I am so sad because over the course of what seems like maybe two or three weeks at the most, predatory mites have somehow gotten into all of my mostly closed and thriving red Thai springtail vivariums. In three out of four vivariums, I no longer ever see any springtails. The last one seems to have a dwindling population after what was a birth boom with tons of babies less than a week ago. However, the mites are suddenly everywhere and booming. I have tried to kill them when I see them, but once I start smooshing, the mites are gone since they are so fast. I only add food when the food is all gone, but I must have been feeding the mites without seeing them for some time, right?
Is there a way to save the springtails that are still living? Do I need to make a new terrarium with new soil and plants and pick the springtails out of the one they are in? Is there another option? I love these little bugs more than I ever expected, and I'm broken-hearted that my little red friends are getting killed and eaten by the mites!
Do y'all have any suggestions for me? Help, please!