Question about mulch

V.hb · 06-03-04, 06:02 PM

First off, if anyone knows any garden centers I can purchase Cypress mulch from, or any non toxic mulch for less than 10 dollars a bag, let me know..

I was at home depot today, they sell a product called decorative mulch.. Says its all organic, and 100% non toxic.. Doesnt say its ingredients.. However, I do suspect that they will deem cedar, and pine organic.... But they are toxic? So iam confused, is it safe?

Any help/comments would be great, Thanks.

lostwithin · 06-03-04, 06:36 PM

Yes, cedar and pine and should be avoided they ARE toxic too reptiles, But are not considered toxic substances, they are 100% organic.
But in the same reasoning peanuts are 100% organic and non toxic, unless your on of those people that would die when in contact with them lol. The fumes produced by the softwoods are what cause the problems with reptiles. Therefore even though there non toxic too us, if you stick it in your reptiles cage it will have problems.

Unfortunately all mulches sold for gardens contain this (all the ones I’ve found as of yet). Due too the fact it outlasts other wood mulches. And anything that does not list the types of wood you should assume it uses cedar. I haven’t found cypress mulch anywhere but pet stores. Which is one reason I no longer use it, too expensive too keep cages clean. What are you planning on using it for??

Devon

V.hb · 06-03-04, 07:17 PM

Used it with varanids before.. But was going to use it with my frilled dragons. Ive bought cypress before, but i do like to avoid purchasing it at petstores.. paranoid of infestation.

V.hb · 06-03-04, 07:18 PM

Also, i was aware that cedar and pine are no good.. But, since it said non toxic, i questioned it.. Maybe i'll ask them there, but i highly doubt they would know

thanks for your input.

lostwithin · 06-03-04, 07:23 PM

the bags at pet stores are normally sealed they should be safe, although expensive. I would avoid anything with cedar or pine, because of the health risks. Have you used cedar or cypress you lost me there a bit.

Devon

lostwithin · 06-03-04, 07:27 PM

They will tell you Cedar is non-toxic, unless by chance you end up with somebody who knows of reptiles. Because cedar itself is not toxic, your animals could come into contact with cedar and not be harmed at all. What happens is the fumes sort of build up inside the enclosure and cause respiratory problems. that’s why you could build using pine because the boards are dried so they no longer have fumes. The wood is non toxic they just cant handle breathing the fumes that come off them.

Devon

V.hb · 06-03-04, 07:30 PM

nono, don't worry I know how toxic cedar and pine are. I just wondered if its possible that since it was labelled "non toxic" they may have used cypress, or another hardwood, seeing as how they do have bags of cedar, and pine mulch. And, no ive never ever used cedar or pine only cypress, or melucha? Thanks.

Lisa · 06-03-04, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by lostwithin
the bags at pet stores are normally sealed they should be safe, although expensive. I would avoid anything with cedar or pine, because of the health risks. Have you used cedar or cypress you lost me there a bit.

Devon

All the infestations of mites we've had are from purchasing cypress from pet stores... almost like they do it on purpose to sell you some mite treatment