Walnut as Substrate

[pannaking22]

Can walnut be used for substrate, or is it poisonous to beetle larvae? I know it's a hardwood, but some compound is produced by the tree that kills plants around it. I'm asking because my dad has been woodworking with walnut lately and has a lot of walnut sawdust laying around that I could have.

 

[LarvaHunter]

I don't think so. It would have to be fermented anyways. Some woods have natural chemicals that could be harmful. Maybe someone here has tried it.

 

[Oak]

i think it's ok as long as you ferment it...but maple or oak is your best choice..

 

[pannaking22]

Alright, I will wait until he works with oak again

 

[Dynastes]

I think it would be fine to incorporate in the substrate for larvae that eat decayed wood as it would eventually be eaten but it can't be the primary food and it would take some time to decay even ground up and mixed in substrate. I've been considering trying the ground walnut shells sold for bedding but I'd have to use some rather large groups to be sure the results meant anything and I don't have the right animal, stage, or number at the moment.