Anyone ever use peat moss with wax added to it like wax dirt? What kind of results did you get,good or bad, is it just better to make wax dirt?

Your going to end up with a clump of peat moss. In other words It's not going to work. Go with either wax dirt or peat moss.

I’ve gone to mixing my wax dirt and peat moss. I cut a fairly tight trap bed, put a layer of peat in the bottom, put the trap in the bed, fill inside the jaws, then top coat with wax dirt, and then a sprinkle of local dirt and duff to help it blend in. Using this method really stretches the wax dirt, and it is fairly freeze proof. If I know we’re getting into the freeze/thaw cycle I’ll mix in some calcium chloride with the peat.
The only time I’ve seen this fail is if it rains and washes in local untreated dirt on top of the set, or if it rains so much that it turns everything into a swimming pool. If I know we have rain in the forecast I will punch an extra drain hole in both the bottom of my trap beds, and the bottom of my dirtholes.
Another thing I’ve found over the years, is if you’re running earth anchors in the freeze/thaw/rain/repeat cycle, is to always pound your stake hole shut, and you definitely don’t want the super stake driven into the lowest point in your trap bed. The water really loosens up the soil and you’ll end up losing everything.

Waxed dirt only

I use waxed sand. It performs well.

I'll stay with my waxed sand, and ant hill cover dirt.

Waxed sand is deadly!
Doesn't take nearly as much wax either

I use dirt only. I think I am going to try the waxed sand thing. I can understand how that would work better in wet conditions.

Waxed sand only. I use it from opening day regardless of the weather. Last thing I want to do is rebed with WS before a big cold snap.

I used to use peat moss until I tried waxed dirt. Won't go back to peat ever.
Jim

I’ve used waxed dirt / sand with good results for years but the last couple of years I’ve been using Zaggers method with a twist. Dig a cone or funnel shaped hole that lets an MB 650 sit just below ground level , fill the hole and the trap with peat and cover with waxed sand / dirt and blend. This has been nearly bulletproof for me the last couple of years.

I used peat this season, and I'm satisfied, as I am a cheapskate, and had good luck with my sets being usable...for lack of a better term.

I'm going to be making waxed something this year. I've been using peat, but I fight froze down traps, etc. In all honesty, I probably don't get my peat 100% dry before using either. I need to buy a bunch and start a rotation so I get 2 yrs of drying or something before use if I'm going to continue with it.

I’ve never used waxed sand, but wax dirt is far superior to peat, and you’re right, the peat has to be dried a year in advance. But I’ve found when I use both that I can cut my wax dirt consumption down from over 55 gallons to around 25-30 gallons. And then throw in some pipe dream sets and it’s a lot easier and cheaper to set a few traps.

It never fails I’ll get all my dry dirt gathered up and laid out and then temps will fall below 90, or it will turn off rainy and I’ll only get a batch or two made with the solar method. It’s a slow process using a turkey roaster, I suppose I should just invest in some of those black concrete tubs and get some plexiglass lids for them.

Ive got an old crock pot i make just a gallon at a time in. It's slow, but over course of a year I make enough for me and I do it in background while I am tinkering on other stuff around the garage or house on weekends. Does a great job, no flame, and controlled temps.
Jim

In answer to your thread just go with wax dirt. Personally i have had great success with buckwheat hulls so thats what i stay with. Someone commented about black ant hill mound cover. Have had good results with this also but can be hard to find in my area

Cemet mixer is good for 250 -300 gallons in one day one and done so you youngen should have it pretty good.

100 percent waxed sand/dirt mix from day one. no low spot over the pan. I want the rain to run off, not a frozen puddle on the pan. Cement mixer is the fastest to make volumes, but solar needs less attention. I go thru 200 gallons a season so I do both as time allows. Just the fact I don't need to remake after it rains is worth it.. And it's a huge time saver.

Waxed sand combined with dried peat moss, roughly a 1:1 ratio. It makes the wax sand go farther and the mix makes it easier to blend in flat sets.