Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Does anyone know about safety with pesticides on potted plants used for vivariums? I made a new planted vivarium for my Japaluras a mopnth ago and I just introduced them because from what I have read about a month is a good amount of time to let plants establish and pesticides dissipate. I removed virtually all the potting soil and used soil especially designed for herp vivariums so that it is free of toxins. But now I notice all the crickets I put in tend to die after a day or two twitching upside down. I suspect pesticides and I am taking my Japs back out. But how long does it take? Or maybe the plants themselves are the cause...maybe one has an insect repelling defense...some kind of alkyloid?? Is there anyone who actually knows the facts about pesticide half lifes in potted plants?

Hi, I have always heard the same thing about a month, to be safe.

I usually do exactly what you say you have done. I hold the plant under the spicket wash all the old dirt of it and the roots, and repot in my own potting soil free from any chemicals.

I have never had a problem after putting the plants in, usually with frogs, which would react quickly if it were toxic.

Are you sure, the crickets are not dying from not eating or they will die without access to water also.

And what kind of plants did you use?

Any kind of cleaner used in the tank at all?

If they did use something very toxic on your plants it may take a couple of months. Maybe you could use silk vines or something cool looking until then just to play it SAFE!

If I hear the exact amount of time to wait before using the plants I'll let ya know.

In the mean time, I think your doing the right thing. I would not chance it harming my lizard.

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Eve / PHEve