Preventing and Treating Hermit Crabs Mites
Hermit Crabs mites is a natural occurrence with pet hermit crabs, but unfortunately requires proper care to prevent a harmful situation to your pet hermit crab. In a natural state, hermit crabs mites form a symbiotic relationship with their hermit crab host.
Hermit crabs mites in nature can be a concern because the hermit crab doesn’t have the chance to bathe. Your hermit crab can lose appendages from the disease if not treated properly and quickly.
Bathing your Hermit Crab in the Event of Mites
The following steps outline how to give your hermit crab a full immersion bath in the event of hermit crabs mites.
* Immerse your hermit crab upside down in the room temperature water to remove all air bubbles inside his shell.
* After the initial immersion to remove air bubbles, dip your hermit crab right side up in the bath water and have your hermit crab air dry.
* Repeat this process three or four times, then pour the water out before removing your hermit crab, as the hermit crabs mites float to the top of the water.
Cleaning your Hermit Crab Cage in the Event of Mites
Take the following precautions to properly clean the cage or terrarium in the event of hermit crabs mites:
* Remove all the infected substrate, and then rinse the aquarium out with plenty of water.
* For larger aquariums use saturated or wet paper towels. Be sure you apply pressure as you clean the tank sides and bottom to kill any remaining mites in the tank.
* Pay special attention to the tank corners, as this is a favorite spot for the little mites to hide as you clean the tank.
Future Protection – Sterilizing Substrate and Cage Accessories
Take the following precautions to properly sterilize your hermit crab’s cage to prevent future health or hermit crabs mites issues:
* The best step you can take is to purchase brand new and clean substrate for your hermit crab cage.
* If you wish to keep the existing substrate you can sterilize it by heating the material in the oven at 300 degrees for 30 minutes on a cookie sheet with a depth of about ½ inch. Be sure to let substrate cool.
* Repeat as necessary to ensure proper sterilization and to prevent future issue with mites.
* Boil coral, additional shells, and other toys for about 5 minutes to ensure proper sterilization.
* Wood pieces from your hermit crab cage can be placed in the microwave or in the oven at 300 degrees for about two minutes. Don’t let it burn.
Hermit Crabs Mites Prevention
Read the following tips to prevent hermit crabs mites from returning or infecting your little crabs:
* Don’t feed your crabs stronger smelling foods like dried shrimp as often, as the mites are attracted to such foods.
* Check your terrarium frequently as your hermit crabs enjoy digging and burying food.
* Scoop out crab droppings frequently out of the tank.
* Change the drinking water and salt water frequently, as the hermit crabs like to use this to clean their shells.
* Replace water bowl sponges frequently and wipe the terrarium down often.
Following these tips to hermit crabs mites prevention and curing will keep your hermit crabs happier and healthier for the long term!
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