Cypress mulch and a giant maggot

[xcrafter]

First night with the snake out. Put her back in. Go to the change the water... I lift up my waterbowl... and see a maggot between 1 1/4 and 1 1/2 inches long.. disgusting and unacceptable to me. Has anyone had this problem? Is it common or should I call and complain to the place I got my snake and setup from and not ever buy there again? I did a sweep of the cage and saw no more in any of the mulch. It was wet below the dish because the bottom has a few drips on it whenever I put it back. This must be the 6th time in 4 days I changed the water and just now do I see a maggot.

[heathers*bps]

Are you sure it wasn't just a grub? I've never seen a maggot ( fly larvae ) get that big.
If it were me, I would take all that substrate out and use something else. I honestly am not sure if this happens sometimes, as I use newspaper.
Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

[decensored]

I've never heard of this.. how long have you had your set up?

[xcrafter]

Are you sure it wasn't just a grub? I've never seen a maggot ( fly larvae ) get that big.
If it were me, I would take all that substrate out and use something else. I honestly am not sure if this happens sometimes, as I use newspaper.
Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

Yeah it was probably a grub I just googled the difference, I'm just ignorant when it comes to insects and their larvae forms :\

Edit: setup is now 4 days old

[decensored]

wierd.. LOL I have honestly never encountered this.. LOL

[WingedWolfPsion]

I expect a wood beetle larvae could wind up in mulch and grow up, lol. Likely quite harmless, and just a rare encounter.
One of the hazards of natural materials.

[Evenstar]

I expect a wood beetle larvae could wind up in mulch and grow up, lol. Likely quite harmless, and just a rare encounter.
One of the hazards of natural materials.

I agree. I've used cypress mulch for 2 years and I've never encountered a problem. If you are hesitant in the future, you can bake your mulch on a cookie tray for 20 min at 350. This would kill any bugs that might be in the wood.

[xcrafter]

I agree. I've used cypress mulch for 2 years and I've never encountered a problem. If you are hesitant in the future, you can bake your mulch on a cookie tray for 20 min at 350. This would kill any bugs that might be in the wood.

I'm not that concerned I just felt like a bad owner it's my 3rd day and I get giant larvae near my water bowl crawlin around.. Thanks though

[Foschi Exotic Serpents]

I bet my dragon would have loved that!

[GoFride]

Next time (if there is a next time) we wanna see pics! Have a naming contest! Grow it up and see what morph it is