My colony of beetles lives outside in my uninsulated garage where they stay humid enough, and warm enough, that is until, I fear, when the cold winter hits here. I know winter is a while off but I'd like to start preparing now on what to do with my beetles during the winter. Them coming indoors is just not an option and I'll want them to work most of the winter on deer skulls and the like. I was wondering if I could keep them in an old refrigerator with an electric heater or heat lamp inside it. Will the refrigerator sufficiently keep them warm enough to work. The refrigerator will of course stay in the garage, away from the elements. I would appreciate any help but it's not a rush, I mean it's going on June right now. Thanks.
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Hi! remember that too much humidity is bad for those beetles- a heater in an enclosed space may cause too much humidity or be to hot for them to survive. for cleaning bones that have been properly prepared, your temp range needs to be 70-80 degrees with a 50-60 percent humidity range, while colony is inactive, temp range 50-70 degrees with humidity at 40-50 percent. an excellent book on the subject is called "BEETLES AND BONES", you can get in touch with Bud at this address if you are interested in this booklet- very inexpensive and JAM PACKED with great info. jillett@jillett.com tell him "SPOOKYIVEY" sent you! hope this helps