- Joined
- Jan 9, 2005
- Messages
- 52
I don't know if this has been posted before but I thought that I would discuss mites. The reason is because I have run into several Tarantula keepers and scorpion keepers who have lost their invert to a mite infestation.
Mites are arachnids (they are members of the spider family...something like second cousins). I think they are of the genus Dermatophagoides. They can be seen by the naked eye and are about 280 microns (µm) in length. The adult mite lifespan goes through 3 different larval stages and runs for about 3 months. Females can lay up to 50 eggs. Mites live anywhere the humidity is above 50%.
Step 1:
Mites cannot drink water but must obtain it through the air, they need to absorb the liquid. The first method to help keep mites away is to keep the soil/substrate in your Tarantulas cage moist but not drenched. Too many Tarantula enthusiasts choose to water log their tarantula cages. If you can squeeze water out of the soil then it is probably too wet. If you can place the soil between the palm of your hands and squeeze it together and it still retains its shape then it is good. A shallow water bowl is more important than a swampy cage.
Step 2:
Cleanliness is next to Godliness. That means clean up after your tarantula. If you feed it crickets, mealworms, or roaches remember to clean up any left overs (that also helps prevent mold from growing on any uneaten food). My tarantulas usually will web up the remains of their food and toss it somewhere in the cage. Your job is to find any bits and pieces and clean it right up. If you are one of those types that feeds your Tarantula or Scorpion mice, I would recommend that you use Pinkies, not fuzzies or full grown mice. Unless they are pinkies bits and pieces tend to be left behind. I also recommend that you change your substrate every 6 months.
Step 3:
Keep the relative humidity in your home below 50%. The tarantulas and scorpions will have a higher humidty level in their enclosures so do not worry about them. Again, remember that a water bowl is very important. If you live in an area where the humidity tends to stay very high you can purchase a de-humidifier to help lower the humidity level in your home.
Step 4:
What should you do if you get an infestation? One method that I recommend is to put the tarantula on sand made up of calcium carbonate. You can find that at the reptile section of the pet shop. The mites will dry up and cannot successfully lay eggs in the calcium carbonate. During this time do not feed the tarantula or scorpion. Provide the tarantula with a water bowl and sit back. This method will usually kill the infestation in about 1 to 2 months.
Besides placing the Tarantula on Calcium Carbonate there is a product produced by Zoo Med called "Zoo Med Mite Off". Remember that the Mite Off will kill your tarantula. DO NOT PUT IT on your T. If you are willing to take the risk you can clean off the areas around the outside of your tarantulas enclosure with the Mite Off. Clean the shelves, outside of the container, and anywhere else but your Tarantula. In the event of an emergency, if you are willing to risk it, and remember that I DO NOT RECOMMEND IT, you can try putting the stuff on a cotton swab and just dabbing the Tarantula or Scorpion in the affected area. AGAIN, RISKY, but sometimes you have nothing to lose.
Another method people use is that they will add pill bugs, a.k.a "rolly polleys", to their enclosures. The pill bugs will eat the bits and pieces that are left over and they are usually too small for the T to eat. This helps to keep the mites away.
Besides rolly polleys you can use predatory mites (Phytoseiulus persimilis). They are sold at:
http://www.beneficialbugs.com
These predatory mites will not over run your cage and they will kill and eat the bad mites.
Well, those were some of the ideas that I have for you guys and gals. If I can think of more I'll post it later.
Mites are arachnids (they are members of the spider family...something like second cousins). I think they are of the genus Dermatophagoides. They can be seen by the naked eye and are about 280 microns (µm) in length. The adult mite lifespan goes through 3 different larval stages and runs for about 3 months. Females can lay up to 50 eggs. Mites live anywhere the humidity is above 50%.
Step 1:
Mites cannot drink water but must obtain it through the air, they need to absorb the liquid. The first method to help keep mites away is to keep the soil/substrate in your Tarantulas cage moist but not drenched. Too many Tarantula enthusiasts choose to water log their tarantula cages. If you can squeeze water out of the soil then it is probably too wet. If you can place the soil between the palm of your hands and squeeze it together and it still retains its shape then it is good. A shallow water bowl is more important than a swampy cage.
Step 2:
Cleanliness is next to Godliness. That means clean up after your tarantula. If you feed it crickets, mealworms, or roaches remember to clean up any left overs (that also helps prevent mold from growing on any uneaten food). My tarantulas usually will web up the remains of their food and toss it somewhere in the cage. Your job is to find any bits and pieces and clean it right up. If you are one of those types that feeds your Tarantula or Scorpion mice, I would recommend that you use Pinkies, not fuzzies or full grown mice. Unless they are pinkies bits and pieces tend to be left behind. I also recommend that you change your substrate every 6 months.
Step 3:
Keep the relative humidity in your home below 50%. The tarantulas and scorpions will have a higher humidty level in their enclosures so do not worry about them. Again, remember that a water bowl is very important. If you live in an area where the humidity tends to stay very high you can purchase a de-humidifier to help lower the humidity level in your home.
Step 4:
What should you do if you get an infestation? One method that I recommend is to put the tarantula on sand made up of calcium carbonate. You can find that at the reptile section of the pet shop. The mites will dry up and cannot successfully lay eggs in the calcium carbonate. During this time do not feed the tarantula or scorpion. Provide the tarantula with a water bowl and sit back. This method will usually kill the infestation in about 1 to 2 months.
Besides placing the Tarantula on Calcium Carbonate there is a product produced by Zoo Med called "Zoo Med Mite Off". Remember that the Mite Off will kill your tarantula. DO NOT PUT IT on your T. If you are willing to take the risk you can clean off the areas around the outside of your tarantulas enclosure with the Mite Off. Clean the shelves, outside of the container, and anywhere else but your Tarantula. In the event of an emergency, if you are willing to risk it, and remember that I DO NOT RECOMMEND IT, you can try putting the stuff on a cotton swab and just dabbing the Tarantula or Scorpion in the affected area. AGAIN, RISKY, but sometimes you have nothing to lose.
Another method people use is that they will add pill bugs, a.k.a "rolly polleys", to their enclosures. The pill bugs will eat the bits and pieces that are left over and they are usually too small for the T to eat. This helps to keep the mites away.
Besides rolly polleys you can use predatory mites (Phytoseiulus persimilis). They are sold at:
http://www.beneficialbugs.com
These predatory mites will not over run your cage and they will kill and eat the bad mites.
Well, those were some of the ideas that I have for you guys and gals. If I can think of more I'll post it later.
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