Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ok folks i have been looking for a substrate that i can use in my larger cages, the issue i was worried about is mites. I don't have mites nor do i want them. I have set up 2 enclosures with cypress mulch and have put a piece of no pest strip in both cages to kill anything that might be in the mulch. the question would be how long do i let the cages sit until i introduce my animals.

come on how can it be a hot topic if no one comments?

What kind of "animal" are you going to put in the cage for starters.It works good for tortoises that need high humidity. But not so good for some lizared that eat crickets/worms because of ingesting problems, and/or the bugs hide. So it kinda matters, so maybe that is why no one is answering. Also if you keep it very wet you will get a "harmless" wood mite and it will sour. But it wount grow mould! It is also getting hard to find it without Pine mixed in. Or it has a red Dy in it. Lots of pro's/con's. Vic Morgan

Sorry you are correct as far as what animals I am housing, that being said 3 ball pythons are going in this enclosure 2 females and a male. I also have some baby boas atm but they are being kept on paper towels. I also have an assortment of ratsnakes . none of my animals are fed in there enclosures so ingestion isnt an issue...

I have used cypress for a good many of my animals for years now, including boas and ball pythons (with proper ventilation it can be kept at a multitude of humidity levels as well as being great for holding high humidity). It also depends on where you are getting your cypress mulch. The double milled stuff you are getting specifically for animals I have never had any bugs or mites of any sort come in. If you are getting it at your local hardware store this is frequently another story. I havent had any harmful buggers come in with it but if you are concerned you can put it on a tray and bake it for a while. That will kill off the majority of whatever might be hanging out in it. I hope this is helpful.

THanks,
Mike
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