Are these safe to use?

[d_virginiana]

I went by walmart today to pick up some ground-cover for Harley's new tank, and I went by the craft section. I picked up a pack of 'raffia' and a pack of spanish moss thinking that they were craft products. I had no idea they were actually the harvested plants. Is there any reason I shouldn't use these? I'm thinking there's nothing wrong with using either of these things, but I just wanted to ask on here to make sure.

[thamneil]

Check for any chemical preservatives or dyes. Im guessing they should be alright. Spanish moss is typically untreated, as is raffia.

[guidofatherof5]

Neil brings up a good point.
I'm interested to hear about it.

[chris-uk]

I don't know about Spanish Moss (we may call it something different, or I may never have seen it) but raffia I've seen is either natural or dyed, by its nature it shouldn't require preservatives - but worth checking before putting it in with your snakes.

[d_virginiana]

I got the un-dyed raffia, so I'll go ahead and put that in tonight. I checked and didn't see any preservatives/chemicals listed, but I'm a little paranoid so I might go check their website.

What we call Spanish moss is similar to sphagnum moss in texture and moisture retention, except it grows on trees and is generally longer and stringier.

[thamneil]

As long as your raffia was not dyed, I wouldn't worry about much else. The dye would be the only potentially harmful additive on that. The fibers are dried naturally otherwise.

In regards to the Spanish moss, it's not actually a moss at all. It belongs to a group of plants known as the tillandsias. Closely related to bromeliads and air plants. Grows as long strands that hang down the branches of oak and cypress trees. As long as it is not dyed ( I have never seen dyed Spanish moss) it is likely that nothing has been done to it. Harvesting it is as simple as picking it and bagging it!