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How to Clean and Disinfect Reptile Cages

How to Clean and Disinfect Reptile Habitats

Updated On December 31st, 2000

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Reviewed By Petco’s Animal Care, Education and Compliance (ACE) Team

Veterinarian

Reptiles require special care to maintain cleanliness. Routine habitat maintenance is necessary to keep it a safe and healthy home for your herp, and an enjoyable, odor-free, and attractive showplace for your enjoyment as well. 

Because reptiles are susceptible to skin and bacterial infections, habitats and housing must be kept scrupulously clean. And because their fecal matter may carry bacteria, like Salmonella, that can cause disease in humans, your reptile's habitat, furnishings, and the cleaning equipment itself need to be regularly cleaned and periodically disinfected. 

Start with clean habitat accessories 

Make sure any natural items, such as rocks and branches, that you introduce into the environment are sterile (i.e. have not been sprayed with chemicals such as pesticides or herbicides outdoor). Rocks should be cleaned, then boiled in water for 30 minutes. Sand can be rinsed with large amounts of water to remove any particulate debris, then heated in the oven at 200-250 F for 30 minutes. Branches should also be cleaned, then heated in the oven at 200-250 F for 30 minutes. 

Cleaning tools 

Assemble a cleaning kit expressly for cleaning the habitat. Store these items separately from your other household cleaning supplies. To prevent cross-contamination, never use sinks or tubs that are used for human bathing or food preparation. 

·       Back-up habitat - a clean environment for the minutes, hours, or even days your herp must be relocated. 

·       Brushes -small and medium sizes depending on your habitat. A toothbrush is good for corners and crevices in decorations. 

·       Buckets 

·       Herp-safe terrarium cleaner - dissolves matter hardened on surfaces. 

·       Paper towels 

·       Q-tips, toothpicks, putty knives, and razor blades - needed to reach into the smallest of spaces, and remove hardened material. Be sure to handle these tools safely with proper personal protective equipment during use.  

·       Rubber gloves and goggles 

·       Sand-sifter - removes feces and other debris from sand and other fine-particulate substrates. 

·       Soap or dishwashing detergent - do not use any products that contain phenol or pine scent. Ensure any smell left over from disinfection or detergent has completely dissipated before re-introducing your reptile.  

·       Sponges -– 1 set for cleaning, one for rinsing, and one for disinfecting. 

Cleaning schedule 

The timing and amount of routine habitat cleaning depends on the size and habits of your herp. Begin by reading everything available regarding its species-specific needs and preferences. Habitats of large iguanas, for example, require more work than those of a snake. Of course, you will also learn from close personal observation. In general, you will need to perform: 

·       A daily cleaning to remove spills, uneaten food, shed skin, urates, or feces; also clean and disinfect food and water dishes. 

·       A weekly cleaning and disinfecting the habitat, substrate, and decorations. 

During cleaning procedures, it is recommended to use rubber or latex gloves and protective goggles. After every contact with your herp, and every cleaning procedure - no matter how large or small - wash your hands thoroughly; you may also wish to use a hand sanitizer after washing. 

Daily cleaning 

As you clean, it is important to look for any signs that your herp may be ill. Also, watch for hazardous conditions in the habitat, and remove or correct them. Observe: 

• Has the normal amount of food been eaten? 

• Is the temperature of the habitat within the proper limits? 

• Are the feces and urates normal in appearance and quantity? 

• Has there been any shedding? Does it appear normal? 

• Is there any evidence of parasites? 

·       Mites appear as small brown, red, or black spots around your reptile's eyes, between its scales, or moving over the animal's skin. 

·       Ticks are slightly larger, appearing brown, black, or gray in color. 

·       Internal parasitic infestations are most often signaled by emaciation or changes in the feces. 

·       Do any of the accessories appear frayed, cracked, broken or need to be replaced? 

·       Is the habitat in good repair? 

Daily, remove feces and uneaten food, and wipe up water spills and urates. If you are using a sand substrate, you can use a Sand Sifter to clean and extend its life. 

If you deem it necessary to clean the inside of the habitat with a cleaning solution, relocate your herp to another clean temporary habitat until the primary habitat is dry and free of fumes. 

Food and water dishes should be washed in hot, soapy water, and dried thoroughly. To provide more cleaning power, use a disinfectant. Always rinse well to be sure no trace of soap or disinfectant remains on the dishes. A good alternative is to have two or more sets of dishes, so while one set is being cleaned, the other set can be used in the habitat. 

Disinfectants 

Selecting the proper disinfectant for habitats must be done carefully. The disinfectant must be strong enough to kill disease-causing viruses, bacteria, and fungi, yet not cause harm to the herp. Reptiles are sensitive to toxic fumes, so care must be taken to move them to another room while using most disinfectants. 

Although there are many disinfectants on the market, the most readily available disinfectant for cleaning a habitat is household bleach. Use bleach at a dilution of approximately 1 part bleach to 32 parts water (1/2 cup bleach to 1 gallon of water). Other disinfectants safe for herps may be available from your veterinarian. 

It is important to remove food, feces, soaps, etc., before using any disinfectant since the presence of organic material will prevent it from working properly. So clean any soiled areas of the habitat or its accessories with a hot solution of dishwashing liquid, rinse well, then apply the disinfectant. 

Apply the disinfectant liberally to the habitat and accessories. Allow the disinfectant to have wet contact with the material for 10 minutes; if an item is porous, a longer time may be needed and you will need to continue re-spraying any areas that dry within 10 minutes. Rinse the items, especially any wooden items, thoroughly with clean water to remove all the disinfectant. For your safety and comfort, use the bleach solution in an area that is adequately ventilated. Rubber gloves and safety goggles are also recommended. Allow the habitat and all items to dry thoroughly before reassembling and placing the herp back into the habitat. 

Routine weekly cleaning 

Once a week, or as often as needed, relocate your herp to a clean habitat, then: 

·       Remove all décor from the habitat. 

·       Clean, rinse, and disinfect water bowls and food bowls, as outlined above. 

·       Bag and discard disposable substrate. 

clean all habitat surfaces with soap and hot water. Loosen tough spots with a commercial herp-safe terrarium cleaner, a toothbrush, or putty knife and rinse well. 

·      

·       Wash all décor and non-disposable substrate, such as indoor/outdoor carpet, with hot, soapy water. Scrub with brushes to remove wastes and dried liquids. Rinse well. 

·       After washing and rinsing the habitat and accessories, use a disinfectant. Be sure disinfectant is applied and remains wet for 10 minutes or as outlined by the label. Next you will rinse the habitat and accessories with hot water until all residues are removed. 

·       Allow the habitat and accessories to dry thoroughly before reassembling to reduce the possibility of mold. 

·       Re-install decor. Replace any decor, especially wood, if it is not dry. 

·       Be sure to thoroughly clean and disinfect all equipment, sponges, buckets, gloves, and sinks. 

·       Lastly, wash your hands with hot, soapy water. 

Acclimation 

If bathing is recommended for your herp, it is a good idea to bathe your herp before introducing it into its newly cleaned, dry, odor-free habitat. 

 

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