Blaberus discoidalis

Welcome to our detailed care page for Blaberus discoidalis roaches.

While our guidance is based on our personal experiences, we acknowledge that there are multiple ways to approach this fascinating endeavor. We remain open to all perspectives and invite you to share your own experiences with these captivating creatures.

Housing: Choose an enclosure size suitable for your colony's size. For small roaches received from us, maintain them in their shipping container until they outgrow it in a few weeks to a month. Upgrade to a 10-gallon tank or equivalent sized modified plastic container when needed. Provide vertical climbing options, such as egg cartons.

As the colony grows, appropriate sized containment will be required. We recommend either a modified 20-29 gallon equivalent tote container or an extra tall 29-gallon tank. Include 2-3 inches of substrate and use egg crates stacked horizontally to create maximum vertical space and pocketing. Cover 50% of containment with vertical climbing options to allow proper molting for winged adults.

Temperature: Maintain Florida-like temperatures: 75°F (23.8°C) at night and 80-90°F (26.6-32.2°C) during the day. Provide a basking spot with a mini halogen light (25W in summer, 50W in winter) or use a temperature-controlled, low-wattage heat mat designed for propagation fixed to the side of the enclosure (never under; heat should ideally come from the sides or top). Basking area temperatures up to 95°F (35°C) are safe.

Reproduction: Under ideal conditions, Blaberus discoidalis roaches can mature in as little as three months, becoming ready for reproduction. Once mature, expect the first ovoviviparous births within 1-2 months. During this process, you may notice females occasionally drying out the ootheca 100% safe however, they should never drop them unless there is a problem. In our experience, females can produce 8-9 ootheca throughout their reproductive lifespan.

Aborted ootheca may indicate poor living conditions. Ensure there is no excess food or overwatering, provide appropriate climbing medium, and maintain ambient humidity between 50% and 70%.

Females typically produce 20-40 babies per ootheca, with reproduction occurring every 1-2 months. Factors such as environmental conditions and individual health can influence the frequency and number of offspring. After completing their reproductive cycles, these roaches can continue living as elderly individuals. Proper care and ideal conditions are essential to maximize their reproductive potential and overall lifespan.

Gender: To distinguish between male and female discoid roaches, examine the underside of their abdomen. Males have two small segments at the end of the abdomen, while females possess a single, larger segment. Refer to the accompanying images from our handler-friendly Redlands locale for visual guidance.

Humidity & Misting: Keep relative humidity around 50-60% for successful molting and overall health. Mist daily for water access. Occasional missed days are acceptable, but not prolonged. Mist enclosure sides or egg cartons for effective water provision. Be careful to never overwater your roaches; a quick mist is enough to leave droplets along the sides of the enclosure.

Substrate (Highly Recommended): Mix organic topsoil and coco coir with optional additives: worm castings, sawdust, sphagnum moss, horticultural charcoal, and a small amount of flake soil. Add a few inches of this mix to the enclosure for optimal roach happiness. Keeping roaches without substrate can negatively impact their health and happiness.

Feeding: Feed daily with a varied diet including nutritious fruits, treat* fruit jelly cups, and mixed greens (baby lettuce, spinach, red and green romaine, oak leaf, chard, arugula, endive, radicchio, etc.). Monitor consumption to avoid excess food and remove uneaten food as necessary. Offer protein sources such as affordable dog food or high-quality fish food.

Watering & Feeding Caution: Be mindful not to overwater your colony, as excess moisture can lead to mold growth, which may prove detrimental to the entire colony. Similarly, overfeeding can attract pests and result in colony collapse disorder. Striking a balance in both hydration and nutrition is crucial for a thriving roach community. Always aim to provide just enough resources, avoiding excess or scarcity, to ensure the success and well-being of your colony.

Wing Defects: If you notice wing defects in your Blaberus discoidalis colony, it could be due to insufficient climbing medium, inadequate substrate depth, or humidity issues, as well as an imbalanced male-to-female ratio. We recommend maintaining a 5:1 female-to-male (F/M) ratio for optimal harmony within the colony. This translates to one male for every five females. However, it is possible to maintain a 5:3 F/M ratio without issues.

An excess of males can lead to the harassment of females, potentially causing harm during molting or resulting in fights among freshly molted males. Once this aggressive behavior becomes established within the colony, it can be challenging to resolve.

To address this issue, it is necessary to remove any severely damaged specimens, as these individuals may become aggressive following molting. By removing them and restructuring the colony to ensure an appropriate male-to-female ratio, as well as addressing the climbing medium, substrate depth, and humidity issues, you can prevent future problems and maintain a peaceful environment for your roaches.

Pest Control: Use mesh lids on roach enclosures to prevent pests. Apply Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTI) for gnats. Use bug lights with built-in fans to trap and eliminate flying pests. Maintain several active bug lights in the roach room along with other recommended practices.

Following this care guide will ensure your Blaberus discoidalis roaches' well-being and a thriving environment. Proper housing, temperature, humidity, substrate, feeding, and pest control are crucial for success. Share this guide to help fellow enthusiasts raise healthy, happy roach colonies.