Substrate question

[Ccrestedgecko]

So I was thinking of using cypress mulch for a substrate for my indonesian instead of using shredded aspen. My question is would it be safe to buy this from Home Depot or lowes or would they put chemical or pesticides on thier much? Is there any way to sterilize it if I'm unsure? All answers are appreciated.

[Saber]

I was curious about this too at first. I hear about people doing it a lot instead of paying a premium at the pet store so it's popular at least. From what I am seeing, they don't really put extra chemicals on mulch typically. Cypress especially is naturally resistant to insects so there's no need for extra stuff. I'd watch out for dyes though, sometimes they dye the mulch for decorative reasons. I've also found products that have special potting mixes of different kinds of woods, soils, etc. so read the label and make sure you know what you are buying.

[starscream3232]

Best bet would to check out the label and compare it to the pet store brands. I'm pretty sure they are pretty much the same thing. I have to look into that too. I'm getting a few more skinks soon and need lots of multch and don't want to break the bank.

[Seth_I.]

Home Depots is a blend and may contain other wood products including cedar and pine which would not be safe. You want pure cypress if you can find it. I have found that almost everywhere has blends but fir bark is almost always pure though a little harder to find.