How to Get Rid of Terrarium Mites

Mites are tiny black, orange, gray or red insects that can infest your terrarium and cause health problems for your pet. In a heavily infested terrarium, the insects can be seen running over surfaces and your animal. Mites bite your pet and cause skin discomfort and infection, which may lead to health problems. Getting rid of mites in your terrarium is easy but time consuming. You can remove mites from your terrarium in a few steps.

Things You'll Need

  • Bleach
  • Spray bottle
  • Paper towels
  • Bucket
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove your animal from the terrarium and place it in a clean container, such as a box or a plastic pet carrier.

    • 2

      Mix a solution of one part bleach to 16 parts water. Pour some into a spray bottle and fill a clean bucket with the rest.

    • 3

      Remove all of the decorations from the terrarium and place them in the bucket of bleach water solution. Allow them to sit while you clean the terrarium, at least for 10 minutes to kill all of the mites.

    • 4

      Spray the entire terrarium with the bleach water solution, including the sides of the walls, and allow it to sit for 10 minutes. If it dries before the 10 minutes are up, spray it with the bleach solution again to keep it wet.

    • 5

      Rinse all of the decorations and the terrarium itself with clear water to remove the bleach and dead mites. Dry all of your decorations and terrarium glass with paper towels.

    • 6

      Take your pet to the veterinarian to receive treatment for mites before you return it to the terrarium to prevent re-infestation.