Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I use a reptilian bark substrate for my waterdragon and old branches as climbing material. I wanted to know if it is ok to use real limbs as climbing material.

I have recently found a infestation of small insects look to be mites, almost microscopic. Is this normal to find in the cage or is it from the limbs? What can be used to kill the mites or are they ok? I thought about taking the bark and putting it in the microwave.

If anyone has any suggestions please e-mail me at jfmattson9@aol.com or post message on the board.

These mites seem to come from bark, it could be that they spawned from the live branches too. It's best to make sure if your using live wood to clean it first in about a 5% bleach 95% water solution. Aspen, orchid, or someother substrate may be a better solution and clean your wood branches. It's best to remove any bark first from the branches. Then you can also see if it's infested with bugs.

MrGreen!!

I would add that not all mites are harmful, if you see them on the WD around the eye and mouth then they probably are the bad kind. If this is so, then the best thing to do is to get rid of the substrate and the wood until you are sure that infestation has been cleared up, and next time disinfect the wood as described.