very large project "100 animals" and I have to make certain my snakes stay absolutely mite free.

Thanks SH101

You could spay the substrate with the cooking spray but all it would do is keep from sticking to a skillet, Provent-a-mite or PAM as herpers call it kills bugs.

I would do some more research before jumping into a "100 snake" project.

Nate

I know what provent a mite is ok just never heard it called PAM. And several nationally known zoos and myself have used PAM cooking spray to kill mites. Also I have plenty of experience with keeping hundreds of snakes at a time.

Thnx, SH101

Cool! I have never heard of Cooking spray to kill mites, I've heard of mineral oil directly on the snake but prefer the tub with a small amount of dish soap to asphxiate mites.

With thousands of Species of mites I doubt Ophionyssus natricis are coming in cypress mulch.

Nate

So do you think that freezing the bedding will kill what ever bugs are in it?

SH101

If you are afraid of mites in your bedding, I have in the past put suspect bedding in the microwave for 45 seconds and have never had a problem.

forgot to metion that i dampen the bedding with a spray bottle before microwaving, just make sure there is some moisture.

use pam in the enclosure and BAKE the mulch in the oven at 350 for about 2 hours. kills everything! works for decor too, like rocks and branches. CAUTION: let rocks completely cool before opening the oven door because they can explode!!!

I no longer use loose substrates. When I did use mulch or bark I wouuld constantly get mite infestations and other insects. I started treating each new bag of mulch or bark by spraying a small amount of Provent A Mite or Walmart's Equate Bedding Spray in each bag, sealing it back up, and letting it set for a few days. The mite problem ended. Bill
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