Exo Terra Forest Bark Substrate - For Reptile & Amphibian

Exo Terra Forest Bark is a 100% natural, biodegradable substrate made from sustainably sourced Douglas fir bark — for humidity-loving reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates from tropical and forest environments.

How It Regulates Humidity

Bark is hygroscopic: it absorbs moisture when the air is damp and releases it slowly as the air dries. In practice that means the substrate itself buffers humidity between mistings, holding conditions steadier than a non-absorbent floor would.

This matters because humidity that swings sharply is harder on an animal than humidity that is slightly off but stable. Poor shedding, respiratory problems and dehydration all follow from erratic conditions.

The Cricket Advantage

One practical detail worth knowing: the size and shape of the bark particles discourage crickets from hiding in the substrate. Anyone who has watched feeder insects vanish into deep substrate — and then chew on a sleeping reptile overnight — will appreciate this. Uneaten crickets left in an enclosure are a genuine hazard, not just a waste of money.

Key Features

• 100% natural Douglas fir bark, biodegradable
• Controls air humidity by absorbing and slowly releasing moisture
• Perfect for humidity-loving reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates
• Stimulates natural digging and burrowing
• Discourages crickets from hiding in the substrate
• Heat-treated to reduce bacterial contamination
• Odour absorbing
• Extensively tumbled to smooth the pieces and remove dust

Using It

• Spread an even layer deep enough for your species to dig into.
• Mist to reach your target humidity, and check with a hygrometer rather than guessing.
• Spot-clean waste daily and replace the substrate periodically.
• Keep it damp, not waterlogged. Saturated bark grows mould and the enclosure will start to smell sour.

Important: Impaction Risk

Any loose particulate substrate can be swallowed with food and cause gut impaction, which is serious and sometimes fatal.

• Feed in a dish, or move the animal to a separate feeding container.
• Take particular care with juveniles and with species prone to impaction.
• A reptile that stops passing droppings, goes off food or strains without result needs a vet promptly.