DanSB
Avid Member
Dubias aren't really an infesting type of cockroach. As already mentioned they need warmer temps to breed or grow. I kept mine cool all winter and they didn't grow, breed, or eat much. But they didn't die off. I imagine if a pregnant female got loose in the house you could get a colony going loose in the house. On the bright side they don't climb and would be easy to kill off on the off chance that happened.
As far as German cockroaches, they are fast, breed fast, difficult to catch and do great in most all climates. Thus the infestations. They would make a decent feeder if you had a clean captive colony but they eat stuff that would make a dung beetle queasy, you don't really want that in your Cham. Not to mention the high risk of parasites, bacteria, etc that comes from their habitat (garbage and filth). I wouldn't try to breed them either, they can escape from all but the most secure vaults and will infest... They really are impressive though.
As far as German cockroaches, they are fast, breed fast, difficult to catch and do great in most all climates. Thus the infestations. They would make a decent feeder if you had a clean captive colony but they eat stuff that would make a dung beetle queasy, you don't really want that in your Cham. Not to mention the high risk of parasites, bacteria, etc that comes from their habitat (garbage and filth). I wouldn't try to breed them either, they can escape from all but the most secure vaults and will infest... They really are impressive though.
Shaunny
Member
One thing I did read about the Dubai is that if they do get out the could make their way to your fridge and hide under it which would be worm enough. Dubais are pretty slow at growing though so I don't think there would be any problem. It would take months for a pregnant female to give birth and for the babies to grow. My colony has been going for about 4-5 months and I still don't have anything of a decent size to feed to my dragons yet.
Something like the red runner are more of a problem as they can breed at room temp and grow super fast. A guy posted something about them saying he had a colony of 1000 and within a year he had near 10,000
Something like the red runner are more of a problem as they can breed at room temp and grow super fast. A guy posted something about them saying he had a colony of 1000 and within a year he had near 10,000
Video Master
New Member
I would suggest not to do that. You never know what they have gotten into as it may have been pesticides or other harmful chemicals.
DanSB
Avid Member
These would be the German cockroach I mentioned in my post above.
The quick answer is no.
shaunaroxanne
Avid Member
I had a female escape that I was unaware of. We needed a new fridge because ours was leaking and overheating. I was horrified when the grudge was pulled out and Dubia Mom and her new babies scattered. My husband flipped.
We got them all, and haven't had a problem. Every once in awhile I'll find a stray dubia, but I'm not sure if they are survivors from that incident or new escapees from an enclosure. But it's definitely not an infestation, and I certainly find stray crickets more often.
I have learned my lesson....only feed the males to your chameleons, and you won't have a reproduction issue if one does escape.
We got them all, and haven't had a problem. Every once in awhile I'll find a stray dubia, but I'm not sure if they are survivors from that incident or new escapees from an enclosure. But it's definitely not an infestation, and I certainly find stray crickets more often.
I have learned my lesson....only feed the males to your chameleons, and you won't have a reproduction issue if one does escape.
sandrachameleon
Chameleon Enthusiast
could not have said it better
Yes, if your house is heated for you comfort, then your dubia can live there comfortably also. But they aren't going to infest like german roaches (the ones most likely in your garage)
people spray insecticides etc to rid themselves of cockroaches, and what they can eat can be found in nasty places like sewers, so I would avoid using the ones in your garage.
sandrachameleon
Chameleon Enthusiast
or bowl feed
or watch to ensure they are consumed immediately, removing any unwanted roach prey from the cage before they escape
