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Oribatida (Soil/moss mites)

  • 1.  Oribatida (Soil/moss mites)

    Posted 07-29-2020 12:02 PM
    Hello,

    We are quarantining an object that used to be outside (it's a cement pillar that marked a now defunct railroad line). While inspecting it for insects, I determined it is host to a colony of Orbatida (soil/moss/beetle mites). I have found some articles that indicate they may be  resistant to anoxic treatments because some can survive being submerged in water for several weeks. However, I've not seen a study on dry oxygen deprivation. Has anyone had any experience with this type of insect? Are there any recommendations for the time I will need to keep them in an anoxic environment (assuming ~75 degrees, 50-60% rH and <1% oxygen)? We are on a bit of a time crunch because we want to include this object in an upcoming exhibit so I am hoping to find out the minimum time required for reliable elimination.

    Thank you for any insights!

    Michelle Nash

    Curator of Collections

    Elkhart County Historical Museum

    PO Box 434

    Bristol, IN 46507

    574.848.4322

    www.elkhartcountyhistory.org

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