beetle box

[cook taxidermy]

Well thanks RD and thanks alpinist every thing you have said makes perfect sense thanks a million if it wasnt for you guys i still be going in circle lol i cant wait to get started doing it im always up for a learning experience thanks again~Cook

[joeym]

All you need to do to keep the beetles from chewing through your box is to coat the inside with fiberglass resin.  You do not need to use the mat, just the resin.  Do one side at a time.  Mix about 8 ounces of resin, and pour in on each side, with the box laying on that side.  When it has cured (24hrs) rotate the box so that another side is down, and pour the resin on it and spread with a brush.  Check each side and the bottom to make sure that there are no uncovered areas.  Pour it thick in the corners.  It may take a couple of gallons to do your box, but you will have a durable box that will last for years and years when you are finished.  Beetles will not climb it if you pour a smooth surface, and keep it wiped.  The dust from their frass allows them to have traction to climb anything.  With adequate food, most will have little desire to climb out....but there is an occasional maverick.

[cook taxidermy]

thanks for the info joey is the fiber glass resin what you use? thanks~cook

[joeym]

Yes...you can buy it by the gallon at discount auto part stores.

[RBlack]

RD, may I ask what your bedding material is?

[Toxic]

RD, may I ask what your bedding material is?

he probable uses Tempur-Pedic if he is "spendy"   

[RD Martin]

Toxic, lol

Mattress batting does make good beetle bedding but I have used that critter care/bedding from Petco for several years. Stays fluffy for a long time and bugs don't complain about sore backs. .

[Beltonbanger]

Joey, that is a great idea. I have been wanting to make a new box and the fiberglass resin bit sounds like the deal. Looks like I got another summer project!!!!