How to Eliminate Mites From a Pet Hermit Crab Tank

Even in the cleanest hermit crab tanks, mites may appear to feast on the free supply of food and water and lay eggs in the humid environment. Soon the tank is infested. There is only one way to completely eliminate mites from your pet hermit crab's tank--the tank must be sterilized.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Eliminate Pesky Mites From a Hermit Crab Tank

1. Remove your pet hermit crabs from the tank and place them in a safe area, which can include a box or separate tank with a towel in it for hiding under. You will need to remove the mites from the hermit crabs before you put them back in the tank.
2. Clean the entire tank, starting with the substrate. You should replace it with all new substrate if possible. Alternatively, you can sterilize the sand or bedding by baking it in the oven at 300 degrees F for 30 minutes.
3. Disinfect all toys and dishes from the tank. Everything except wood and sponges should be boiled for about 5 minutes. Wood can be baked at 300 degrees F for 30 minutes. You should use all new sponges.
4. Eliminate mites as completely as you can from the tank. After thoroughly cleaning the tank with a wet paper towel and allowing it to dry, you should vacuum the corners of the tank.
5. Leave the tank upside in the sun for a few hours. Mites do not like sunlight and should be encouraged to leave on their own.
6. Repeat the cleaning process every 4 to 5 days until you do not see any more mites. You may eliminate all the pests on the first try, but it may also take a couple of weeks.

Remove Mites From Your Pet Hermit Crab

7. Bathe your hermit crab to remove mites from its shell. Not everyone supports bathing a pet hermit crab, but with care, this method can be quite effective. You will need to submerge your pet three or four times to completely eliminate the mites.
8. Keep your hermit crabs in isolation until all mites have been removed. This is absolutely necessary if you need to use any harsh detergents to remove the motes from the tank.
9. Try mite remover oils, usually containing eucalyptus, which are available from your local pet store. This should be used in the isolation tank according to the directions.

Tips & Warnings

• Since your pet may be harmed by bleach or harsh abrasives, you should only clean the tank with water or a solution of water and vinegar.
• Do not use chemicals or pesticides to eliminate the mites from your tank. Hermit crabs are sensitive to the chemicals and will lose legs or possibly die.

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