how to get rid of mites?

Hisserdude

Hisserdude

Dynastes
Hi,

I am breeding blapstinus sp, a small darkling beetle, and the cage is becoming infested with grain mites
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. There is no way to remove all the beetles and larva and move them to a new cage with fresh substrate, they are just too small. How do i get rid of the mites? Thanks in advance!

 
If it's grain mites, as far as I know, they will not eat the larvae.

Also, keeping the container drier will reduce the grain mites.

 
I know, i mean will the predatory mites eat the larva?

And i am keeping their cage really dry, it does not seem to make the mites go away.

 
Beetle larvae are too large for them. They only jump on stuff that is about the size of this " - " on your keyboard.

As for moisture, the mites will need some humidity to do their job, so don't keep the cage too dry once you get them.

 
I would start by taking out the larvae and putting them somewhere safe. Then, I would get small salad and soup Ziplock brand containers and put the substrate in those. This is because it is microwave safe. I then put them in the microwave for increments of 3-4 minutes letting them cool inbetween on the counter with the lids removed. Then I repeat a couple of times until I feel I have done my job. After this, I wait at least 40 mins to an hour before placing my larvae back into their designated container.

 
Great idea, Ratmosphere! I'm gonna' give a try with some substrate that's been sitting around, infested with fungal gnats for over a year!

Cheers

 
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