Using stuff from outside

[ArvadaLanee]

If we want to use things from outside, should we be worried about parasites/diseases? What is the safest thing to wash leaves and plants in? Dawn dish soap? White vinegar? What about twigs and branches? Do you bake them? Or is all of that unnecessary for mantids?

 

[CosbyArt]

Seems most boil or bake things to prevent unwanted hitchhikers (centipedes, mites, etc). I would recommend baking at the lowest oven setting you can use for 30 minutes to a few hours - whatever it can take before any damage is done to what you are baking. In other words, watch it and pull it out once you notice any change in color or such.

For leaves you can soak them for the best result without making dead leaves. Mixing in a bit of salt or vinegar should kill off any hitchhikers. I wouldn't recommend soap as it will leave a residue behind which will affect your mantids.

 

[ArvadaLanee]

Thanks again! I'm learning so much, so fast.

 

[Rick]

I don't do anything to them. I just place them in the enclosure.

 

[mantisman 230]

Same here rick I do a good inspection for hitchhikers and then I make sure it is dried out.

 

[MikhailsDinos]

Same here, straight from the yard.

 

[ArvadaLanee]

Awesome. Thanks, guys.