How To Make Substrate for Rhinoceros Beetle/Stag Beetle Larvae

I was constantly mixing it until it started to mold too quickly and made me nauseous and lightheaded from all the mold when I mixed... I eventually did mix it and most of the mold is now gone because I guess most of the nutrients and excess moisture has left. When do you know if the fermented wood is safe to give to your beetle grubs? I know there is some danger of heat from compost killing them and some other stuff, but I'm new to this.  I know the video says its mostly the color, but are there other ways to tell to double check? Also if you were to use the fermented wood for dynastes tityus would it be okay to give them wood that isn't completely fermented and more in lines with what a stag would want?

 
Rhinos like D tityus typically won't do well on wood that isn't thoroughly fermented. Color and smell are the two biggest indicators of being done. The color should be dark brown, the sub shouldn't be generating any heat, and it should smell earthy like soil, not sour or like wine or wood. If your sub is still a light brown or even tan, fully cooled down, and it's been a 4-6 weeks or so, it's not uncommon to have to re-ferment it (basically introduce new flour/bran and yeast in the same ratios as when you started). You'll want to go back to daily mixing when you do this if you've stopped at all, that is.

My biggest piece of advice is to not try to rush it. You can't. Fermenting any time outside of summer is torturously slow (for me, at least) due to the cooler temps. My first batch of sub was done indoors at around 72f using flour and took about 8 months to reach a state acceptable for rhinos.

For the love of Beetle Jesus, though, wear a mask or respirator rated for bio particulates (they're pretty cheap) and gloves when you mix, especially when there is mold present.

 
That is indeed good advice PowerHobo. Also, I'm a bit confused at which color it is indicated to be in need of refermentation. My substrate is a bit dark brown when moist, but it is not nearly as dark as compost but is much darker than raw oak wood. However, it does look a bit tan when dry. Also, when the book "For the Love of ....." refers to foul odor, is it referring to the odor of just fermentation or general odor like from mold?

 
I have a quick question, I got a 20 pound bag of treagers oak pellet. Took out about one or two pound. Now, I soaked the 19 pounds in water. Added about five pounds of wheat flour and two packs of dry yeast. I do not have a bag so I put it in a container. I mix it almost all day. Am I doing the right thing? Also, can is use nutrient wheat flour?

 
The substrate is pretty hot. The added nutrient flour has another kind of flour and folic acid. 

 
Also, the wheat flour I'm currently using is a Korean brand. The ingredients only say, Wheat Flour.

 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top