Maggots/worms in enclosure?

[Reptilemama]

Tonight as I was checking on my critters I found what looked like the remains of a cricket in a sling's deli cup with tiny moving maggots or worms all over it. I scooped out everything I could find with a spoon and disposed of them in another room. Do I need to worry about this batch of crickets transmitting parasites to my T's?

 

[Chris LXXIX]

Tiny moving maggots, or worms all over it you say? Was 'Uncle Creepy' cricket, by chance?

Uh, that's not the best... still i can't say for sure. You did the right thing, obviously. When i found a dead crick (i check those on daily basis) i remove that asap. Never witnessed that.

 

[Venom1080]

somebodys not spot cleaning.. very essential to raising slings.. id rehouse the spider completely. dont worry about the other criks. its just the one you left/forgot.

 

[darkness975]

Probably some kind of fungus gnats or something. You have to clean the boluses out more attentively.

 

[PanzoN88]

I agree with the others who posted before. cleaning boluses out and uneaten food is very important (I am very paranoid about things like this, so I spot clean every chance I get).

 

[EulersK]

Probably some kind of fungus gnats or something. You have to clean the boluses out more attentively.

Agreed, it definitely sounds like gnat larvae. Are they mostly clear? If so, then I'd put money on the gnat theory.

 

[ledzeppelin]

There could be many factors in play.. I mean.. It could be the infected substrate if the substrate was new.. but yeah.. most likely due to uneaten food left for a long time period.. could be mites due to overwatering.. but as far as boluses go.. I have rarely taken any out.. mainly because there is none most of the time.. and have 10 tarantulas for the past 7 years.. Never had mold, never had parasites/larvae/infestation of any sorts.. spiders are healthy.. Maybe I'm just lucky.. Don't get me wrong I do remove uneaten or barely eaten prey.. I just dont bother with 2mm of chitin webbed together Anyway.. yeah dude, remove anything thing organic in the cage that is left by your T and you'll be fine. )

Oh yeah, ventilation and heat really contribute to decomposition.. less ventilation + heat + moisture = a paradise for parasites.. This is why I support keeping tarantulas at room temps with no heaters.. way less crap to deal with and the T's feel just fine

 

[Storm76]

Likely gnats / springtails. At any rate always remove boluses quickly if you're aware of them. It's the bit of maintenance besides refiling the waterdish that'll help keep your T healthy.