Bugs

[Woodinville]

I've noticed that after I set up my viv, there have been what seem to be different species of insects that have appeared. Some seem to be nats, possibley fruit flies, a few baby slugs, and now I'm seeing tiny pinhead sized white bugs on some of the drift wood. I got all the plants from different sources, so who knows there. I'm wondering if there is any way to get rid of them before I get my pygmy brevs? I was thinking maybe sitting a no pest strip in there for a few days. I don't want to spray anything, of course. Although as I understand it, some insecticidal soaps are harmless to other animals. Any input from the pros?

 

[veiledchamguy]

I've noticed that after I set up my viv, there have been what seem to be different species of insects that have appeared. Some seem to be nats, possibley fruit flies, a few baby slugs, and now I'm seeing tiny pinhead sized white bugs on some of the drift wood. I got all the plants from different sources, so who knows there. I'm wondering if there is any way to get rid of them before I get my pygmy brevs? I was thinking maybe sitting a no pest strip in there for a few days. I don't want to spray anything, of course. Although as I understand it, some insecticidal soaps are harmless to other animals. Any input from the pros?

soak the drift wood in a water/bleach bath make sure they are fully submerged for 24 hours I used rocks in the bathtub. Repot your plants if you have gnats or get one of these lovely plants

https://www.chameleonforums.com/diy-potting-your-carnivorous-21669/

 

[Woodinville]

Aha...that pitcher plant sounds like a great plan. The driftwood is already imbedded permanently in foam and silicone, and packed with coco fiber and moss inlay. I'll try the no pest strip too. They sell a "no pest strip" type of product for putting in birds cages, and I used one in a lizard cage once when they had mites and ticks. It killed the bugs without harming the lizards. I think that since it's just fumes, and not a spray, the environment should be fine by the time I get the brevs. fingers crossed.

 

[Brad Ramsey]

Honestly, I don't worry about all the little fauna in my terrariums.
I think a pest strip would be much more harmful. Do you have sow bugs or springtails (or both) installed yet? You could risk harming them.
Sow bugs will help with fungus gnats by eating their eggs.

-Brad

 

[Woodinville]

I'll get some sow bugs and springtails. I hadn't put any in yet because I don't have the chams. I just didn't want any infestation of bugs, not knowing which ones would eat or destroy plants. these little white guys look harmless enough, but who knows. They seem to be staying on one piece of wood so far. and the nats seem to be multiplying. I wonder if the pygs will go for them when I get them