Do Spiders Cause Mold?
WouterYou may have seen spiders in your home, but do they cause mold? Many of them are attracted to damp, dark areas. They also prefer rotting materials like cardboard boxes and under sinks.
The answer is yes, but there are ways to keep your spiders safe from mold. The first step is to remove excess moisture. This will prevent fungus from developing. Another step is to clean and disinfect the cage or enclosure. It’s best to use a water-based solution to avoid any health complications. Alcohol treatment can be used as a last resort.
You can check for signs of mold by checking for microbial volatile organic compounds. These gasses have a strong, musty smell. They are a common component of a fungus. They can be very similar to the odor of beer.
You can also look for signs of dehydration in your spider. A dry abdomen indicates that your spider lacks enough water. You will find that after drinking from a large open dish of water, your spider will increase its activity level.
When looking for a tarantula, make sure to not keep it in a swamp-like environment. It can become too humid and hot. You can prevent this by keeping it in a container with a good airflow.
If your tarantula develops yellow or white plumes, it could be suffering from a mold condition. This fungus can spread to its internal organs, causing it to die.
A good way to prevent mold is to maintain a healthy yard. It is important to eliminate any mold-infested soil and remove all traces of moisture. You can also apply a fungicide to the substrate.
