Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello!

I desperately need to fumigate my house (fleas, mites, roaches and mosquitoes) but I have several amphibians and reptiles (most concerned about the first) and I'm worried about how long should they be housed in another place before returning them to my place... This concern applies specially to my free roaming iguana and a white's frog that protested until he also got to be a free roamer, a well behaved one that doesn't leaves his spot but still, not isolated from the room's enviroment...

So.... what chemicals are best recomended? how long should I keep my kids away from home? any other stuff that could help not getting them intoxicated? I'd appreciate any comment =) thank you!

free roaming reptiles are a very bad idea. there is no control over their humidity, temp, or what they come in contact with. i have heard of iguanas eating coin collections and other things that cause impactions. frogs are the last thing that should be out of a well controlled cage environment. as for the other stuff i dont know, but if you care about the frog or iguana, which you obviously do considering your question, you should do what you know is best for them, and that is keep them in a proper set up. the only time they should be out is while under direct supervision.

Yup I know it can be very bad... But I checked humidity levels from where I live, i have a nice steady tropical temp in meh whole room with circadian and stational variations and besides, both species are found (altough mine are captive bred). Also, I dont let anything smaller than their mouths near their spots, they're very healthy and happy. I appreciate your concern but.... what can I do about the fumigating deal?

Yes, because in the wild, they're always kept inside a small enclosure with the proper humidity and kept away from all of the bad things.

As far as the original poster's questions, contact an expert about the fumigation. I would remove the animals from the place being fumigated (I assume you planned on removing your children as well), and take them with you. Amphibs should not be near any lingering fumes, as they can absorb these through their skin quite readily. Reptiles have tougher skin, but should not be near anything with residue.

in the wild most dont make it to adulthood, due to environmental imperfections and 'all the bad things', in captivity it is your responsibility to do the best you can for them.