The Insect Enclosure

Sam Forster

Although it is possible to maintain feed insects in small plastic containers or polystyrene boxes some insects, particularly crickets and grasshoppers will breed best when housed in a container of this type. Below is a list of materials that will be required to create a box of this type.

• 2 x Wooden Roof/Base Panels: 1000mm x 400mm
• 2 x Wooden Side Panels 400mm x 600mm
• 1 x Dividing Panel 600mm x 400mm (Optional, though suggested)
• 1 x Wooden Back Panel 1020mm x 620mm (assumes 10mm thickness of wood)
• 6 x 510mm x 40mm Wood (Horizontal Door Frame)
• 4 x 500mm x 40mm Wood (Vertical Door Frame)
• 2 x 470mm x 290mm Perspex (Allows for 20mm overlap)
• 2 x 470mm x 290mm Flyscreen (Allows for 20mm overlap)
• 4 x Large Door Hinges
• 4 x Small Door Hinges
• 2 x Large Door Handles
• 2 x Small Door Handles
• 4 x Large Door Clasps
• 4 x Small Door Clasps
• 2 x Light Fixture
• 2 x 4m Electrical wiring
• 2 x Plugs
• 1 or 2 x Thermostat (Optional)
• Screws and Wood glue

The construction of the container is relatively simple with the base, roof, dividing panel and sides fitting together and the back panel connecting from the outside.

The two doors open from the centre (though there is no reason this must be so) and consist of a top Perspex panel, which opens downwards, and a lower flyscreen panel. The reason for this arrangement is it allows for good access to the insects without unnecessary loss of heat.

The electrical fittings should consist of one light fitting (and heat bulb) in either side and a corresponding thermostat (if used).