I use a layer of cypress mulch underneath astroturf. It repels insects and resists mold which is nice when you need to moisten it occasionally but not have to worry about growing some funk. I just lift the turf, spray when needed and lay the turf back down. The layer of turf helps keep the belly off direct wet wood in case of overspraying. Burrowing under the turf hasn't been as issue as of yet, and the astro is permeable enough so that the wood beneath it still dries out.....just very slowly....I misted once for shed time about six days ago and humidity is still reading 70. Covering the wood with the turf can also help eliminate substrate ingestion if you feed in the cage. Easy to spot clean and lasts a long time.