Notice: Zebra Mussels in Marimos
May 01, 2021
U.S. Geological Survey released a public report of potential invasive mussels detected in shipments of “Betta Buddy” brand Marimo moss balls at a Seattle Petco. Once alerted, several other states have reported the presence of both live and dead zebra mussels at other retailers. State agencies ask anyone who has purchased Marimo Moss Balls from any retailer to inspect it for invasive zebra mussels.
We are taking this very seriously at The Moss Boss Studio as we are committed to the health and wellness of our planet. We stand behind our national and local agencies and ask that you inspect your Marimo Moss Balls purchased from us or any other retailer for these invasive zebra mussels.
We have never personally seen any of the zebra mussels in any product we have ever shipped; however, it is the responsibility of all of us to do our part in protecting our national waters.
If you do find evidence of the invasive zebra mussels on any moss ball you may own, please follow the instructions on this PDF provided by the FWS: https://www.fws.gov/fisheries/ANS/zebra-mussel-disposal.pdf
IMPORTANT: It is important to note that all Marimo sold from The Moss Boss Studio is responsibly collected and put through a rigorous quarantine process to ensure safety and quality. All of our incoming Marimo shipments are inspected and cleared by LAX/USDA before we receive them. Upon arrival, we treat all of the Marimo for a minimum of two weeks, then proceed to quarantine the moss balls for up to 3 months to fully eradicate any pests, including zebra mussels. This includes a saltwater bath that kills any “hitchhikers” that may be attached without causing any harm to the plant.
We take conservation very seriously, and we go to great lengths to support it. It’s in everyone's best interest to remain vigilant regarding invasive species. Our customers will never find a live mussel (or anything else) in Marimo sent from us, mainly because of the lengthy, tedious, and strict quarantine process that we follow, which makes it impossible for invaders of any kind to survive.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions and or concerns.
We are taking this very seriously at The Moss Boss Studio as we are committed to the health and wellness of our planet. We stand behind our national and local agencies and ask that you inspect your Marimo Moss Balls purchased from us or any other retailer for these invasive zebra mussels.
We have never personally seen any of the zebra mussels in any product we have ever shipped; however, it is the responsibility of all of us to do our part in protecting our national waters.
If you do find evidence of the invasive zebra mussels on any moss ball you may own, please follow the instructions on this PDF provided by the FWS: https://www.fws.gov/fisheries/ANS/zebra-mussel-disposal.pdf
IMPORTANT: It is important to note that all Marimo sold from The Moss Boss Studio is responsibly collected and put through a rigorous quarantine process to ensure safety and quality. All of our incoming Marimo shipments are inspected and cleared by LAX/USDA before we receive them. Upon arrival, we treat all of the Marimo for a minimum of two weeks, then proceed to quarantine the moss balls for up to 3 months to fully eradicate any pests, including zebra mussels. This includes a saltwater bath that kills any “hitchhikers” that may be attached without causing any harm to the plant.
We take conservation very seriously, and we go to great lengths to support it. It’s in everyone's best interest to remain vigilant regarding invasive species. Our customers will never find a live mussel (or anything else) in Marimo sent from us, mainly because of the lengthy, tedious, and strict quarantine process that we follow, which makes it impossible for invaders of any kind to survive.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions and or concerns.