Substrate for monitor or tegus

[P. Novak]

I'm wondering if Redwood mulch is okay for monitors or tegus?

 

[xchondrox]

Red Cypress or Cypress mulch is what most people use. Not to sure about redwood, probably wont harm anything unless the oils in the wood cause respitory problems. Just make sure that you bake it in your oven for awhile to kill off any mites or parasites. The one time i tried using it for my GTP's I ended up with mites from the mulch, trust me those arent fun to get rid of when you keep inverts!

 

[P. Novak]

So basically if I bake it, it should be fine.

Anyone that has used for a good amount of time have any opinions about it? We're talking about Redwood Mulch here.

 

[xchondrox]

I baked the cypress mulch at the lowest setting on my oven ,200 i think, for about an hour. I pulled it out because it started stinking up the house, shoulve left it in there though because I still wound up with mites. From now one Im sticking with my old stand by newspaper and papertowels!

 

[P. Novak]

Thanks, I'll definately leave it in there for longer.

Alright since no one can answer me on the redwood mulch question, does anyone know where to get cypress mulch in the bay area?

Thanks,
Paul