Using Incense Around Larvae

[Ratmosphere]

After heat treating substrate, the house really stinks. It is then when incense is lit in the upstairs to help settle the smell. During this point in time, the larvae are transported down into the basement. If incense were to be lit in the basement with the larvae, would it pose a health issue to them? I ask this because incense is sometimes lit to suffocate fruit fly's in large quantities. However, the larvae are significantly bigger than a fruit fly so I'm wondering if the same affects would happen. Thank you.

 

[Hisserdude]

When I cook my substrate the smell seems to go away after a half hour or so. I probably wouldn't use incense in the same room as the beetles, just to be safe. I don't know what kinds of chemicals are in them, or if they are harmful to beetles.

 

[Ratmosphere]

Good point! Thanks man.

 

[Peter Clausen]

I could be very wrong, but I wouldn't think twice about exposing the beetles to it.

Myself though? I'd rather smell the back end of an elephant than incense.

I have a microwave on my back porch that I use for substrate. You can pick one up Craigslist for ten bucks. Cheaper than a month's supply of incense, I'd imagine!

 

[Ratmosphere]

You are totally right. I should definitely invest in one.

 

[Ratmosphere]

Came up with a new and effective method. First, I set up the incense in my bathroom downstairs. I shut the door and let it burn for a while and then open it so a de minimis amount of the smoke will leave a scent in the downstairs. This works for me a lot lately, probably for the past 3 months. So far I haven't noticed any negative effects on my larvae. Hope this helps!

 

[Teddingtonfancy]

I have a small oven in my backyard so when I sterilize my substrate there really isn't much of a smell