do aphids harm the garters?

[Stefan-A]

Has it been established that we're actually talking about aphids here?

[HazAnga]

Stefan I do believe I've ID'd them as aphids. From size, colour, poop, and signs on the plants. I will be cleaning this tank out as soon as I git a afternoon to do it, which should be this weekend.

[ConcinusMan]

Aphids won't harm garters directly. More concern is to be had about the conditions that would allow aphids to thrive in the vivarium in the first place.

[HazAnga]

I've removed the snakes and now have some sort of yellowish thing my dad gave me to use. He said within 24 hours they should be dead. The tank is closed off with a towel overtop. So hopefully it will be done soon, then clean and airrate the tank and git it ready for setting up the BSS. And that should take care of those problems.

[guidofatherof5]

I've removed the snakes and now have some sort of yellowish thing my dad gave me to use. He said within 24 hours they should be dead. The tank is closed off with a towel overtop. So hopefully it will be done soon, then clean and airrate the tank and git it ready for setting up the BSS. And that should take care of those problems.

Sounds like some sort of pest strip. If so, they are very toxic.

[HazAnga]

It is some sort of pest strip. But its in this white plastic casing. My old boss used to cut them up and put them in deli cups with holes in them for help with killing mites but everything is getting washed and cleaned tomorrow or Monday.

[ConcinusMan]

They're safe to use. I don't know about garters but I've used them with Sceloporus ssp. before, and that's with the lizards still in the tanks. As long as they can't touch the strip itself, then poisoning of the animals is highly unlikely. Very effective at getting rid of ticks and mites.

[guidofatherof5]

Chemicals are chemical. Most should be avoided. I would guard against any contact with your garter snakes. Especially smaller ones.
Many times these chemicals are dangerous in their concentrations.
I believe some baby snakes are being killed by fresh/frozen fish purchased because they are treated with some chemical. In a larger animals it's not lethal but in a tiny baby it is.
Please be careful.

[ConcinusMan]

He's treating the tank anyway, in the absence of the snakes. Perfectly safe. Funny how we hesitate when it comes to our snakes but wouldn't think twice about putting a collar made of that same pesticide, around the necks of our cats and dogs.

[Stefan-A]

Chemicals are chemical. Most should be avoided.

Especially dihydrogen monoxide, which is in practically everything we eat and drink.

Dihydrogen Monoxide Research Division - dihydrogen monoxide info