dust mites in cat litter
 

We use Swheat Scoop for our cats, and I've noticed tiny white mites (I assume to be dust mites) crawling along the top of the litter box. I've thoroughly cleaned the box, and replaced the litter, but these little buggers can be hard to get rid of when it's so warm and humid in the basement. Has anyone else ever had this problem, and could they be anything else but dust mites?

How do you store your litter? Unfortunately any of the grain-based litters are prone to bug infestations, especially if they aren't stored in an airtight container. That, and frequently changing out the litter in the box are your best defense.

I use Swheat Scoop and have never had a problem with any kind of mites. I usually buy a 15lb box for each litter box. I empty the entire thing in there and I clean their litter daily. As SCM said, maybe storing yours in an air tight container would help as well.

Storing it properly is important, we bought a bag of the swwheat scoop once that was infested with weevil larvae... was quite the mess. :yuck: It was because the store had had it on the shelves too long and one of the bags was open. (the weevils most likely were in it from the beginning)

We have ours in the basement also, but have a dehumidifier down there in the warmer weather... you can get them used for a good deal sometimes... and they are a good investment.

Have you considered [URL="http://www.planetwiseproducts.com/felineSc.htm"]Feline Fresh Pine Litter[/URL]? It comes in scoopable & pellet forms, I've been using it for over a year now & have no bugs & no problems. :D

Read your post because I'm having the same problem with my clay litter,
my cat and I are plagued with these same barely visible white mites and I have tried everything to get rid of them except hire an exterminator which I have been loathe to do because of the expense. Did you ever find a solution to your
problem with these mite like bugs and what are they? Thanks, JD

jaydol,this is a really old post,from 2008 and I don't believe the original poster will come back.
Why don't you start your own thread,maybe soomeone can help.

If you have any feed stores near you look for Diatomaceous earth ( feed grade) and mix a bit in with the entire litter container.
I use it to mix in feed bags here to keep the bugs away, works great on ant hills and earwigs around your garden as well.
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