Mold On Pine Bark Chip Substrate ...

[KrazyWhiteRich]

I purchased a few bags of pine bark substrate a few months ago and when I opened the box that contained the bags I found mold growing on some of the chips. Is there any way of cleaning the chips? Can I bleach the chips in a tub and then rinse them throughly with water???

Thanks for your input, KW Rich

[Ptindy]

Rich, personally I wouldn't use the pine bark chips. They have aroma's that can be toxic for snakes. Even though I know people who use pine shavings and have had no problems I still don't myself. I suggest going to Home Depot, or Rona, or whatever home hardware store you have down there where they sell plants, soil and landscaping stuff and buy a big bag of sphagnum peat moss. It's cheap. My two cents. The hassle of cleaning the chips and stuff with bleach then soaking them to get all the bleach out is not worth the 5 bucks it's cost for a huge bag of peat moss in my opinion. Just make sure the peat moss isn't treated with anything and is all natural.

Mike

PS - nice site. You guys make that stuff look easy

[mykee]

I do and would recommend newspaper or paper towel. Pine is bad, so is cedar. peat moss molds easily also.

[KrazyWhiteRich]

Originally posted by Ptindy
PS - nice site. You guys make that stuff look easy

Thanks I'll look into the peat moss. I have a rather large enclosure and used the same exact pine chips before without a problem. But I'll look into your substrate.

Laterz, KW Rich

PS - And thanks for the props on my site.

[Linds]

Before we recommend any alternatives, what are you housing?

To answer your question, pine generally isn't a good idea to use on anything you want to be living for its max lifespan. The phenols can cause liver and respiratory problems, amongst others things that may shorten a lifespan. Bleach is also not an ideal solution to use on anything porous, as with any toxic substance.

[KrazyWhiteRich]

I am about to house a 4.5 foot ball in an enclosure that is 3' H x 3' D X 5' W. I used the same exact substrate, brand name as well, with my other burme and never had a problem. But I am just trying to get the mold off the pine chips before I put my ball into the enclosure.

Thanks for your input, KW Rich

[Stockwell]

There is only mould because they were wet. I personally wouldn't worry about it. I've used mouldy bark chips with no ill effect. Inhalation of mould spores is probably not the best thing for herps, but either is living in the city breathing other house hold nasties.
A dry cage will stop that mould growth pronto.
you could also simply microwave a batch of bark in a zip lock.. that kills most living fungi not to mention any bugs