Bird Mites

Jimmy · Post by **Jimmy** » Mon Jun 02, 2014 3:05 am

About a week ago, I couldn't fall asleep at all becuase I had terrible itching going on all ovr my body. The next day I found out that there were mites all over my bed and in my wall. They are bird mites to be specific. Since we called in the exterminator I had to move the crabs. Trying to move a 40 gallon tank with 150 pounds+ is no easy task so I decided to just toss the substrate. (It was probably contaminated with bugs anyway) Thank God non eof my crabs were molting! To make a long story short I am keeping all eight of my crabs outsid in the garage in my ten gallon ISO tank. I had never planned for an emergency like this. He ISO tank may or may not be contaminated nut I highly doubt that it is. They seem to be doing fine out there but I was wondering what I should clean the 40 gallon with. What percentage of water to bleach should I mix to clean the tank of all bugs? Thanks in advance for your responses.

jenok · Post by **jenok** » Thu Jun 05, 2014 10:45 am

I would fill it with hot water and some vinegar since vinegar is natural and bleach is a chemical. Then rinse really well. Or set the tank outside and the bugs should leave on their own since there is nothing in the tank to eat or drink. Then bring inside and rinse well. I don't think that the mite would bug the crabs cuz I 'm thinking most mites are species specific and only bug that species.

Jimmy · Post by **Jimmy** » Thu Jun 05, 2014 12:35 pm

The mites only attach themselves to mammals but I did find some of them in the tank becuase they like the humid conditions.

jenok · Post by **jenok** » Fri Jun 06, 2014 6:12 am

That is why I suggested leaving it outside (after taking all the stuff and sub out) in the sun so it becomes uninviting for them and they leave. I hope you have a better nights sleep now. I guess that gives knew meaning to "sleep tight don't let the bed bugs bite"Sorry it took so long for someone to get back with you though.

Jimmy · Post by **Jimmy** » Fri Jun 06, 2014 6:18 am

Oh no, that's fine. Thanks for replying. I took it out and wiped down the inside with Clorox wipes. There doesn't appear to be any in it anymore. I am letting the tank air out in the garage. It has already been empty for about a week now.

jenok · Post by **jenok** » Wed Jun 11, 2014 7:28 am

I would still rinse it several times before putting the crabs back in if you haven't already done so.

Jimmy · Post by **Jimmy** » Wed Jun 11, 2014 9:01 am

Yeah, I did. Thanks for your advice and help.

Laurie LeAnn · Post by **Laurie LeAnn** » Fri Jun 13, 2014 9:32 pm

Should give crabs bath to..in their water just to make sure none have clung to them