Mildew smell but no mold

[Bryce Atwood]

Hey so about a week ago I rehoused my hapolopous sp. Columbia large (I know I’m such a great speller) or common name pumpkin patch, because of a mildew smell and there were these strange white things in there so I went ahead and rehoused her, but ever since I have still been getting a mildew smell and suggestions or answers?

 

[Teal]

What is your substrate and how moist is it?

 

[Bryce Atwood]

What is your substrate and how moist is it?

I use coco fiber (yes I know coco fiber’s smell I use it all the time)
And I don’t have a schedule for misting I just eyeball it, when it gets a little too dry I mist it, I’ve had her for a while and so far shes been doing fine

 

[Serpyderpy]

The 'mildew' smell is probably just the substrate smelling of earth, I know my substrate can smell a bit when it's just been seperated and put in an enclosure and moistened. As for the white bugs, it's probably some kind of mite or springtail, if they were small, both of which aren't much to worry about.

 

[Bryce Atwood]

The 'mildew' smell is probably just the substrate smelling of earth, I know my substrate can smell a bit when it's just been seperated and put in an enclosure and moistened. As for the white bugs, it's probably some kind of mite or springtail, if they were small, both of which aren't much to worry about.

Hey, yes I know what coco fiber smells like and this is not it, and I’m not talking about springtails when I say white things i know what spring tails are, this is like maybe half an inch long and a spikyish plant looking thing (forgive my English)

 

[Teal]

Misting is only for providing drinking water. If you want to moisten the sub, pour some water in. I don't know if your species requires moist sub or not.

What is your ventilation like?

 

[Bryce Atwood]

Misting is only for providing drinking water. If you want to moisten the sub, pour some water in. I don't know if your species requires moist sub or not.

What is your ventilation like?

Ventilation is relatively poor I bought her off a guy at an exotic animal show with the enclosure included

 

[The Grym Reaper]

this is like maybe half an inch long and a spikyish plant looking thing (forgive my English)

Mycelium?

Edit: is it growing under the substrate? Pics would be helpful.

 

[Bryce Atwood]

Mycelium?

Tbh I have no clue, I know that sounds bad but I really just made my brain up to think “strange plant in enclosure? DEVIL GET RID OF IT”

 

[Teal]

Ventilation is relatively poor I bought her off a guy at an exotic animal show with the enclosure included

Well, lack of ventilation will create some funky smells. And isn't good for spiders.

 

[Bryce Atwood]

Well, lack of ventilation will create some funky smells. And isn't good for spiders.

I will add better ventilation

 

[Hamiltincolin25]

I’d check your extra substrate and see if it has the smell of not just go through it make sure it’s ok. If it’s got the smell or not I’m good shape(mold,mites,etc) then just toss it, sterilize your container you stir it in, and buy some new. Hope this helps

 

[Bryce Atwood]

I’d check your extra substrate and see if it has the smell of not just go through it make sure it’s ok. If it’s got the smell or not I’m good shape(mold,mites,etc) then just toss it, sterilize your container you stir it in, and buy some new. Hope this helps

Ok I will thank you

 

[The Grym Reaper]

Tbh I have no clue, I know that sounds bad but I really just made my brain up to think “strange plant in enclosure? DEVIL GET RID OF IT”

Was whatever it was growing under the surface like in the photo below?

 

[Hamiltincolin25]

Ok I will thank you

I hope it works as it’s about all I got.

 

[Teal]

If it’s got the smell or not I’m good shape(mold,mites,etc) then just toss it, sterilize your container you stir it in, and buy some new. Hope this helps

Sorry, but this is incorrect.

Mold and mites are not problems. Mold spores are in the air.

You should never sterilize anything because that is exactly the type of environment bacteria loves to take over first thing when sterilized things are exposed to non-sterile environments.

 

[Hamiltincolin25]

Sorry, but this is incorrect.

Mold and mites are not problems. Mold spores are in the air.

You should never sterilize anything because that is exactly the type of environment bacteria loves to take over first thing when sterilized things are exposed to non-sterile environments.

That’s my fault, but thanks for the info.

 

[Bryce Atwood]

Was whatever it was growing under the surface like in the photo below?

View attachment 308084

No

 

[viper69]

Mites don’t kill Ts, but they do irritate them.


You likely have a ventilation issue. That smell is the first sign you’re killing your pet