Heat mats & woodies - where to place?

[Lollypop]

Have never used a heat mat & don't want to burn the house down so.....
1: Do I just sit the heat mat on the bottom of the foam box, then place the egg cartons on top - is this dangerous??
2: Should I place a sheet of glass under the heat mat for safety??
3: Do I need any substrate over the heat mat to protect the woodies??- (have heard this can cause the heat mats to burn out)
4: Am I better to attach it to the side of the foam box with tape, is this safer, but does it still heat enuf??

My woodies are outside on the patio & is now too cold for them to breed, but I need them to breed NOW so am right for Spring. Any help would be appreciated. Caresheets don't give the details I've asked above, that I can find.
Thanks - Kathy

 

[bob360]

heat mats and woodies where to place?

put the heat mat under the enclosure and then you should probably place something under the heat mat. also heat mats don't get very hot(in my experience anyway) so your woodlice should cope fine.

 

[kidsheart]

yeah id put something under it depending on what its sitting on. a tile or something would be good. they can get pretty hot. but if its under the tank like stated above you should be fine. just keep an eye on the temp for the first few days

 

[Lollypop]

I've actually just got my woodies in those foam boxes, not a tank, so I was worried about the heat mat melting the styrofoam at the bottom, & also the egg cartons on top.
Is it too much then to have: bottom of foam box, a tile, heat mat, another tile?

 

[Sel]

Buy a plastic tub and put the woodies in that, then put heat mat underneath..

 

[Steman]

i am also wondering about heatmats and woodies. im assuming for woodies there is no need for a thermostat. is that correct

 

[bob360]

no there is not really any need for a thermostat but you should check it readily