I moved once, out into a desert area. The microbes in the new environment were so virulent and horrible that my starter was instantly destroyed.

Every new starter I tried would flare up into great bubbles after one day, and would just stink to high heavens after 3. It looked like a great starter, but exuded the most revolting rotten smell.

I tried bleaching all the containers. Changing flours. Storing it in a different place. Nothing. Something out there in the desert was ready each time.