Mite Infestation

[apocalypse910]

I just started noticing some whitish mites in Loki's cage. I had to leave for a few days (Loki was in a kennel) and the cage was shut down - suddenly it is overrun with the mites. They don't seem focused on him at all - occasionally I see one on him but they are not attached or concentrated on any part of his body.

Is there a way to determine if these are parasitic or not? If not are they still dangerous - or just annoying to him. I'm wondering if I can just remove a layer of topsoil to keep the population at bay. I'll do whatever it takes to keep him healthy - I'm just not keen on removing over 500+ lbs of dirt, plants, etc if they are just harmless soil mites.

Any suggestions?

 

[chitodadon]

Same here

from Samsung Galaxy S3

 

[TheTeguGurl]

Pick up some prevent-o-mite, Its very simple and the mites don�t have a chance. just follow the directions. you should be able to get it at your local pet store, or order it on line..Because of the Tegus hard thick skin they are mostly only a annoying bug to them. Unlike a snake scale where they can get into.

 

[BatGirl1]

Do they come from the soil? What kind of soil is it? I used peat from home depot i think. It seemed very clean. Was dry and dusty then i soaked it really well. Maybe that's why no bugs. Too dry in the sealed plastic package.

 

[apocalypse910]

Do they come from the soil? What kind of soil is it? I used peat from home depot i think. It seemed very clean. Was dry and dusty then i soaked it really well. Maybe that's why no bugs. Too dry in the sealed plastic package.

I used a mix of peat, coir, sand, tree-fern, and topsoil. Not sure which introduced the mites. I think they may have always been there, I think they just multiplied out of control because of the lights & heat being off. Considering buying predatory mites - curious if that will work.

will definitely give the prevent-o-mite a shot. Thanks for the advice!

 

[Roadkill]

Sound like dust mites, which are harmless but unsightly.

 

[Logie_Bear]

Do they hop?

 

[apocalypse910]

Do they hop?

Nope - Not springtails unfortunately. They definately have the mite bodyshape. I actually seeded the tank with springtails but the damn things won't take.

 

[BatGirl1]

I used to get springtails on pieces of charcoal for my rescued red efts and tinier frogs