Gecko Time: How I Got Rid of Grain Mites

[acpart]

Here's my article about getting rid of those notorious gutload pests. Sorry I had to deal with it but maybe you'll benefit from my experience: http://www.geckotime.com/how-i-got-rid-of-grain-mites/

Aliza

 

[KelliH]

Excellent article, as usual!

 

[Owens]

so i recently purchased 2000 mealies and they gave me a bag of grains to go with them.....now my colony that I had prior to this new purchase and the new purchase are crawling with grain mites. i checked the container of grain that was given to me and it is crawling with the little buggers, should I toss both colonies or try to pick out the mealies into a new container and toss all the grains and wash my containers. First time having mites so just wondering if it is to late to get rid of them.

 

[acpart]

You may end up having to toss everything, but this is what I'd try for starters:
--Sift all your mealworms out of the grain they're in and throw away the grain (there will still be some grain and mites with the mealworms)
--Put the mealworms you've sifted in the fridge for 24-48 hours. It won't hurt the worms, they won't need to eat while they're cold and it may kill the remaining grain mites.
--Wash the infected containers with very hot water and put them outside if you live in a cold climate for a day
--after a few days, put the mealworms from the fridge in the now-clean container with new grain and pray.
--check your container every few days to see if you got them all.
Good luck

Aliza