General Care Discussion :: SPRAYING FOR BUGS!

[scripta_elegans]

My landlord is planning on spraying for bugs this weekend, and I am wondering what precautions I need to take with the turtles. Do I need to cover the tank? How long does it need to stay covered? If I move the turtles out of the tank for 24 hours, and cover it in plastic, do I need to change the water and scrub out the tank before I put them back in it?

[scripta_elegans]

I should add that I would be moving them into a 20 gallon with a basking ramp and heat lamp for 24 hours.

[industrial_girl_2000]

What kind of spray is it? Is it the kind where you have to stay away for 24 hours before coming back to your place? When you are allowed to come back to your place, I think that would be fine for your turtle also. BUT, I would definitely change your turtle's water after he sprays your place. Those bug sprays are made to travel into the tiniest places and could potentially be harmful for your turtles if it gets in the water.

The other thing I would do is to completely air out the house as much as possible after the spraying. You can always do it a couple of rooms at a time (close the doors/vents, open windows). That way you aren't freezing inside your house!

[grey goose]

What kind of spraying? Spot spraying? (The guy just uses a pump can and sprays the baseboards). Fogging? (Thats the worst IMO). Or ULV. (Ultra Low Volume, a bit better than fogging, residual-wise). The RTK laws in NJ are pretty strict, and the applicator MUST supply to you on request all the information on what pesticides they plan on using, along with the EPA registration #'s, and the MSDS sheets on on the product.
Most pesticides used today are pretty safe, however the residual effect can change, and even amplify if it comes in contact with water. Most, if not all commercial pesticides warn not to use near any aquatic plants or animals. If they are just spot spraying, you'll probably be OK. But if they are fogging, or ULV'ing, (espicially termidicides) for termites or carpenter ants, you may want to move your guys out of the area......

[scripta_elegans]

I think they are spot spraying. NOT fogging. I don't think they know what type of spray they will be using, but I am sure that it's spray, not fog. We don't have to be out of the house at all, but we are leaving town tomorrow anyway. I have already spoken to the turts grandparent, (my mom) and they will be staying in the smaller aquarium at her house for 24 hours. I am planning on covering the big aquarium at home with plastic and turning off the air pump and filter. I will do a 50% water change when I get home, and wash the outside of the aquarium well. Is this enough?

[grey goose]

If it's just spot spraying, you should be OK. I'd do a full water change anyway, just to be on the safe side.

[scripta_elegans]

Okay! I'll do it! Thanks for the advice!

[grey goose]

My pleasure, enjoy your trip.

[missibsu]

We had to fog this past summer for fleas. A royal pain in the butt if you ask me. It's what I get for taking in a new cat and not checking her before bringing her in. Anyway, I covered both of my tanks with heavy blankets and turned off the bubbles and filters. Basically nothing was running. I left them covered until the house had aired out for a couple of hours and then uncovered everything. Just to be on the safe side, I left the filters and stuff off for a couple of extra hours. I didn't do any cleaning of the tank afterwards and I didn't have any problems. I didn't lose any fish either, and I gather that they are more likely to be affected.

[scripta_elegans]

Well the turtles are acting normally, and they seem healthy, so I hope all is well. The guppies are also fine, and I only covered them with a towel.