Mold or Webbing?

Sophia Switzer

Arachnopeon
Joined
May 23, 2019
Messages
1
I have never owned a tarantula before, but I recently got a G. Pulchra sling about two months ago. Recently, it has just stayed in its burrow with the opening completely covered with substrate. When I went to see if she had eaten, I noticed these white spots all over the back of her burrow. I’m not sure if it’s mold or webbing. Do I need to remove the substrate? And if so, how would I go about doing that?
 

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Minty

@londontarantulas
Joined
Feb 2, 2018
Messages
488
I have never owned a tarantula before, but I recently got a G. Pulchra sling about two months ago. Recently, it has just stayed in its burrow with the opening completely covered with substrate. When I went to see if she had eaten, I noticed these white spots all over the back of her burrow. I’m not sure if it’s mold or webbing. Do I need to remove the substrate? And if so, how would I go about doing that?
You don't need to do anything. The picture looks like mould to me, but it isn't very clear. Let the substrate dry out and use a water dish instead. Or your other option is to add springtails to the enclosure, they will eat any waste in an enclosure.
 

Ztesch

Arachnoknight
Joined
Aug 20, 2017
Messages
196
I agree with @Minty let the enclosure dry out and add a water dish. If the mold starts getting worse you may want to rehouse her.
 

RJZerg

Arachnopeon
Joined
May 20, 2019
Messages
16
I think there are two possibilities:
1.If only white spots appear near tarantulas, possibly caused by mold from food scraps, remove them.
2.If there are more than one place, it may be the mat is not clean, need to replace the mat.

My mother tongue is not English, I use the translation software, the description is not accurate, please understand.
 

Minty

@londontarantulas
Joined
Feb 2, 2018
Messages
488
I think there are two possibilities:
1.If only white spots appear near tarantulas, possibly caused by mold from food scraps, remove them.
2.If there are more than one place, it may be the mat is not clean, need to replace the mat.

My mother tongue is not English, I use the translation software, the description is not accurate, please understand.
你的帖子很容易理解 :)
 

Ungoliant

Malleus Aranearum
Staff member
Joined
Mar 7, 2012
Messages
4,100
I have never owned a tarantula before, but I recently got a G. Pulchra sling about two months ago. Recently, it has just stayed in its burrow with the opening completely covered with substrate. When I went to see if she had eaten, I noticed these white spots all over the back of her burrow. I’m not sure if it’s mold or webbing. Do I need to remove the substrate? And if so, how would I go about doing that?
That looks like a bit of mold, but if she's sealed in, I wouldn't try to remove it now.

Wait until she unseals the burrow and then scoop out the affected substrate with a spoon.

To reduce mold outbreaks, remove uneaten prey, don't let the same area stay damp constantly, and make sure there is adequate ventilation.

For additional information, see All you need to know about mold (by @boina, a microbiologist).
 
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