Please help. I noticed wood is being chewed in my a.chalcodes enclosure

[spydergyrl]

I've had her about 7 months, so please be gentle. The log is newer, about a month old. It's from my local reptile store, the top looks like it's been gnawed on. Could she be doing this, or do I have something else in there hiding. I'm worried. Thank you

 

[viper69]

Sure can

 

[spydergyrl]

Sure can

You think it is her or, she has an intruder? I'm so worried. Thank you!

 

[Wolfram1]

no, while she can gnaw the wood, it would not produce any kind of wood-dust like we can see underneath the driftwood, what you have got my friend is a pest, best hope your house is not made of wood

you could probably submerge it in water for a week or two to kill them off (just a guess) but i would throw it away, not like it really adds anything other than looks anyway.

better give it a proper cork or bark hide

 

[viper69]

You think it is her or, she has an intruder? I'm so worried. Thank you!

They will chew through small metal wire and plastic. But I’d be surprised if the amount I see is due to your T.

 

[spydergyrl]

no, while she can gnaw the wood, it would not produce any kind of wood-dust like we can see underneath the driftwood, what you have got my friend is a pest, best hope your house is not made of wood

you could probably submerge it in water for a week or two to kill them off (just a guess) but i would throw it away, not like it really adds anything other than looks anyway.

better give it a proper cork or bark hide

She does also have a cork bark hide. Here's another angle.
Took the log out. It was purchased at my local reptile shop. I guess I will redo her enclosure

 

[campj]

I'd take it back and get a refund. It has some type of wood boring beetle in it.

 

[Wolfram1]

She does also have a cork bark hide. Here's another angle.
Took the log out. It was purchased at my local reptile shop. I guess I will redo her enclosure

it is good that she has a hide, in that case the rest looks fine
mesh top could be a danger, read through the threads come to your own conclusions on how to tackle this and improove the setup

 

[spydergyrl]

I'd take it back and get a refund. It has some type of wood boring beetle in it.

I called them.
They said there's no way it's from their wood, because it's treated grapevine wood. It I'd though. I'm not going to argue with them. Just disappointed. I know bugs are sneaky, but they did not offer a refund. They said I should change my substrate because it's probably from my substrate. Thank you

 

[Introvertebrate]

I called them.
They said there's no way it's from their wood, because it's treated grapevine wood. It I'd though. I'm not going to argue with them. Just disappointed. I know bugs are sneaky, but they did not offer a refund. They said I should change my substrate because it's probably from my substrate. Thank you

So you're doubting them? You think there's something in the wood?

 

[Ultum4Spiderz]

I called them.
They said there's no way it's from their wood, because it's treated grapevine wood. It I'd though. I'm not going to argue with them. Just disappointed. I know bugs are sneaky, but they did not offer a refund. They said I should change my substrate because it's probably from my substrate. Thank you

Only one way to know isolate the wood in a container so if there’s beetles or larvae they show up . Or check see if it feels hollow? Tap testing maybe

 

[spydergyrl]

Only one way to know isolate the wood in a container so if there’s beetles or larvae they show up . Or check see if it feels hollow? Tap testing maybe

Yes when u Tap it lots of dust comes out.

So you're doubting them? You think there's something in the wood?

Yes, that's what I believe. I suppose it is what it is. The log is new, and this happens. Only other possible idea i had was maybe my t was chewing but seeing tiny holes in the wood...I know something in it

 

[Ultum4Spiderz]

Yes, that's what I believe. I suppose it is what it is. The log is new, and this happens. Only other possible idea i had was maybe my t was chewing but seeing tiny holes in the wood...I know something in it

I’ve never had a t chew wood, those are definitely boring holes either it’s got live beetle in it or residue from them in the past or larvas .

 

[SpookySpooder]

If it's treated wood for insects then you probably don't want it in your T enclosure anyway.

Whether it came from the pet store or your home I can't say, but I can say with 100% certainty this is a type of wood boring beetle.

The tiny circular holes and fine powder are evidence of this

 

[Introvertebrate]

Yes, that's what I believe. I suppose it is what it is. The log is new, and this happens. Only other possible idea i had was maybe my t was chewing but seeing tiny holes in the wood...I know something in it

So the holes weren't there when you purchased the wood? It seems unlikely that your tarantula made them.

 

[Matt Man]

no T made those holes. Agree that it looks like a borer beetle. Can you post a full pic of your T? Awfully dark for a chalcodes unless it is a MM

 

[jbooth]

Lmao they got fed a line from someone. Hopefully those are even local to the country, I'd dunk it in alcohol lol. Or bleach. They should give you your money back and exchange those feeders for something the T can eat.

 

[Ultum4Spiderz]

Lmao they got fed a line from someone. Hopefully those are even local to the country, I'd dunk it in alcohol lol. Or bleach. They should give you your money back and exchange those feeders for something the T can eat.

Yeah what bs , some pet stores don’t even give out receipts like one of my local ones . They had a tiny bag of eco earth for $30!!! Betcha someone will buy it .

 

[Pedipalpable]

Hopefully those are even local to the country,

With that concern in mind, it might not be a bad idea to keep it in a container and wait to see what comes out, then try to have it identified. If it’s an invasive or otherwise foreign species, the local wildlife authorities will definitely want to know about it.

 

[Mountaindani]

Lmao they got fed a line from someone. Hopefully those are even local to the country, I'd dunk it in alcohol lol. Or bleach. They should give you your money back and exchange those feeders for something the T can eat.

What about baking it? Like 200 for 20 min or longer if you are really worried. Then you wouldn't have to worry about toxic wood. It shouldn't be treated with anything if it's for pets.