Small bugs in cricket bag...

[fairywhiz]

There are a few small little mite sized bugs in the bag with the crickets that I got for my beardie, Fred.
Is it okay to feed him the crickets?
The bugs are small and brown and kind of look like the small red ants.

 

[VEGASLIZARD]

Are you sure it isn't cricket poop? They poop like constantly

 

[fairywhiz]

I'm very very sure they are cricket poop.
They are actually smaller than cricket poop and they move.
And red ants wasnt a good description after googleing for an example.
They look like brown dots the size of a pin tip.

 

[VEGASLIZARD]

well that sounds like mites

 

[fairywhiz]

Thats what I thought they were. Should I return the crickets to the store and get crickets elsewhere or would it be safe to feed them?

 

[VEGASLIZARD]

Do not feed if you think it is mites. They will get on your dragon and hurt him.

 

[fairywhiz]

I wont be feeding him the crixs then. Thank you very much!

 

[Twobeardieguy]

Sometimes there are bugs with the crickets that I get and was told they are cleaning bugs! However a pictures always helps!!

 

[FaaFaa]

Are crix the only feeder that can get mites, or are there others? If there are insects out there that are "mite-free" I would rather feed those. I was wondering this for awhile now. I read something somewhere about a beardie that got mites from the crix. I've worried about it ever since. I keep my crix container as clean as possible hoping that will help. Is it common for beardies to get mites from crix and what type of damage does it cause to the beardie? I'm sure a trip to the vet would also be in order...

Jen

 

[pwargcm]

crickets are nasty bugs. and superworms or any worms in a bedding can get grain mites if your container gets to damp/humid. i had that happen once and it sucked. i would say it was mites, but who knows what kind. i know that snake mites and lizard mites are totally different and do not affect eachother. if theres an insect mite it might not harm a lizard either. who knows. i learned one thing about crickets this year, they carry the most parasites ever and i do not keep/feed them to my animals anymore. strictly roaches and worms plus other stuff. and now after deworming and more fecals they are fine for now. if your getting crickets i would stay away from petco/petsmart. i have bought at pet supplies plus once and was suprised at how good they were there. but then again, i do not buy them anymore so it doesnt bother me.