How to Get Rid of Fleas on Hermit Crabs

Hermit crabs are appealing pets. They take up little room, are fairly inexpensive and don't need to be taken for a walk when it's pouring down rain. Their habitats mimic the tropical environments from which they originate, giving your home its own attractive bit of self-contained beach. Unfortunately, that wet, warm sand is equally alluring to some things you may not want living in your house or on your crab. The hermit crab habitat is also the ideal environment for household pests such as mites, ants and fleas. To rid yourself of these vermin without injuring your pet, follow the steps below.

Things You'll Need

  • Small dish or plastic tub
  • Concentrated saltwater solution
  • Chlorine removal product
  • Clean towel
  • Small box
  • White vinegar
  • Large pan of boiling water
  • Baking sheets
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the crab or crabs from their habitat and bathe them. Fill a clean dish or tub with a tepid, extremely concentrated saltwater solution. Treat the water with a commercial chlorine removal product before putting the crabs in for their bath.

    • 2

      Hold the crab upside down, submerging him in the prepared salt water. Wait for the bubbles to stop coming out of the shell, then bring the crab back to the surface and turn him upright, draining the water. Allow the crab to air-dry and repeat three more times, for a total of four dunks in the salt water.

    • 3

      Place the clean crabs on a soft towel in a shallow box in a warm location while you clean the habitat.

    • 4

      Remove everything from the habitat. Soak the bottom of the container with white vinegar for at least 5 minutes. Wash the sides and walls with vinegar, and rinse with concentrated aquatic saltwater solution until the vinegar smell is gone.

    • 5

      Dunk plastic toys and accessories into boiling water for 5 minutes. Place any wooden accessories in the microwave on high for 2 minutes. Allow all pieces to air-dry and cool in a sunny spot.

    • 6

      Spread the sand or other substrate material in a thin layer on a baking sheet, and bake at 325 degrees for 30 minutes. When completely cool to the touch, return sand to the clean container. Any items that cannot be boiled or baked should be thrown out and replaced.