Why Are My Dubia Roaches Dying? -

Dubia roaches are a fantastic, nutritious feeder insect and a rewarding colony to maintain.

When Dubia roaches are healthy, they:

Breed quickly.
Provide excellent protein.
Grow in a well-kept environment.

However, if you find out that your roaches are dying unexpectedly, then it can be frustrating and stressful.

So, here, we will dive into why your Dubia roaches are dying and some ways to keep your colony thriving.

Table of Contents

Reason 1: Improper Temperature

The ideal temperature for the Dubia roach colony is between 24°C – 35°C (75°F – 95°F).

When the temperature drops below this range, which is 20°C (68°F):

Roaches slow down.
Breeding stops.
Nymph growth may stall for months.

When the temperature gets too hot, especially above 35°C ( 95°F) :

The roaches can become stressed.
They may get sick.
Some can even die.

Key Takeaway: Keep the temperature stable within ( 90-95°F (32-35°C) for optimal breeding and colony health.

Reason 2: Mold and Fungus

Mold and fungus can harm your Dubia roaches if they grow in the enclosure.
When the mold or fungus builds up:

Roaches can get sick.
Death rates increase.
The colony’s health declines.

Mold often grows in damp, dirty areas or on leftover food. Bacteria tend to grow in moist environments and in waste buildup.

You should:

Regularly clean the enclosure.
Remove dead roaches and uneaten food.
Keep the habitat at 60% humidity and monitor it using the hygrometer.

Reason 3: Source and Quality of Roaches

The quality of Dubia roaches depends a lot on where you buy them.

If you bought them from a poor source:

They may already be stressed or sick.
They might carry a disease.
Their genetics could be weak, resulting in early death or slow breeding.

So, to avoid any problem:

Buy from the best online stores for reptile food in the USA.
Check reviews and guarantees before purchasing.
Choose the online store that properly cares for and handles its colonies.

NOTE: Most online stores offer a live guarantee on roaches based on specific temperature needs during shipping. Always confirm this before buying roaches.

Reason 4: Poor Ventilation

Dubia roaches need good airflow to stay healthy and prevent any harmful buildup.

When the ventilation is poor:

Moisture and humidity build up inside the enclosure.
Mold and bacteria can grow easily.
Roaches can become sick and die.

So, to fix this:

Make sure the enclosure has enough ventilation holes.
Small holes aren’t enough–you want about 50% ventilation through the top.
If the cardboard inside isn’t too high, you can even keep the lid off since Dubia roaches can’t fly.

Tip: If you notice the humidity or temperature inside the enclosure is too high or too low, you can adjust the size and number of holes accordingly.

Reason 5: Dehydration

Dubia roaches need moisture to survive. Without enough water, they can:

Become weak
Stop breeding
Even die

So, consider keeping your roaches hydrated with:

Fruits: Apples, Carrots, or Oranges.
Veggies: Lettuce, Cucumbers, Watermelon.
Water Source: A shallow water dish, or using a water gel or sponge.

These will keep your roaches healthy and breed well.

Reason 6: Chemical Exposure

Chemicals around your Dubia roaches can be very harmful and even deadly.

When the roaches get exposed to chemicals like household cleaners, pesticides, or toxic agents, they tend to show distress behaviors such as

Try to escape.
Groom excessively, or reflex responses.

So, in order to protect your colony:

Avoid using harsh chemicals near the enclosure.
Use mild, insect-safe cleaning products.
Remove any chemical residues from cages and tools.
Be cautious about pest control treatments in your home or nearby.

Reason 7: High-Protein Diets

Dubia roaches need a balanced diet to be healthy and breed effectively. If they get too much protein:

Roaches can become sick.
The lifespan of roaches may be shortened.
Breeding may slow or stop.

So, provide a balanced diet which consists of:

Fresh fruits such as Apples, Bananas, and Beets.
Vegetables such as Carrots, Zucchini, and Leafy Greens.
Quality dry foods such as roach chow.

A balanced diet not only keeps your roaches healthy but also ensures a strong, productive colony.

Reason 8: Overcrowding

Dubia roaches are social, but they, too, need space to live comfortably.

However, when there are too many roaches in a small enclosure, it gets too overcrowded, which can lead to:

Slower growth.
Weaker roaches.
Increased risk of disease.

So, you should:

Separate nymphs (young roaches) from adults to reduce competition.
Use a larger enclosure or add more bins to ensure enough space for each roach.
Make sure there is enough food and hiding spots for all Dubia roaches.

This way, you can avoid overcrowding and competition among roaches.

Conclusion

Dubia roach die-offs can be frustrating, but understanding the common causes helps you take action quickly. Don’t forget to buy from a reputable source and be careful about adding new material into your colony, such as egg flats or bedding. Sometimes, they carry bacteria, chemicals, or odors that cause die-offs.