gizmo
Foraging Degu
Posts: 55
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pests
Jan 28, 2016 10:55:21 GMT
Post by gizmo on Jan 28, 2016 10:55:21 GMT
hi we have noticed some pests around and in the degu cage we think they are weavels , all though we clean out the cage every week is there anything else we can do as we are not sure where they are coming from , we had a simular problem with some dog food and found the same pets in the kitchen cupboard where the dog food was kept , thanks for your advice
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pests
Jan 28, 2016 18:29:07 GMT
Post by savvy on Jan 28, 2016 18:29:07 GMT
Do you have a picture of them?
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gizmo
Foraging Degu
Posts: 55
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pests
Jan 28, 2016 19:16:05 GMT
Post by gizmo on Jan 28, 2016 19:16:05 GMT
hi thanks for your reply i have edited my first post with the critters we are asking about
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pests
Jan 28, 2016 20:06:00 GMT
Post by deguconvert on Jan 28, 2016 20:06:00 GMT
You should have a look through the bag of clean, unused, substrate and see if you can find any sign of the bugs in there. I have had a bag or two that came home from the store with critters in them, and have also heard of it happening to other members here on occasion.
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pests
Jan 28, 2016 20:07:47 GMT
Post by deguconvert on Jan 28, 2016 20:07:47 GMT
They could be a type of carpet/fabric beetle. Don't let the name fool you though, they will live in almost any form of soft material, and paper based substrate is just as attractive as carpet or fabric.
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pests
Jan 28, 2016 20:31:31 GMT
Post by moletteuk on Jan 28, 2016 20:31:31 GMT
Have a good look through your food sources too, maybe you will see them in larvae form somewhere, you might be able to kill them by freezing the offending item or anything you are suspicious about for a day or so.
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gizmo
Foraging Degu
Posts: 55
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pests
Jan 28, 2016 20:37:33 GMT
via mobile
Post by gizmo on Jan 28, 2016 20:37:33 GMT
Hi many thanks for your reply .the first time we saw these critters was in a cupboard where the dogs treats where . We have checked the dogs treats and food cannot see any critters . With the sawdust and hay it is in draws we had a quick look but cannot see any critters we have got a bag of sawdust in the hall way that we will check . We have found these critters in the carpet in the front room where the cage is .in the kitchen and in the bath .We cannot see anything in the cage but in the morning they are in the dogs water bowl
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pests
Jan 28, 2016 20:43:47 GMT
Post by savvy on Jan 28, 2016 20:43:47 GMT
The look like larder beetles to me which can come in dry dog food if it hasn't been stored properly in the warehouse etc. They feed on food stuffs, fur, feathers, etc, so they will love the kitchen and degu foodstuffs.
The only way to get rid of them is to throw out anything they are in and do a thorough clean of the areas. They lay their eggs in crevices so check the back of the kitchen cupboards, skirting boards, etc. I would use a bleach and white vinegar solution in the kitchen and use a degu friendly disinfectant and the cage.
Hope this helps!
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pests
Jan 28, 2016 22:12:00 GMT
Post by bouncy on Jan 28, 2016 22:12:00 GMT
Be aware of buying feed and bedding from stores that sell dry feed loose by weight too. Bugs are attracted to the food, and will live and breed in there, but will also spread. A classic is things like bird seed or Gerty Guinea pig. Similarly, make sure you keep feed in airtight containers!
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gizmo
Foraging Degu
Posts: 55
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pests
Jan 29, 2016 11:56:26 GMT
Post by gizmo on Jan 29, 2016 11:56:26 GMT
hi many thanks for all your help and replys , all dog and parrot food is in airtight boxes , the only food that is not are the nuggets for the degu but we have had these critters before with yes dry dog food but cannot see any in the dogs food , we all ways disinfectant the degu cage every time we clean them out , we have bought some white vinegar for the kitchen but how would you see the eggs if they are so small thanks again for your advice
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pests
Jan 29, 2016 13:24:09 GMT
Post by savvy on Jan 29, 2016 13:24:09 GMT
I'd make sure that you slosh a little white vinegar down the crevices, alternatively put some double sided sticky tape along the back edges to catch them when they hatch. The eggs look like fine grains of dirty sand.
Hope this helps.
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pests
Jan 30, 2016 6:41:47 GMT
Post by Karma on Jan 30, 2016 6:41:47 GMT
They look like flour beetles .... I would check all your baking supplies, food etc.
Diatomaceous would work well for you, get food grade then safe to ingest for you and your pets. Sprinkle everywhere! All over the cage, cupboards and the corners of the room. I know it's use for fleas and ticks but it should work on all insects because it causes cuts on their outer body armour and thus they dry out and die. I have a feeling because of the size it will work better on the larva than adults so I would use it for a couple to get all the life stages killed. Mint, citronella and lavender I believe essential oils are insect repellents but I'm not sure how safe it is for the use around degus - cats are very sensitive to essential oils and can't use citronella on them.
The good thing is the size difference, yes they are living in the same area as the degus but shouldn't directly cause any harm (unless they pass a parasite which is unlikely).
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