Tommyst
Member
Hi Guys!
So I've had a dubia colony for 6 months now, and noticed tiny white bugs crawling all over the breeder bin.
I've noticed the mites (?) around 2 days ago, though judging by their numbers they must be older.
The best pictures I can provide with my phone camera are linked below:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5bSsCIzJzsXRTVFaFlidXZ4M1E
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5bSsCIzJzsXSWdWZHpsNlp5b3M
Here are the info I have on my colony:
- I do not use any substrate, just a plastic bin with egg cartons
- I have not yet cleaned the colony because I can still see the bottom of the bin and as far as I know some frass and dead roaches are (or are supposed to be) beneficial to nymphs.
- I do not spray the bin, the only hydration they get is from veggies and water beads.
- The openings on the bin cover are relatively small, making up ~ 30% of the cover.
- I only feed the roaches with fresh veggies and fruits, in amounts they can eat overnight, removing any remains in the morning.
What I understand based on what I've read so far:
- I should first give the colony the dry treatment to kill off as many mites as possible
- Remove the lid to let more air flow through the bin
- Simultaneously make the openings bigger on the cover to allow for better air flow
- When this is done and the colony is dry enough, I should go and clean the bin thoroughly.
Please let me know if the above assumptions are correct for this infestation, and let me know if I should take any additional actions, thank you!
So I've had a dubia colony for 6 months now, and noticed tiny white bugs crawling all over the breeder bin.
I've noticed the mites (?) around 2 days ago, though judging by their numbers they must be older.
The best pictures I can provide with my phone camera are linked below:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5bSsCIzJzsXRTVFaFlidXZ4M1E
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5bSsCIzJzsXSWdWZHpsNlp5b3M
Here are the info I have on my colony:
- I do not use any substrate, just a plastic bin with egg cartons
- I have not yet cleaned the colony because I can still see the bottom of the bin and as far as I know some frass and dead roaches are (or are supposed to be) beneficial to nymphs.
- I do not spray the bin, the only hydration they get is from veggies and water beads.
- The openings on the bin cover are relatively small, making up ~ 30% of the cover.
- I only feed the roaches with fresh veggies and fruits, in amounts they can eat overnight, removing any remains in the morning.
What I understand based on what I've read so far:
- I should first give the colony the dry treatment to kill off as many mites as possible
- Remove the lid to let more air flow through the bin
- Simultaneously make the openings bigger on the cover to allow for better air flow
- When this is done and the colony is dry enough, I should go and clean the bin thoroughly.
Please let me know if the above assumptions are correct for this infestation, and let me know if I should take any additional actions, thank you!