RezonantVoid
Hollow Knight
- Joined
- Jan 7, 2018
- Messages
- 1,354
So recently I had this outbreak of red mites in my Springtails containers. First thought was flood the container, pour the springs into a new container, squash the mites on the charcoal and be done. Let's just say 3 weeks later the mites are back to avenge their fallen. There were so many they began outcompeting the springs for food. I devised a new method with the help of a few other arachnoboard users.
1. Your going to need to flood you container with water. Your springs will float on the surface tention and any under water will be surrounded by an air pocket. Some mites will likely float with the springs.
2. Grab a spray bottle set to as fine a mist as you can get. Repeatedly spray the surface to knock the floating mites underwater. The springs have water repellant skin that seems to prevent them sinking so don't worry about them drowning. This took me literally 20 minutes to get all of them since I had ALOT.
3. Get a small container or shallow dish and scoop the surface water with the springs floating on it. Pour this into a seperate container. Pour the water in their original, Mite infested container outside (unfortunately you will probably lose a few springs), but leave the mites and charcoal in the container assuming it is microwave safe.
4. Microwave your charcoal and container for at least 3 minutes, preferably around 5. After this I took it outside and gave the charcoal, container and lid a thorough wash. Put everything back together and in the freezer for about half an hour or so.
5. Once you've taken it out and let it defrost, spread the charcoal out again so your springs have lots of hides, then just pour them back in. Add some additional fresh water and a mushroom or sprinkle of yeast (your preference) to help them repopulate.
A week after doing this I have hundreds more springs than when the mites where outcompeting them. Hope this has helped some. I have added 2 pics, one is the mites under the water and other is springtails culture a week after doing the above. No red mites to be seen.
1. Your going to need to flood you container with water. Your springs will float on the surface tention and any under water will be surrounded by an air pocket. Some mites will likely float with the springs.
2. Grab a spray bottle set to as fine a mist as you can get. Repeatedly spray the surface to knock the floating mites underwater. The springs have water repellant skin that seems to prevent them sinking so don't worry about them drowning. This took me literally 20 minutes to get all of them since I had ALOT.
3. Get a small container or shallow dish and scoop the surface water with the springs floating on it. Pour this into a seperate container. Pour the water in their original, Mite infested container outside (unfortunately you will probably lose a few springs), but leave the mites and charcoal in the container assuming it is microwave safe.
4. Microwave your charcoal and container for at least 3 minutes, preferably around 5. After this I took it outside and gave the charcoal, container and lid a thorough wash. Put everything back together and in the freezer for about half an hour or so.
5. Once you've taken it out and let it defrost, spread the charcoal out again so your springs have lots of hides, then just pour them back in. Add some additional fresh water and a mushroom or sprinkle of yeast (your preference) to help them repopulate.
A week after doing this I have hundreds more springs than when the mites where outcompeting them. Hope this has helped some. I have added 2 pics, one is the mites under the water and other is springtails culture a week after doing the above. No red mites to be seen.
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