Dubia Humidity

[poolex5]

My new dubia colony is around 90-92 degrees, but the humidity is falling. It's down to around 25% right now. Where should it be? I added a cup of water to the tub with screen over the top to try to raise the levels a bit. Good or bad idea? Thanks.

 

[pigglett79]

I dont really measure the humidity in my colony, I dont really do anything about it either. Usually all the fruits and veggies I put in there seem to raise it enough. They are breeding like crazy and are healthy. I use flex watt heat mats underneath to keep the temp up.

 

[nightanole]

Thats too low, it needs to be around 40 to have good sheds. If you are not experiencing death due to now being able to walk out of the shed, you dont have to adjust anything. humidity doesnt help with health (really it promotes mold and mites), just shedding.

 

[poolex5]

Thats too low, it needs to be around 40 to have good sheds. If you are not experiencing death due to now being able to walk out of the shed, you dont have to adjust anything. humidity doesnt help with health (really it promotes mold and mites), just shedding.

I really want to avoid mites and mold. I have been taking out the fruits and vegetables every morning and replacing with fresh. What do you suggest for getting the humidity up to 40%?

 

[pssh]

I don't think mine are at or above 40%. I just watch for any that die in molt. If they do, then I raise the humidity a little, if not, then it's all fine.

 

[ridgebax1]

I don't do anything special to raise the humidity and mine are breeding and shedding just fine.

 

[fluxlizard]

One neat thing about roaches is that they have been shown to control their own humidity. They do this by clumping up together in tight spaces and breathing. Respiration gives of humidity.

So, provided you started with a decent amount of roaches, you should have to do nothing to control their humidity- they'll take care of it on their own. keep in mind it will be a microclimate type of thing- the whole tub humidity won't go up, just the air around the clumps of roaches.

 

[poolex5]

Cool...Thanks! That is really interesting. I appreciate the replies.