Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I usually feed my water dragons superworms. That is their staple. However lately I have been getting very tine larva and eventually moths in the superworm tank.

Are these other larva/moths coming in with the substrate from the supplier?

Anyone else have trouble getting rid of these? What did you do?

We have little fluttery m,oths all around our house and tine cocoons in the joint between the walls and the celing where they like to nest.... AARRGGHH

Thanks
Boo

Most likely, they're Indian Grain Moths. I have the same problem. The solution is to screen-off (fine mesh screen)-all insect cultures that use the various types of grain for substrate & feeding. The grain mix should be sterilized with heat via an oven @ 250F for 25-30 minutes or microwave-(messy)as moisture will condense. Let the mix cool before using. They also make good, but rather small feeder insects. You can try vacuuming them out of the crevices & hang some flypaper to trap the moths which fly at night.
Goodluck

The best solution is to put your superworm feed in the freezer (to kill any larva/moths) and only feed the superworms enough to last a couple of days. This way the pest insects can't establish themselves before all the food is eaten.

Rodney

Actually, "Rodmalm's" answer (of freezing) was the best solution. For some reason, I was thinking about substrate sterilization. I do actually let my Zophobas larva live in the grain medium; however, some people have been known to use peatmoss or other media for superworms.

Thanks...