How do I prevent the spread of disease between monarchs I’m raising?

Thoroughly sanitizing rearing containers between each monarch, and keeping individuals in separate containers will help prevent disease spread. Make sure to clean out the frass from each larva’s container every day.

To sanitize your rearing containers, follow these steps:

• Wash all the rearing materials and containers with dish soap and water.
• Soak the containers in a water-bleach solution of 10% strength (1 part bleach to 9 parts water). Let the containers sit in the solution for at least 20 minutes. For mesh cages, pour the bleach solution in a spray bottle and coat the cage in the solution.
• After letting the solution sit for 20 minutes, wash off the containers and other rearing materials.