Mold in Jumping Spider Enclosure?

[SkittlesTheJumpingSpider]

Hello everyone, I was just feeding and watering my jumping spider when I noticed something that looked like mold on the substrate. There is a chance that it wasn't mold and was webbing or something, but to me it looked like a small area of your typical white fluffy mold. Of course, I removed this, but I'm still worried that I didn't get it all, or that it could come back. When I felt the substrate (coconut fiber) it felt pretty damp. Is mold harmful to jumping spiders? If it comes back, should I do a rehouse? (which I would prefer to avoid, to minimize stress for the spider.)

I'm not exactly sure what to do, so I would appreciate any replies.
Thanks!

 

[CRX]

I've had this problem before, usually from overmisting. Its especially gross when the mold gets mixed with the cricket body parts that litter the bottom. I changed out the substrate and it was fine. When misting the jumper for water, its important to spray as far away from the jumper as possible. They will go to the water if they want to drink. If you spray the jumper directly it will make it hard for it to climb. Just 2 or 3 good mists is all you need, close to the side of the enclosure.

 

[Nicole C G]

Hello everyone, I was just feeding and watering my jumping spider when I noticed something that looked like mold on the substrate. There is a chance that it wasn't mold and was webbing or something, but to me it looked like a small area of your typical white fluffy mold. Of course, I removed this, but I'm still worried that I didn't get it all, or that it could come back. When I felt the substrate (coconut fiber) it felt pretty damp. Is mold harmful to jumping spiders? If it comes back, should I do a rehouse? (which I would prefer to avoid, to minimize stress for the spider.)

I'm not exactly sure what to do, so I would appreciate any replies.
Thanks!

How wet do you keep the substrate? What species? What age?

 

[regalpaws]

Hello everyone, I was just feeding and watering my jumping spider when I noticed something that looked like mold on the substrate. There is a chance that it wasn't mold and was webbing or something, but to me it looked like a small area of your typical white fluffy mold. Of course, I removed this, but I'm still worried that I didn't get it all, or that it could come back. When I felt the substrate (coconut fiber) it felt pretty damp. Is mold harmful to jumping spiders? If it comes back, should I do a rehouse? (which I would prefer to avoid, to minimize stress for the spider.)

I'm not exactly sure what to do, so I would appreciate any replies.
Thanks!

Try to aerate the soil by poking holes in it with a pencil. This will allow air down into the soil and let I dry faster.
Eventually, the mold should die off. If not you can change the soil completely and restart and make sure to keep I damp but not moist.
I have heard in the plant community that Hydrogen peroxide in a 1:3 ratio or 1:2 will kill off things like mold in your soil. I've never heard of it being used in enclosures, so idk if it would be the best thing. Also keep in mind that it will kill the helpful bacteria in your soil as well.

 

[SkittlesTheJumpingSpider]

Try to aerate the soil by poking holes in it with a pencil. This will allow air down into the soil and let I dry faster.
Eventually, the mold should die off. If not you can change the soil completely and restart and make sure to keep I damp but not moist.
I have heard in the plant community that Hydrogen peroxide in a 1:3 ratio or 1:2 will kill off things like mold in your soil. I've never heard of it being used in enclosures, so idk if it would be the best thing. Also keep in mind that it will kill the helpful bacteria in your soil as well.

I will try poking the holes, thank you!

How wet do you keep the substrate? What species? What age?

I'm pretty sure I accidently made the substrate a little too moist for jumping spiders. I'm not sure of the species or age because he was wile caught, but I'm thinking a Phidippus audax, and his age is probably adult.

I've had this problem before, usually from overmisting. Its especially gross when the mold gets mixed with the cricket body parts that litter the bottom. I changed out the substrate and it was fine. When misting the jumper for water, its important to spray as far away from the jumper as possible. They will go to the water if they want to drink. If you spray the jumper directly it will make it hard for it to climb. Just 2 or 3 good mists is all you need, close to the side of the enclosure.

Thank you for the reply! I always try to avoid the spider when misting.

 

[Nicole C G]

I will try poking the holes, thank you!

I'm pretty sure I accidently made the substrate a little too moist for jumping spiders. I'm not sure of the species or age because he was wile caught, but I'm thinking a Phidippus audax, and his age is probably adult.

Thank you for the reply! I always try to avoid the spider when misting.

If it’s an adult Phidippus audax, you don’t really need to mist the substrate much.

 

[SkittlesTheJumpingSpider]

If it’s an adult Phidippus audax, you don’t really need to mist the substrate much.

Thank you. I don't exactly misted the substrate, but I did wet it before I put the spider in and it is still wet from that. I won't be wetting it that much again though.

 

[The Snark]

Is mold harmful? Broad sweeping answer is it can be harbored or even grow in lungs.