My roaches seem to be infested with these tiny bugs, they are all over their heads especially. How do i get rid of them without harming the roaches?
Thanks!
Reptile & Amphibian Forums
Welcome to kingsnake.com's message board system. Here you may share and discuss information with others about your favorite reptile and amphibian related topics such as care and feeding, caging requirements, permits and licenses, and more. Launched in 1997, the kingsnake.com message board system is one of the oldest and largest systems on the internet.
what are these bugs on my roaches??
snakize1978
Jan 24, 2007 11:18 AM
Replies (4)
lizardman
Jan 25, 2007 12:29 AM
Gromphadorholaelaps schaferi. This is a commensal mite that will not harm the roaches.
They may be removed by gently shaking each roach in flour--the mites will tend to fall off. You can also run some luke-warm water & quickly rinse the mites off the roaches; this is only useful if you don't have to clean a large colony.
Here are a couple links w/ some info:
http://www.geocities.com/capecanaveral/lab/5466/index_2.html
Link
snakize1978
Jan 25, 2007 10:08 AM
I don't think i have a large colony but it's not small either. I started with one female about a year ago and now I have about 50 adults and babies everywhere. When I clean the bedding I usually dump all the babies along with it in my garden (hope that's ok). I keep telling myself that we need to get a new critter to feed the roaches to but were still looking. Thank you so much for the info, i'm going to clean the cage and try and get rid of the mites the best I can.
lizardman
Jan 25, 2007 11:50 AM
You will find that the species of mite in your picture will tend to be mostly on the Hissers.
You're welcome. I'd be a little cautious re: dumping the babies (nymphs). I believe that in a few states, it may be illegal, such as Florida and Texas--not completely sure about which states, but Florida has a major problem with non-native animal & plant species. Hissers are relatively innocuous, so I'm doubtful if they would cause an environmental disaster.
As far as feeder roaches, you may want to consider the genus, Blaberus. B. discoidales. Blaptica dubia and Naupheta cinerea- (although a climber) make great feeder roaches--IMO.
Goodluck with the cleaning project..
spedia999
Jun 15, 2007 08:48 PM
They are mites.
I've never tried this, but I have heard that it works.
You roll your roaches in flour and with a small soft paint brush, brush them off. Something about the mites get stuck in the flour and you can just brush them away.
When you are ready to do this, the enclosure must be completely cleaned and everything in the enclosure need to come out and be cleaned thoroughly.
They may have come from what ever you're feeding, so that has to go .
