Hisser fungus/mold

L

lonelyronin

First Instar
I have a large colony of hissers, and they have developed a brown fuzzy mold/fungus. I've cleaned out the tank several times, but it always comes back - it's on the bugs, so without scrubbing them individually/bleaching them, I don't have any idea how to get rid of it. It is all over the tank, and is even coming out the top of the lid. It coats the walls, bugs, lid - everything. Any ideas?

Laura

 
it wasn't until I focused with the camera, that I noticed they were moving. So, yes it is mites. Now, how do I get rid of them?

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Oh yeah, you have a HUGE population of grain mites. Clean out the cage and the roaches, get rid of any hides you have or sterilize them.

For now on try keeping the cage drier, perhaps add more ventilation, and feed them only as much as they will eat in two days. Overfeeding is the most common cause of mites.

You should also get a cleanup crew if you are noticing a buildup of dead hissers, as mites will feast upon dead roach bodies, especially if they are kept moist.

Hope this helps! :)

 
I have heard good things about the lesser mealworm beetles, and they can tolerate the dryish conditions hissers like. You will need to put a thin layer of substrate I would think, in order for them to breed well. Coconut fiber would work well.

 
Lesser mealworms are Alphitobius diaperinus, mealworms are Tenebrio molitor. The regular mealworms don't function as cleaners. I'm pretty sure cape cod roaches sells lessers at a good price. You really don't need many to get going.

 
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If you do get lessers, you'll need to control their numbers, usually by placing a shallow cup in the enclosure so the adults get trapped (they can't climb smooth surfaces). Otherwise they will get out of hand and potentially compete for food with the roaches.

 
Thanks for the info - I'm going to try and find springtails. Cap Cod Roaches can't ship to canada. Which is a shame because they have so many insects I'd love to try.

 
I think they should be able to ship beetles to Canada, from what I know beetles are pretty legal up there. I may be wrong. Roaches however, are a different story. :(

 
The rules are so bizzare in canada, it's getting ridiculous. The city I live in is trying to ban rabbits, guinea pigs, neon tetras, and many other common pets.

 
Another option is predatory mites. You might be able to find those sold in the gardening section if you're lucky.

 
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