Spiders…

[Rango_TheManEater]

I live in a small, “spot-in-the-road” town on the countryside. Besides issues with mice, I also have issues with bugs… specifically Daddy Long Legs (spiders).

I swear that I have checked every side and possibly crevice and that there is no possible way for a bug to get in or out of Rango’s cage… but I’ve noticed lately that webs have been mysteriously forming on the bottom branches of his little habitat.

Does anybody know how to get rid of spiders?? I have yet to see that little pain in the butt but, if I do, I’ll squish it! Until then, however… are there any plants or veiled-safe insecticides that I could use?

This is definitely a recent issue. Any advice helps

 

[kinyonga]

Daddy long legs are nocturnal…so that’s part of your problem.
I’ve heard that they don’t like citrus..so maybe that would help…but how is it going to get out of the cage to “escape” the citrus smell?

 

[Rango_TheManEater]

Daddy long legs are nocturnal…so that’s part of your problem.
I’ve heard that they don’t like citrus..so maybe that would help…but how is it going to get out of the cage to “escape” the citrus smell?

I have a small little open-able part on the bottom of Rango’s cage. I’m at work right now but, for reference, it’s an XL reptibreeze cage (I think). Maybe I could narrow the opening on the bottom so that my veiled doesn’t get out, but the spiders can? Would that work?

 

[BleuSaphir]

They will snack on certain spiders. I watch Namul do that. Otherwise he seems to know how to avoid Black Widows in the past.

 

[Beman]

Are you sure you do not have spider mites on your plants? They produce little webs below the leaves and where branches connect. The mites are pretty tiny very hard to see with your eyes but the webs are visible and easy to spot. They come in on plants from the stores.....

 

[BleuSaphir]

Are you sure you do not have spider mites on your plants? They produce little webs below the leaves and where branches connect. The mites are pretty tiny very hard to see with your eyes but the webs are visible and easy to spot. They come in on plants from the stores.....

If you happen to buy plants outside, the higher chances of getting hitchhikers. Thats how I got black widows in my cage.

 

[Rango_TheManEater]

Are you sure you do not have spider mites on your plants? They produce little webs below the leaves and where branches connect. The mites are pretty tiny very hard to see with your eyes but the webs are visible and easy to spot. They come in on plants from the stores.....

I’m honestly not sure. I did not buy any of my plants, though; they were all my mom’s and lived inside on a window their whole life.

Maybe some snuck in anyway? The webs match your description pretty well

Sorry the quality is kinda weird. And yes, those are shed flakes… lol

 

[Rango_TheManEater]

If you happen to buy plants outside, the higher chances of getting hitchhikers. Thats how I got black widows in my cage.

Icky! Maybe I’m better off spraying it down with citrus the moment I bring it home

 

[ehdee6]

I'm sorry to report that this looks like the work of spider mites. The webbing is too small for a daddy long legs.

These pests crawl through window screens and will even catch a ride on clothes/other pets fur.

I tried my best to not let pests in (washed the plants to the roots/new soil/quarantine new plants), but they unfortunately found a way in.

I hope I've solved my pest problems... But I had to completely wash out the cages soaking them in cleaner's vintager, drying the cages over a heater, and then introduced biological bugs.

I can't say for certain, still, that I've got them all; but I haven't noticed new infestations since adding the biological bugs.

 

[Rango_TheManEater]

I'm sorry to report that this looks like the work of spider mites. The webbing is too small for a daddy long legs.

These pests crawl through window screens and will even catch a ride on clothes/other pets fur.

I tried my best to not let pests in (washed the plants to the roots/new soil/quarantine new plants), but they unfortunately found a way in.

I hope I've solved my pest problems... But I had to completely wash out the cages soaking them in cleaner's vintager, drying the cages over a heater, and then introduced biological bugs.

I can't say for certain, still, that I've got them all; but I haven't noticed new infestations since adding the biological bugs.

Is it bad that I don’t understand what a biological bug is?

Also… while Rango’s cage is being cleaned, is there any form of ideal temporary cage I could use? I’d have to buy one if so, but I’m more than willing to splurge for something like this.

 

[ehdee6]

Is it bad that I don’t understand what a biological bug is?

Not at all, as it was something I stumbled upon while raising my chams...

You'll have to excuse the Canadian content, but biological bugs are those who eat/kill pests. https://www.koppert.ca/news/spider-mite-predators/

Also… while Rango’s cage is being cleaned, is there any form of ideal temporary cage I could use? I’d have to buy one if so, but I’m more than willing to splurge for something like this.

Worst case scenario is that rango goes into a dark box kept at room temperature for two days while you rearrange things. Or you can get a pop-up laundry hamper for a few days untill everything is put back together... Just don't put the lights over it. One where it completely seals, like this: https://a.co/d/03F8JFNg

I have a large back up reptibeeze to put them in for extended amounts of time, if needed. But you should be able to clean it out within 2-3 days.

I'd start with removing the webs, and cleaning the infected area with just normal vinegar diluted with 25% water. Wipe around all the infected areas and check if they come back within 3 days...

If they're still there after 3 days you may have to resort to a full cleanse.