How do you know if you have mites?

tomatogirl · #1 (**permalink**) 03-17-2007, 10:41 AM

Hi all, as many of you know I'm new to the amphib world. I've had a baby CB tomato frog since January and he's beginning to get his adult coloration, which is really exciting to me, as I had no idea when this would begin (he's about the size of an Eisenhower dollar now).

Today while misting his habitat I noticed what appeared to be little white hopping dots of insects on the surface of the water dish-- a little bigger than this: . They moved around when I sprayed them and they continued to move on their own. Are these mites? Does this mean they are also bothering my frog? He hides a lot anyway during the day but never fails to eat at night. Right now he's burrowed in a different place than usual. From time to time I've seen little bitty flying bugs in his enclosure. This may or may not be significant.

Advice on whether they're harmful and how to get rid of them if so would be much appreciated. (I've seen the dry ice thing on here-- is this the best way?) I'd hate to think my little guy is bothered by them. (How do they get there?) Thanks for help!

Rainfrog · #2 (**permalink**) 03-19-2007, 06:15 AM

Yes thos sound like mites snd in that environment they could very quickly become thousands and thousands!! you can dot the dry ice but for mite infestations I think it might be better to do a total clean and change. Isolate your frog in a small temp cage and deep clean your enclosure making shure to get all the corners. I dont know exactly what you should do as far as frogs becouse the moist environment and sensitivity to chemicals. the flying things are probably mildew flies (they look like mosquitoes but dont bite) I dont think you need to wory about them when you clean the tank you will get rid of them, people who have hermit crabs get them allot. its from the moist soil

tomatogirl · #3 (**permalink**) 03-22-2007, 03:38 PM

Thanks! I cleaned the tank out a couple days after I posted this message and I haven't seen a sign of them since. My frog went to the vet for "weird" behavior but he didn't see any sign of mites on him, so for now I'm looking for other explanations for his relative lethargy/hiding.

Rainfrog · #4 (**permalink**) 03-23-2007, 05:27 AM

CHeck and re-check your temp. From what I understand that is #1 in why frogs begin to lapse into lethargy. Even a few degrees sometims can be enough. too warm too cool bad either way. it could have been stress from mites if so it should go away soon now that it is cleaned up. watch close for more mites. if they come back you might want to get some mite paper and put in under your tank. Or get Petrolium Jelly (not vasaline - toxic) and put a line of it all around your tank iether just above the bottom molding or just below the top piece. I prefer the bottom. Make it about a finger thick and the mites wont get past it. wont keep out the mildew flies but they arent too bad.

Tindomul1of9 · #5 (**permalink**) 03-24-2007, 11:28 AM

I really don't think you have mites. I think you have springtails, a beneficial insect that eats decaying matter in your tank. Look up springtails in the net and you should find pictures and descriptions. From your description that they jump and move when you spray them, it really sounds like springtails. Blow on the soil some day and see if they move and jump then. You can also find them walking and jumping on water if you have any in the vivarium.

Rainfrog · #6 (**permalink**) 03-27-2007, 06:15 AM

That sounds like what I had going on before I got rid of my remaining tarantula. it is odd though that they woulg get so out of control. In my Tarantula tank you could see the ground "Moving" from them. but ya they were little jumpy things and on the water too. they realy bothered my T..

Tindomul1of9 · #7 (**permalink**) 03-27-2007, 10:10 AM

The springtails thrive in a humid environment that has lots of food for them. If the environment is dry, then I would, without pictures, go in the direction of mites.

Rainfrog · #8 (**permalink**) 03-28-2007, 04:07 AM

No I had humidity problems in that tank. it was originaly designed for PDFs and held moisture realy well. but then again my large male that died had a much dryer tank and had them too not as many but they did increase when I brought the mumidity up to try and help him molt

Gregoree · #9 (**permalink**) 01-31-2008, 01:14 AM

Hey there,

Those sound to me like a different little bug, Spring-tail. These little decomposers are of no threat. Mites move slow and look almost round. Spring-tails are more of a diamond or spear head shape. Mites move slowly and never jump. Most spring-tails seem to show up on their own in the substrate.