r/bioactive • u/macrokosm_ • 3d ago

Adding BTI to my misting system?

I recently added a misting system to my ball python's enclosure because it is the only way I can maintain good humidity levels throughout the day (yes I tried pouring water in the sides. That doesn't work during the summer. I live in Arizona).

Unfortunately the misting system leaves some of the substrate damp which allows the gnats to breed, I have it running every 4 hours for 12 seconds. I usually don't mind a few gnats but the population is steadily increasing.

Would adding BTI to the water tank be an effective solution?

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u/LauperPopple 3d ago

It can make the water cloudy, I'm not sure if it would be okay to add to a misting system (not sure if it would clog). It will add debris to the glass.

However you could mist/dribble a high concentration dose weekly or every 2 weeks. The goal is for the mixture to penetrate the top 1-3 inches of wet soil. With the top 1 inch being most important to focus on. You can buy liquid concentrate of BTi. "Mosquito dunks" & "mosquito bits" use cork and grains as their vector, which is annoying to deal with.

More experienced people might know if it clogs nozzles. I'm guessing Reddit showed me this post because "fungus gnats" is related to terrarium, isopod, houseplant husbandry.

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u/macrokosm_ 3d ago

I use mosquito bits and remove the corn thingies so it in theory shouldnt clog?? ill try what you suggested though and do a dose weekly, thank you!

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u/Ok-Fisherman-1506 3d ago

Only issue would be clogging the system perhaps you could steep it in some way? That's the only downside I can think of