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hypoaspis miles or predatory mites

K

Keith N

Who let the frogs out
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I am starting this because of the recent mite infestation that has entered one of my terrariums. I have researched them and think they may be the answer then tearing the whole tank apart. The following animals are in the terrarium:
1.2 Red Eye Tree Frogs
1.1 Common House Gecko
1.1 Khuli Gecko which is the ones that brought them in.
There are a few bromelaid plants, air plants and water bamboo.

I will take pics so everyone can see for reference. The purpose of this is for everyone that has this problem can at least see and use this information.
 
I have purchased a 1/2 Liter which is the smallest they sell Biconet the total with shipping came to $40.98. There was also a question as to the food mites that are shipped with them. Here is the following letter that I stumbled on from someone that had the same concern and wrote the company to clarify.

The "food mite" included with the Hypoaspis is Tyrophagus putrescentiae, a common food mite. This mite is commonly found on cheeses, grains and other household foods. Tyrophagus is not a pest in reptile or invertebrate habitats.

The Hypoaspis will eat Tyrophagus or any other mite it can catch, so if you inadvertently introduce Tyrophagus to your cages along with the Hypoaspis, the Hypoaspis will likely consume the Tyrophagus to extinction while also consuming the Ophionyssus (snake mite).

There are only enough Tyrophagus in the Hypoaspis container to keep the Hypoaspis fed for 3-6 days. After a week in the container, the Hypoaspis will start to eat each other. Therefore, the Hypoaspis population in the container is increasing for the first few days after delivery, maybe a week. Thereafter, the population in the jar will decline. It is best to use the full container within two weeks.

If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to write or call.

All the best,

Eric W. Acosta - Director
Biocontrol Network
Bio-rational Alternatives for an Ever Shrinking Planet
 
This is fascinating, please do post any photos and observations of how it goes.
As with any use of biological agents I would think that containment could be an issue, and that careful handling will be needed to make sure that you don't end up with a Hypoaspis or Tyrophagus infestation (even if only in your cheese larder!).
 
I just figured any good info I can do will help. The fact that I cannot really tear down the whole tank is the other reason I decided to do it this way. I have pics of the terrarium coming soon and will photograph every step and document every observation so others can reference this trial as maybe a helpful decesion in their problems. Thanks Keith
 
The order was processed today and should be here by Wed. so I should have a lot of info and pics soon.
 
This is the first time I've heard of this method of treating mites and can't wait to see how it works out. Good luck and keep us posted.
 
I figure I would try it. If it fails to work then I will take all the animals out and CO2 blast the tank and hand pick them off of them for a few weeks. We will see how it works over the Holiday break. Seems like a perfect time to try it.
 
Terrarium pic

Here is one of my older pics of the infected terrarium. I have one more coming. The tank is a 45G Tall. I finished assembling the background probably about two months ago. The Red Eye Tree frogs are het albino's that I purchased through out the year and was the main reason I assembled the tank. The Khuli's Gecko was just for looks which I am finding out was a little bit of a mistake but oh well they are really nice specimens.
 
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I have checked the tracking number they emailed me and they ship from Ontario, CA. and it has arrived in Philly on its way down. They should be here tomorrow and I will post content pics and other useful info that comes in tomorrow. Then the real fun begins, eat that mites!
 
They arrived at about 3:00 this afternoon. The first photo is the tube they were shipped in. Its about 1 1/2" diameter and about 12" long. The directions are as follows:
1.Release mites at sundown within 1 week of arrival
2. Water the soil at least 2 hours before releasing the mites.
3. Gently rotate the canister to distribute the mites evenly within the canister. Next, open the screw top in the plant area, remove the filter paper, re-secure the screw top and gently tap them out of the shaker canister through the small holes evenly onto the slighlt damp growing area.
4. Leave the canister and filter paper at the site of release for 24 hours to ensure all mites have been released.
5. Then you can store the balance of the mites for the next release.
Sounds pretty simple to me so about the time the lights are to go off I will sprinkle them around the floor of the terrarium.
 
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I have emptied a little into a bowl so you can see the medium that they arrive in. I looked closely but could not see anything. Looks like a bunch of dirt to me. Maybe its like the flea circus haha
 
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I think you'll be pleased with the results....I used predatory mites to clear up an infestation of a boa cage about 10 years back (and treated all the rest of my cages at the same time), and there wasn't a single mite to be found after treatment, furthermore they never came back. The predatory mites just die when there's nothing more to eat.

I ordered from the same place you did btw.
 
I've been observing for a week and I notice a substantial reduction in the amount of mites I see. It looks like by guess that well over half are gone although I still cannot make a judgement on how well its working yet.
 
Good result - John (Fraggin Dragon) - when you used this kind of mite, did you feel happy that they died off completely once the food supply ran out, or did you sterlize the litter/environment?
 
I was fine with just going back to normal maintenance of the cages (weekly change of substrate and normal spot cleaning) after the treatment was finished. I still kept a close eye for any mite presence, but couldn't find any days and weeks after.
 
Have any of you guys ever used a Hot Shot No Pest Strip before? You can buy them at Home Depot or Lowes. Every time ive had mites i get one of these and throw it in the cage and im mite free in 24-48 hours. I always put the No Pest Strip in a tupperware container that has holes drilled in it. I do that so that the animal can not lick the No Pest Strip. And after your done with it you can put it in a zip lock bag. There good for 4 months. i hope this advice helps you guys in the future.

Thanks
Brandon
 
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