A Rearing Cabinet with Temperature and Humidity Controls

Extract

A series of rearing chambers that have given satisfactory control of temperature and humidity have been in use in the entomological laboratory at Kentville during the past three years. The unit requires very little attention except a service check of the cabinets every two or three months.

The dimensions are given in Fig. 1 except for the depth, which is 30 inches on the outside. The cabinet is constructed of 3/4-inch plywood without a supporting frame. Trays with perforated steel bottoms are arranged inside the cabinet on adjustable shelf brackets. The cabinet is provided with an upper and a lower door with removable jamb between them that may be removed when installing the trays in the cabinet. The doors are provided with a double glass window, which in turn is covered by a plywood door. A thermostat and a hygrostat are installed on the inside wall of the chamber about one foot from the bottom. The cabinet sets on a 15-inch base as shown in Fig. 1. The cabinet is painted inside with a steam-resistant paint to facilitate cleaning, and is provided with two 15-watt fluorescent lights inside at the top.