Mites, mites, mites

[Cumberland]

For the last few days while I've been doing my usual crab routine I have noticed little brown mites crawling on their food shell. The first time I noticed I emptied the shell and took it to wash it. I kept that one out, and gave them a different shell for food. Now it's two days later and the mites are on the new food shell!
I only use dried foods, and I've checked out the section on mites that is already posted. From what I read I believe they are mesostigmata because they are very small, brown, and they move pretty fast. From my understanding they only swarm food when there is a larger amount, but I don't put out a ton for them to eat, maybe a teaspoons worth, and I throw out old food every night.
I would just like a few other opinions! Thank you!

[Hermiearth]

They are totally harmless. You can add isopods (pill bugs, rolly pollys etc.) for a competitive colony for the mites, they will clean up scraps the crabs drag away and reduce the mite population. They are also a food source for the crabs and are relatively cute which is always an added bonus. There are some good isopod guides on here.


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[GotButterflies]

Agreed...sounds like food mites. Totally harmless. Totally normal.

Bugs in the crabitats: http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 26&t=92537
Mites: http://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/ph ... 67&t=92530

[Cumberland]

Thanks for the extra opinions!!
The helpful knowledge is always appreciated!