How long can I leave my dubia colony?

[jducky18]

I haven't decided if I'm going home over the holiday break for any extended periods of time, but if I do, my parents said that bugs are not allowed in their house in any way shape or form. So basically, I have to leave my colony at home. My concern is that I bought really terrible water crystals that dry out after a day, so I have to refill the water crystals all the time. My question is really, how long can I leave my dubia colony without mass die-offs? Or, is there a brand of water crystals that I can buy locally that will last longer than a day? (If you have a brand, would it be possible to link a photo or something, I honestly don't know what I'm looking for and the more specific the better)

 

[steph2one11]

I have a lot of water crystals, they are pretty good they last at least three days then they shrink but they don't dry out for maybe a week or so,,, I still have about 6 oz of dry water crystals I could sell you an ounce or two if you want.

 

[jducky18]

The problem with buying them online is that I have to wait so long to receive them thanks to the increase of holiday package shipments, otherwise I'd be all over that in a heartbeat. If anyone knows how I can get some locally, I'd be eternally grateful.

 

[steph2one11]

Okay I'm sorry I wasn't much help

 

[Soulwind]

Put in a big tin of water crystals, make sure there's plenty of roach chow (dry), and drop in a couple of big pieces of carrot and celery and they'll be fine.

Carrot and celery take a long time to go moldy (usually) and they can provide enough moisture to prevent any mass die-offs after your other crystals dry up.

 

[jducky18]

You were both very helpful, thank you. I'll definitely try the carrot/celery trick. Thanks a bunch!

 

[unkempt1]

Put in a big tin of water crystals, make sure there's plenty of roach chow (dry), and drop in a couple of big pieces of carrot and celery and they'll be fine.

Carrot and celery take a long time to go moldy (usually) and they can provide enough moisture to prevent any mass die-offs after your other crystals dry up.

You know, I've observed that but never put two-and-two together. That's great advice - thank you!

 

[Goodtruant]

Also if you put the water crystals in a container (I use a 1/4" deep plastic lid that's about 6" in diameter), spread the water crystals on it, with a small piece of paper towel under the crystals....then poor a little more water in to the container. The crystals will soak up the little extra water in there as they dry up. The paper towel will soak up some of the water, so the dubia don't drown, but will release the water back to the crystals.

I make a gallon zip lock bag, about 1/2 full of water crystals, then put in a little more water then they can really handle. It will last 4-5 weeks before drying up.

 

[jharveyjr54]

For future reference......
http://www.lowes.com/pd_91231-50789-JCD-100SMJ_0__?productId=3047249&Ntt=soil+moist&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dsoil%2Bmoist&facetInfo=

 

[erizabef]

For future reference......
http://www.lowes.com/pd_91231-50789-JCD-100SMJ_0__?productId=3047249&Ntt=soil+moist&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dsoil%2Bmoist&facetInfo=

That's awesome! I've never heard of those before, and they're safe for dubia?

 

[Soulwind]

For future reference......
http://www.lowes.com/pd_91231-50789-JCD-100SMJ_0__?productId=3047249&Ntt=soil+moist&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dsoil%2Bmoist&facetInfo=

That's awesome! I've never heard of those before, and they're safe for dubia?

Yes, they are the same as the water crystals that you get from anywhere else.

[This is what the crystals were originally invented for - to slow moisten gardens and lawns]

Just be sure that the kind you get does not have any added fertilizers or pestacides (some varieties do).

 

[jharveyjr54]

Yup, I love them. Slightly cheaper to buy them this way, too.