Superworm issues

[dogndragonmom]

So I have noticed a clumping of the substrate in my superworm container, that is well ventilated. I thought it was moisture from the veggies I put it to feed them, but was just reading the superworm thread here and it mentioned a grain mite infestation causes clumping. I have since fed some worms to my dragon and now I am freaking out and worried. He is not acting sick or any behavior changes, but am wondering if grain mites can cause any issues with dragons??

 

[KarrieRee]

So I have noticed a clumping of the substrate in my superworm container, that is well ventilated. I thought it was moisture from the veggies I put it to feed them, but was just reading the superworm thread here and it mentioned a grain mite infestation causes clumping. I have since fed some worms to my dragon and now I am freaking out and worried. He is not acting sick or any behavior changes, but am wondering if grain mites can cause any issues with dragons??

@CooperDragon

 

[Rubble1212]

I’ve kept super worms for years in ground oatmeal and wheat bran and I’ve never seen any mites what are you using as a substrate? I’d be highly surprised if that was it. Can you see mites if spread some of the substrate out on a white piece of paper maybe grab one of the clumps and spread it out over printer paper.

 

[Rubble1212]

Ok maybe a black piece of paper seems that they are white but you should be able to see a ton of them clumped together in those clumps of the substrate you were talking about?

 

[CooperDragon]

The clumping could be moisture in the substrate. If it is grain mites, they are harmless, but kind of a pain to get rid of. They will coat the container with what looks like a fine white dust but if you look closely you can see them moving. The best way I've found to get rid of them is to reduce the humidity in the area with a dehumidifier. They don't seem to like it much below about 40% and will disappear after a while.

 

[Rubble1212]

Yeah that’s why I’ve never seen them in my superworms I’m in the high desert we’re lucky if we have 30% humidity lol. Most days it’s around 20-25%. In the house with our heating/air conditioning it can get to 18%.

 

[dogndragonmom]

I’ve kept super worms for years in ground oatmeal and wheat bran and I’ve never seen any mites what are you using as a substrate? I’d be highly surprised if that was it. Can you see mites if spread some of the substrate out on a white piece of paper maybe grab one of the clumps and spread it out over printer paper.

they are in ground up whole oats and a worm food mix a friend made for me. I will check tomorrow on some black paper to see if there is anything there. Thank you

 

[dogndragonmom]

The clumping could be moisture in the substrate. If it is grain mites, they are harmless, but kind of a pain to get rid of. They will coat the container with what looks like a fine white dust but if you look closely you can see them moving. The best way I've found to get rid of them is to reduce the humidity in the area with a dehumidifier. They don't seem to like it much below about 40% and will disappear after a while.

We live in Florida and well humidity is every day haha even with an air conditioner. I do not see any fine dust in the container, so hopefully I am just being a paranoid dragon mom lol

 

[Rubble1212]

The more we worry stress then research and read and then worry some more means we love them lol . I swear I’ve never spent so much time worrying and stressing about anything in my life no joke.

 

[Rubble1212]

Maybe try what bran for bedding it seems to stay pretty dry but I don’t know with your guy’s humidity? I put the greens I use for my dragon on top of the bedding and a carrot every few days but you may need to remove the food daily? What do you feed your super worms?

 

[dogndragonmom]

The more we worry stress then research and read and then worry some more means we love them lol . I swear I’ve never spent so much time worrying and stressing about anything in my life no joke.

Ain't that the truth haha here is a close up it. I don't see anything moving

 

[dogndragonmom]

Maybe try what bran for bedding it seems to stay pretty dry but I don’t know with your guy’s humidity? I put the greens I use for my dragon on top of the bedding and a carrot every few days but you may need to remove the food daily? What do you feed your super worms?

I add some of the greens and a carrot every couple days. They also have a worm fix mix that a friend made me that is in their substrate too.