None shall pass!!!

[Mizliz]

Just ordered my first batch of dubia I'm hoping to get a colony started, but there is one stipulation from the hubs, if a single roach escapes their enclosure they're goners. (he was being a little dramatic, but as few escapees as possible) So I either have to become a roach catching master, or have the most fool proof container possible. I've read lots of different ways to keep the little guys, but I was hoping the great people of this forum might have some further advise. I've seen both the plastic tubs with holes/screening and glass terrariums with mesh lids. Also, I've seen people put tape around the top and Vaseline. Any advice for this hopeful newbie? Thanks!

 

[Rampagingraptor]

Go with a slippery surface so they can't climb out of it. I use one of those small cages for transferring reptiles to hold them right now (plan on transferring them to a plastic tub when I get more), and its more than enough to keep them in. As long as you don't have anything they can climb on to the lid or have holes in it, you should be fine. A plastic bin should work fine, so you can keep a large amount of them. Just make sure that they can't climb up them!
Obligatory comment about adding air holes, too.

 

[kingofnobbys]

A plastic garbage bin with tall sides or a storage tub with tall sides and a liberal application of Fluon to stop them from climbing up the sides and escaping .

I use the Fluon that comes in a bottle that needs to be very well shaken before painting it on.
This is what I have (to keep baby roaches and house ants out of my enclosures) http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/100ml-Fluon-AD-1-Concentrated-Insect-Barrier-Australias-Strongest-Formula-/291667836249?hash=item43e8c1fd59:g , a small bottle goes A VERY LONG WAY.

Can also get it as a sprayon (not sure how good the spray on version is , here it is http://www.livefoods.com.au/fluon

That said, I've never kept woodies (the local version used as lizard feeders) , I keep crickets , superworms, silkworms, and mealworms.

 

[Taterbug]

I use a wide, thin band of Vaseline on the top of my tank - about 3-4" wide. In glass tanks the babies may be able to climb up the silicone but the only escapees I have are from my own carelessness I do believe.

Don't let egg rates or anything get too close to the lid for example. When cleaning be careful about drop offs or use a larger tub to catch them. Don't drop egg flats. Don't shake egg flats to hard when trying to get roaches off.

Despite popular belief that they can not live outside the enclosure I've found they can to an exent - I haven't found any 'healthy' escapees but I have found live ones. Keeping them in a cooler, dryer area (but the enclosure is warm and humid still) so escapees have less chance of survival may help. They can go weeks with out food or water before giving up the ghost so prevention is the best method.

 

[Mizliz]

Great! Thanks for the suggestions guys! I'm personally not worried about it because I'm familiar with their biology but whatever makes the husband feel better and keeps the landlord happy!

 

[Rankins]

Any greasy stuff smeared on the bin makes a mess. On the inside of the bin I use wide clear packing tape about 4 inches from the top of the screened lid. I breed crickets, they can't climb it. Started a dubia colony awhile ago. Haven't seen them even climb the sides of the bin, but the tape is still there. I bought a buffalo beetle colony to put with the dubia. They eat waste, old food, dead roaches, mold, and mites. They also have mealworm like larva...so two feeders in one bin.
I'm thinking about buying a colony of orangehead roaches. They are suppose to breed quicker than dubia, and they are meatier. They are actually kind of pretty. I don't think the beetles can go in with them though. The care sheet for the roaches says that they predate on bugs (they eat everything!!). So they would probably kill the beetles and larva.
If I notice mites, I'll buy predatory mites to get rid of the bad mites.
Now I just got to get my garage set up for the deck storage bin. I'm setting it up with a couple 200w ceramic heaters inside controlled by a thermostat. I should be able to fit 4 large bins in it.

 

[z0mbiebabykiller]

I keep mine in a glass 10g tank with a screen lid. no need for Vaseline, they cannot climb glass or smooth surfaces at all. I would leave the lid off in my own house I'm that confident in their lack of climbing ability. they also tend to freeze up if you drop one and grab at it off the floor.