Protection and care are important to keeping crickets alive and healthy. Fortunately, only a few simple steps are needed to make a safe environment to create them. Start by getting a clean terrarium or habitat that is large enough to keep insects. Then just feed them regularly and provide an adequate water source to keep them healthy. If you do everything right, crickets can be kept alive for up to ten weeks.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Creating a healthy environment for crickets
Step 1. Get a terrarium that is big enough to hold 100 crickets
Crickets like spacious environments, so it's a good idea to use the largest tank you have available to raise them. However, it is important that it has adequate ventilation in the roof and is also closed so that insects cannot jump out of it.
The terrarium can be made of plastic or glass
Step 2. Before placing the crickets in the terrarium, it is important to clean it with a mild bleach solution
First, mix a small amount of bleach with cold water. Then dampen a cloth with the solution and use it to clean the inside of the tank. Also, it is important to completely dry the tank before harboring insects.
- A dirty terrarium may contain microbes or products that could be harmful to crickets.
- Do not use cleaning products other than bleach as they can be harmful to the crickets.
Step 3. Place pieces of egg boxes in the terrarium to make hiding places for the crickets
Take some cardboard boxes and tear them into pieces. Then place them at the bottom of the pond to create a habitat that, in addition to providing shade, will also provide enough space for the crickets to live.
Without the proper habitat, crickets can fight for space
Step 4. Always keep the cricket terrarium at a temperature around 25°C to 30°C
Also try to leave it in a dark area with a constant temperature to keep the crickets healthy. If the temperature in the tank gets too cold, they will die and eat each other. If the temperature gets too hot, their lifespan will be shortened.
Step 5. Clean the terrarium twice a month to keep the crickets healthy
To do this, carefully remove the insects and place them in another box that has holes so they can breathe. Then clean the bottom of the tank, looking to remove any remaining dead excrement or cricket. Finish by using the bleach solution diluted in water and a cloth to clean and sanitize the inside of the tank.
Excrement and dead insects can make crickets sick
Step 6. Transfer the new crickets to the habitat as quickly as possible
As they don't do well in small, confined spaces, avoid keeping them in the shipping crate for too long or they could die. Therefore, try to transfer them as soon as possible to the terrarium to avoid harming them.
Drill suitable air holes in the top of the box where the crickets will be transported
Part 2 of 2: Taking care of crickets
Step 1. Feed the crickets with oats, cornmeal or cricket food
To do so, place the food inside a dish positioned inside the terrarium. Crickets will regularly feed from this food source and usually do not eat more than necessary.
Step 2. Provide a damp sponge or piece of fruit as a source of water for the crickets
As they can easily drown in a small dish of water, it's best to provide another source of hydration. The best option is a damp sponge or a piece of fruit such as an apple or peach. In this way, the crickets will be able to suck moisture from the sponge or fruit to hydrate themselves.
Step 3. Always keep food and water in the cricket terrarium
Doing this is important so the insects can feed and drink when needed. In addition, food must always be kept fresh and changed every week. If you use fruit as a water source, try to change it every day so it doesn't rot or create harmful bacteria for the crickets.