FAQ
🪳 What are Dubia roaches?
Dubia roaches are a tropical feeder insect originally native to Central and South America that have become one of the most trusted staple feeders in the reptile industry. They gained popularity because they are high in protein, easy to digest, quiet, low odor, and much cleaner and easier to maintain than traditional crickets, making them an excellent nutritional feeder for reptiles and other insect-eating animals.
🦎 What can eat Dubia roaches?
Dubia roaches are commonly fed to:
- Bearded dragons
- Leopard geckos
- Tegus
- Monitors
- Chameleons
- Skinks
- Frogs
- Tarantulas
- Chickens and other insect-eating animals
Always choose the correct size feeder for your animal.
📏 What size Dubia should I feed my reptile?
A good rule:
Feed roaches no larger than the space between your reptile’s eyes.
General guideline:
- Small roaches → babies and juveniles
- Medium roaches → sub-adults
- Large roaches → adults
🍽️ How many Dubia roaches should I feed?
Feeding depends on species, age, and activity level.
Example:
Juvenile bearded dragon
- May eat 20–50 small roaches daily
Adult bearded dragon
- Usually 5–15 larger roaches per feeding
Always monitor body condition and appetite.
🥬 Should Dubia roaches be gut-loaded?
Our Dubia roaches are professionally fed and gut-loaded before shipment, meaning they arrive ready to feed right out of the cup with no additional preparation necessary. However, if you plan to keep them longer than about a week, we recommend continuing to provide fresh food and hydration to maintain optimal nutrition and health for your reptiles.
Dubias should be fed:
- Fresh vegetables
- Quality dry chow
- Calcium-rich foods
Well-fed roaches = healthier reptiles.
🦴 Do I need calcium powder?
Usually yes.
Most reptiles benefit from:
- Calcium supplementation
- Vitamin D3 (depending on UVB exposure)
- Multivitamins occasionally
Dust feeders lightly before feeding.
💧 Do Dubia roaches bite?
No. Dubia roaches are not aggressive and do not bite humans or reptiles.
🏠 Can Dubia roaches infest my house?
In most homes, no.
Dubias:
- Cannot climb smooth surfaces
- Reproduce slowly compared to pest roaches
- Prefer warm tropical conditions
In dry or cooler environments, escaped roaches usually die off.
🌡️ What temperature should Dubia roaches be kept at?
For best activity and breeding:
- 85–92°F is common
- Slightly cooler temperatures are okay for temporary holding
Too cold = slow movement and poor breeding.
💦 Do Dubia roaches need water?
Yes.
They need hydration from:
- Water crystals
- Fresh vegetables/fruits
- Moisture sources
Never leave them completely dry for extended periods.
🧼 Are Dubia roaches cleaner than crickets?
Absolutely.
Benefits include:
- Less odor
- Less noise
- Longer lifespan
- Easier maintenance
- Lower die-off rates
🐉 Are Dubia roaches healthy for reptiles?
Yes. Dubias are considered one of the best staple feeders because they:
- Are high in protein
- Have decent calcium ratios
- Are softer-bodied than many insects
- Contain less chitin than mealworms
A varied diet is still recommended.
❄️ Can Dubia roaches survive cold shipping?
They tolerate mild cool temperatures but can die in extreme cold.
During winter:
- Heat packs may be used
- Hold-for-pickup is recommended in freezing areas
☀️ Can Dubia roaches survive extreme heat?
Extreme heat can kill them quickly during shipping.
During summer:
- Insulated packaging
- Faster shipping methods
- Hold-for-pickup options
may be recommended.
📦 How long can Dubia roaches stay in their shipping cup?
Usually several days if:
- Ventilation is adequate
- Temperatures stay reasonable
- Moisture source is available
For long-term care, transfer them into a proper bin setup.
🥕 What fruits and vegetables can Dubia roaches eat?
Popular foods include:
- Carrots
- Sweet potatoes
- Oranges
- Apples
- Squash
- Leafy greens
Avoid spoiled or moldy foods.
🚫 What foods should I avoid feeding Dubia roaches?
Avoid:
- Salty foods
- Oily foods
- Processed human foods
- Moldy produce
- Pesticide-treated vegetables
🧊 Can Dubia roaches be refrigerated?
No. Cool temperatures slow them down temporarily, but refrigeration can kill them.
⚖️ Are Dubia roaches legal everywhere?
No.
Some states restrict or prohibit Dubia ownership or shipping. Always check local regulations before ordering.
🛒 Why choose Dubia roaches over crickets?
Many reptile keepers prefer Dubias because they:
- Smell less
- Live longer
- Make no noise
- Are easier to contain
- Have excellent nutrition
- Produce less mess
📞 What if my feeders arrive dead?
Contact us immediately and provide:
- Photos of the shipment
- Clear images of the condition
- Delivery timing information