Dubia roaches are a favorite feeder insect for many reptile owners because they are:

• Tough and resilient
• Easy to care for
• Packed with nutrition, such as protein (47.50%–54.32%), which is the highest as compared to other live feeder insects.

This makes them ideal for keeping a colony at home. However, what happens if you forget to feed or water them for a while?

Without proper care, Dubia roaches can face:

• Dehydration and slow movement
• Stress and reduced breeding
• Death of nymphs and adults
• Poor nutritional value as feeders

To avoid this, it is important to know how long they can go without food and water. In this guide by TopFlight Dubia, we will break down exactly what to expect and how to keep them alive and thriving.

How Long Do Dubia Roaches Live Without Food?

Dubia roaches can live without food for about 2 to 3 weeks. The time may depend on how healthy they are and the conditions they live in. But if they do not eat for a long time, it can hurt their growth and stop them from having more dubia babies. This can also change the ideal male and female ratio of dubia roaches, especially if you are breeding them.

Factors Affecting Survival Without Food

1. Hydration

Dubia roaches can survive without food for a short time because they have stored energy in their bodies. However, they still need water to survive. Without a water source, they may only last for a few days.

2. Age

Younger roaches and nymphs are weaker and need food more often, as they don’t survive long enough without food compared to adult roaches. 

3. Health

Healthy, well-fed roaches will have a better chance of surviving without food for a longer period.

4. Moisture

Dubia roaches need a consistent source of water or moisture. Low humidity (below 40%) can weaken them and reduce their survival time without food. So, mist the enclosure from time to time and provide a safe hydration source, such as a damp sponge or water crystals.

5. Temperature

Keep these roaches between 75°F and 95°F. They can survive longer if you keep them at lower temperatures, because their body slows down and use less energy. 

How Long Can Dubia Roaches Live Without Water?

Dubia roaches can survive for a few days, maybe a week, without water, but not much longer. If they get moisture from fresh fruits or vegetables, it helps for a short time, but it is not enough in the long run. Roaches need water to stay healthy, keep their body working, and to reproduce.

Without food, they'll try to find something to eat, such as scraps, leftover food, or even chew on softer materials like cardboard or egg crates to survive temporarily. But without water, dehydration can set in quickly, and their health can decline fast.

Symptoms of Dehydration

• They may become sluggish and move less.
• Their bodies will become soft.
• They may not run away when touched, or their attempts to move will be weak.

Why Water Is More Critical Than Food

Dubia roaches can survive low-value food because they have special bacteria in their guts that help break down plant fibers (cellulose) and give them essential nutrients. But their bodies do not have the same systems when there is insufficient water.

What Happens When Dubia Roaches Are Without Food and Water?

When these roaches are without food and water, their health can deteriorate quickly:

1. No Hydration = Stress

Without water, the roaches might not be able to handle uric acid well, which makes them stressed and weak.

Without enough water, Dubia roaches cannot properly process and eliminate uric acid, a waste product their bodies produce. When uric acid builds up, it becomes toxic and causes stress to the system. This stress affects their immune response, making them more vulnerable to illness and reducing their overall health and survival chances. Proper hydration helps their bodies to flush out waste efficiently and keeps them strong. 

2. No Food = Lack of Energy

Without food, roaches run out of energy quickly, leading them to stop normal activity and not reproduce.

Tips to Keep Your Dubia Roaches Healthy

1. Provide Fresh Food and Water

Fresh food and water help offer the necessary minerals and vitamins. Some suitable fresh foods include leafy greens, fruits like apples and oranges, and vegetables such as carrots and squash. For a comprehensive guide on what to feed your Dubia roaches, check out our guide on the Dubia roaches diet plan.

2. Maintain the Right Temperature

Use a digital thermostat to keep temperatures between 85-92°F, ideally 90-92°F to create a temperature gradient in the enclosure.

3. Heating Methods

Ceramic heat emitters or heat mats can be used safely (avoid placing on flammable surfaces).

4. Use Proper Enclosure

A simple storage bin works well. Add egg crates for hiding and to prevent trampling.

5. Lid Ventilation

Cut a window in the bin lid, cover it with mesh, and secure it with tapes and tacks to allow airflow and prevent escapes.

6. Water

Spray daily or multiple times a day to maintain humidity.

Conclusion

To sum up, knowing how long Dubia roaches can live without food and water is important for anyone who wants to keep them in good health. These bugs are tough and can go without food or water for a while, but how long depends on things like temperature and humidity. Still, it's essential to always give Dubia roaches regular food and water for their health. When you care for a healthy Dubia roach colony, you get many benefits, whether you keep them as feeders or pets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)