I noticed that my armadillium granulatum were all huddled together on the surface in their enclosure, which is a very good indication that ammonia has built up in the substrate.
What does this mean?
Time for a bin upgrade or substrate change. Something many hobbyists dread 😩
BUT I wanted to share a technique I use that is very effective. It’s called a “pitfall” trap. Last night I set up two and came to check on them this morning…. We had great success. I will repeat this method a few more times to clear out as many as I can before retiring the remaining soil.
Tips:
- Start by removing as many isopods as you can from the enclosure.
- Dig out the substrate and drop your deli cups in, making them level with the surface of the substrate. (I use 4 oz deli cups because I have them on hand, but any dish that will keep them trapped is fine).
- Use a cup/dish with high or slick sides so they are not able to climb back out.
- Place food inside the cup that is highly desired, this time I used Supreme isopod chow (which most of my isopods seriously love).
- Close the bin up and leave untouched overnight.
- Move trapped pods to their new enclosure and repeat as many times as needed.
- Remember to add some of the “spent” substrate to your new enclosure as it has good bacteria and (hopefully) springtails that will help in the new setup.
Happy isopod farming!
