How To Extend the Shelf Life of Live Feeder Insects to Reduce Waste
Feeder insects like Dubia roaches and crickets are vital in keeping your pet healthy and active.
However, many reptilian pet owners might not be aware of the differences between Dubia roaches vs crickets for reptiles. This lack of knowledge can make it difficult to keep live feeder insects alive long enough.
Improper storage and care result in insect loss, affecting your wallet and your pet’s health, which results in:
- The premature death of insects.
- Wasting money on replacing insects frequently.
- Poor insect quality leads to nutritional gaps.
Here we will dive into effective ways to extend the shelf life of live feeder insects to reduce waste.
1. Proper Storage Temperature
When you store the feeder insects at a specific temperature, then you help:
- Regulate their metabolism.
- Ensure a longer lifespan.
- Support healthy reproduction.
- Reduce the risk of mold and bacteria growth.
Temperature for Common Feeder Insects
- Dubia Roaches
Keep the temperature within 70-85°F (21-29°C).
Note: The roaches can tolerate temperatures outside this range but may struggle to thrive.
- Crickets
Also, maintain the temperature within the range of 70-75°F (21-24°C).
Note: Crickets can survive in cooler temperatures but won’t chirp as actively if it gets too cold. Also, hotter temperatures can shorten their lifespan.
- Hornworms
You can maintain specific temperature for different purposes:
- For maximum growth- 82°F (28°C)
- To slow growth-55°F (13°C).
- Mealworms
For mealworms, you can keep the temperature within 77-82°F (25-28°C).
Note: Mealworms can tolerate cooler temperatures, but their activity will slow down. Higher temperatures can also affect their reproductive stages.
- Superworms
Superworms love to be in temperature range between 70-80°F (21-27°C).
Note: They are tropical insects and need warmer temperatures than other insects.
- Waxworms
Waxworms can be kept within the temperature range between 55-60°F (13-16°C).
Note: A cool, stable temperature is best to keep them dormant.
2. Humidity Control
Just like temperature, humidity plays an important role in extending the shelf life of live feeder insects.
Here’s how:
- Prevents dehydration.
- Supports healthy metabolism and activity levels.
Here is a breakdown of ideal humidity for live feeder insects:
| Live Feeder Insects | Ideal Humidity (%) | Notes |
| Dubia roaches | 40-60 | Avoid excess moisture. |
| Crickets | 50-70 | Maintain moderate humidity to avoid dehydration. |
| Hornworms | 60-80 | Higher humidity for healthy growth. |
| Mealworms | 50-60 | Make sure there is proper ventilation to avoid excess moisture. |
| Superworms | 50-60 | Maintain moderate humidity with proper ventilation. |
| Waxworms | 60-70 | Provide moderate humidity to prevent dehydration. |
3. Providing a Nutrient-Rich Diet
| Live Feeder Insects | Diet |
| Dubia Roaches | Apple, Bananas, Beetroot, Carrots, Sweet Potato, Collard Greens, etc. |
| Crickets | Squash, Carrots, Dark Leafy Greens, Dry Cat Food, Fish Flakes, etc. |
| Hornworms | Tomatoes, Potatoes, Peppers, Eggplants, etc. |
| Mealworms | Wheat Bran, Oatmeal, etc. |
| Waxworms | Honey, Oats, Beeswax, etc. |
4. Clean and Ventilated Enclosure
An enclosure that is clean and ventilated helps in the longevity of live feeder insects in various ways:
- Regular cleaning removes uneaten food and waste, which prevents mold and bacterial growth.
- Minimizes the risk of disease and promotes a healthier habitat.
- Proper ventilation ensures enough oxygen while preventing heat buildup and humidity fluctuations.
- Promote effective breeding.
5. Avoid Overcrowding
Overcrowding is one of the reasons for the shorter shelf life of feeder insects. So, choose appropriately sized enclosures so the insects can get enough space for proper ventilation.
6. Using Storage Containers
You can maintain the health and extend the shelf life of insects by choosing the right storage container. Here is how you can choose the right container:
1. Select containers that provide ample space for the insects to move freely,
2. Make sure the container has proper ventilation through mesh lids, perforated sides, or air holes.
3. Use non-toxic, durable plastic or glass containers.
4. Provide substrate and bedding for species like mealworms or superworms.
5. Containers should be easy to open for cleaning and adding food/water.
6. Avoid excessive moisture in the container to prevent the buildup of mold.
7. Monitor and Maintain the Health of Insects
Healthy insects mean they are more resilient, breed effectively, and provide essential nutrients to reptiles.
So, regularly check for signs of illness, deformities, or even death in the colony of feeder insects. Also, make sure to remove affected insects first to prevent contamination. Keep a source of hydration within the enclosure. Maintain the proper environmental conditions for the overall growth of feeder insects.
The Bottom Line
The shelf life of live feeder insects helps provide essential nutrients, prevent wastage, ensure a consistent food supply, and more. Therefore, it is essential to ensure proper storage temperature, use storage containers, and monitor insect health to increase the shelf life of live feeder insects.
