As you might have read in the post I wrote about my first sucessful molt, I have previously had a fungus gnat infestation. And now, with my new substrate and all, more fungus gnats have returned. I don't think it was my fault, because, hey, they're attracted to warm moist places right? So obviously a crabitat is a target! Anyway, I don't have the money to go and buy new substrate... AND I don't want to have to sterilize everything again... so I was going to make one of those gnat traps with the bottle, the rolled-up piece of paper, and the vinegar that was suggested after a pest invasion in crab tanks. I'm going to put this in there. Just a few questions... how long do I leave in in there? Until I see no more bugs? Also, do you have any tips for these bug trap things? Thanks guys!
~Annie
(and Mr. Krabs, Your Shyness, Scooter, Mr. Krabs Jr, Zipper, and Beechie of course!)
I wouldn't put the trap in your tank, but rather put it a little bit away from it. I wouldn't want my crabs exposed to it and, besides, if there are any more gnats in your house that haven't found your tank, the additional draw of the vinegar will bring them into it. It's just like how, when you've got a bug zapper light outside, you don't put it right next to you - it will draw all the bugs it's supposed to get away from you to you (does that make sense?). You put it a little ways away from you and the bugs will go to it instead of to you. So don't put the trap IN the tank, but do provide a way for the gnats to get out of your tank to the trap.
Are you sure they're fungus gnats and not fruit flies?
Unfortunately, I would recommend you re-sterilize your tank after you get the gnats sorted out because if there are any eggs in your substrate or on your tank ornaments, the problem won't be fixed even if the grown-ups are dead.
I understand about the bug trap being OUTSIDE the tank as opposed to IN. Also, I'm pretty sure they were fungus gnats, but even if they weren't, still they're pests, right? Thank you for your suggestion. I'm sure my hermies will appreciate it!!
~Annie
(and Mr. Krabs, Your Shyness, Scooter, Mr. Krabs Jr, Zipper, and Beechie of course!)
Annie,
it's really best to find out what kind they are, as there is a kind of gnat that does (this is gross) feed on meat. This kind of fly is called a phorid fly, or humpback fly.
These flies seem to prefer to "scuttle" along and seem to resist flying, which is quite different from fruit flies.
Taken from: http://www.forensicflies.com/beetles.htm
See the hump on this fly's back? This can help you identify it. They are rather small gnats, too.
Hopefully you don't have these! I had them and they came from my moss I had purchased for my tank. I now pour boiling water over my moss before I use it to make sure any and all possible eggs and pests are killed.
6 hermit crabs - 3 PPs and 3 Equadorians
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I don't know, I already dumped my substrate. All my crabs are in the iso with a paper towel and food and water bowls. Dad and I are preparing to leave to buy new substrate and I just sterilized all of my accessories in steaming hot water (with gloves). And I was wondering.... Would flypaper work? If you just cut a teeny strip and stuck it near the top of your crabitat so that your crabs couldn't get to it? Would that work? It captures the big flies, do you suppose it could capture gnats and other pests? Thanks guys, because if you say that might work, then I'm going to do that.
~Annie
(and Mr. Krabs, Your Shyness, Scooter, Mr. Krabs Jr, Zipper, and Beechie of course!)
I wouldn't - crabs can climb up the sealant on the corners of the tanks and get to the top. I've had mine do laps around the top edge, hanging underneath it, and you'd be surprised where they could get. I would try to lure the flies away from the tank, not into it.
Maybe not near the tank, but by a window or potted plants you may have in the house. I notice when I have potted plants that are inside or require shade outside I find little gnats around them. Hanging the sticky fly paper in the room the tank is in would be ok, just not touching the tank.
What I did to repel pesky insects in my tat was to stick a neem and citronella stick into the tank that repelled insects. Unfortunately it repelled the crabs also.
Yeah, Citronella is irritating to crabs and, if they are exposed long enough, can kill them, so don't do this. It will irritate their abdomens and can cause spontaneous shell dropping and death if you place it in their tank.
