How To Keep Dubia Roaches for Your Reptile

Keeping Dubia roaches alive can be confusing if you’re new to reptile care.

Without the right setup, they die quickly, smell bad, or become unsafe to feed. You might be unsure about the right container, temperature, or what to feed them. And if they’re not gut-loaded or healthy, your reptile misses out on proper nutrition.

With a few simple tips, you can keep your roaches alive, clean, and ready to feed after you purchase Dubia roaches on sale.

1. Choose the Right Container

Start by picking the right home for your roaches. A plastic storage bin with smooth sides works great. Roaches can’t climb smooth surfaces, so it helps prevent escapes. You can also use a glass aquarium, but make sure the lid is secure.

Add a ventilated lid or poke small holes in the container for airflow.
Avoid wire mesh tops in humid areas—moisture buildup can lead to mold.
Make sure the bin is tall enough (at least 12–15 inches high).

2. Maintain Proper Temperature

Dubia roaches like it warm. If the room is too cold, they won’t move much or eat, and they may die.

Best temperature: 85°F to 95°F (29°C to 35°C) for breeding or long-term health.
If you’re not breeding them, 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C) is fine for short-term storage.
Use a heat mat, ceramic heater, or reptile heating lamp to keep them warm, especially during colder months.
Avoid heating pads that get too hot and never place them directly under the bin—roaches can overheat.

3. Keep Humidity Balanced

Roaches need some humidity but not too much. Too dry and they dehydrate. Too wet and mold grows.

Keep humidity around 40–60%.
Lightly mist the bin once or twice a week.
Make sure the container stays dry overall—no standing water or soaked bedding.

4. Provide Hiding Spots

Roaches love the dark and feel safe when they have places to hide. This reduces stress and keeps them more active and healthy.

Stack egg cartons or cardboard pieces vertically inside the bin.
These give the roaches plenty of room to climb and hide.
Avoid overcrowding—too many roaches in a small space can lead to illness or death.

5. Feed a Nutritious Diet (Gut-Loading)

What your roaches eat directly affects your reptile’s health. Before feeding them to your pet, give them nutritious food for at least 24–48 hours. This process is called gut-loading.

Fresh options: carrots, dark leafy greens, sweet potatoes, and squash.
Dry options: oats, wheat bran, or commercial roach chow.
Remove old food every couple of days to avoid mold or pests.

6. Provide Water Safely

Roaches need water to survive, but they can drown in open containers.

Use water crystals (gel) or soak cotton balls and place them in a small dish.
Never use bowls of water—roaches can’t swim and will drown.
Refill the water crystals regularly to keep them moist.

7. Clean Regularly

A clean bin keeps roaches healthy and prevents odors.

Remove uneaten food, mold, and dead roaches once a week.
Scoop out frass (roach poop) using a small dustpan or strainer.
Change egg cartons and cardboard pieces every few weeks or as needed.

8. Separate Sizes if Needed

If you’re keeping a colony with different-sized roaches, it’s a good idea to separate them.

Use multiple containers for small nymphs, medium roaches, and large adults.
This helps you track growth and makes feeding more efficient.

9. Avoid Strong Light and Noise

Dubia roaches are nocturnal and like it quiet and dark. Too much noise or light can stress them out.

Keep their container in a low-traffic area like a closet, cabinet, or quiet room.
Avoid placing the bin near windows or loud appliances.

10. Don’t Refrigerate Unless Feeding

Some people chill roaches before feeding them to slow them down. That’s fine for short periods, but never store them in the fridge long-term.

Cold temperatures will kill them.
Only refrigerate for a few minutes just before feeding, if needed.

Conclusion

Keeping Dubia roaches healthy is easy with the right setup and care.Whether you raise your own or purchase Dubia roaches from a trusted source, following simple tips—like proper temperature, humidity, feeding, and cleaning—ensures a steady supply of nutritious feeders for your reptile. A clean, safe environment keeps the roaches thriving and your pet happy. With just a little effort, you can store them the right way every time.