Even well-fermented substrate doesn’t last forever, and there are a few types of deterioration you might come across.
✅ Deterioration from Re-fermentation
This type is easy to spot, the substrate turns orange.
It usually happens when the substrate is kept with too much moisture and not enough airflow, especially in high temperatures.
Summer is the peak season for this issue.
It’s like feeding your larvae spoiled food, and it can be very harmful.
If you notice this kind of deterioration, it’s best to discard the substrate immediately.
(Do not confuse with the pupa chamber.)
✅ Deterioration from Contamination
This one is a bit trickier. You’ll notice the substrate turning light brown.
This issue is very common in Kinshi too, and some breeders believe that the contamination spreads as larvae move between the Kinshi and other substrate.
If you encounter this kind of deterioration, it’s best to avoid using the affected substrate.
✅ A New, Unidentified Type of Deterioration
This is a strange one that’s become more noticeable since last year. (2024)
It looks similar to the second type (drying out), but white mold starts covering the surface.
The mold acts like a sponge, soaking up moisture and creating condensation inside the container.
We still don’t know exactly what this is.
It seems to appear during the same season for many breeders.
We’ve speculated that it could be related to oak pellets, but oddly, we’re all using different brands, so it’s still a mystery.
I think it might be something like mushroom mycelia.
What we do know is that:
• This mold survives high fermentation temps,
• It continues to dry out substrate rapidly,
• You can technically still use the substrate, but it may negatively affect species that require less fermented conditions.