For Bess beetles- how often do you mist/how moist do you keep substrate?

[Trailblazr80]

The topic title speaks for itself- just wondering if any Bess beetle owners know the right amount of humidity? Do you just spray the sides of the tank or the substrate as well? After switching to a mesh lid and lightly spraying sides, I noticed the substrate getting a little dry. Thanks!

 

[Greatwun]

Two times a week if the sub doesn't dry out too frequently.

 

[Bill Myers]

When the moisture content of the substrate gets too low, I've noticed that the Bessies and larvae will start roaming around the surface. That's their way of telling me I forgot to spray the substrate and, by the way, they'd like some more yummy wood, too! lulz

Cheers

 

[Trailblazr80]

When the moisture content of the substrate gets too low, I've noticed that the Bessies and larvae will start roaming around the surface. That's their way of telling me I forgot to spray the substrate and, by the way, they'd like some more yummy wood, too! lulz

Cheers

That's exactly what they're doing- coming to the surface and looking around!

 

[LarvaHunter]

Mine I forgot to mist recently and they were all roaming around just like Bill said, it does remind me to mist them. I got my first casualty Yesterday though, I hope it's not from lack of water. I also have large pieces of wood inside, I haven't added any since I set up the bin at last year as I figure they can get it from the big pieces. Should I be adding fresh moist wood anyway?

 

[Bill Myers]

Mine I forgot to mist recently and they were all roaming around just like Bill said, it does remind me to mist them. I got my first casualty Yesterday though, I hope it's not from lack of water. I also have large pieces of wood inside, I haven't added any since I set up the bin at last year as I figure they can get it from the big pieces. Should I be adding fresh moist wood anyway?

Yes. Especially if you let your large pieces of wood dry out. Just remove the dry pieces and add fresh, moist wood. Then, take your dry pieces and soak them for a few days in a bucket before returning them to the Bessie enclosure.

Cheers