Whether you’re raising crickets for feed, research, or education, proper care ensures a healthy, thriving colony. Below you’ll find a complete guide to housing, feeding, and maintaining your crickets here in Hawaiʻi’s tropical climate.
Overview
Crickets are somewhat hardy feeder insects but need the right environment to stay alive and healthy until feeding time. Proper care keeps them active, reduces odor, and prevents die-offs.
Housing
Keep crickets in a well-ventilated plastic tote or aquarium with a secure screen lid.
Use egg cartons or paper towel rolls for climbing and hiding. Providing an ample amount of these partitions creates “condos” which allow for more living space and reduce stress. Avoid overcrowding — too many crickets together causes stress and higher mortality.
Recommended space
Up to 500 crickets per 10-gallons of space. Larger quantities need a larger container or multiple bins.
Temperature & Humidity
Maintain around 75 °F – 85 °F (24 °C – 29 °C) for ideal activity. Avoid placing the bin in direct sunlight or near AC vents. A dry environment is best — high humidity promotes bacteria and mold. Mild air circulation around the room but not directly on the crickets is preferred.
Food
Feed crickets only commercially formulated diets designed specifically for feeder insects.
We recommend Mazuri Cricket Diet or similar premium cricket feeds available at your local pet store.
While crickets may eat fresh fruits and vegetables such as carrots, apples, or leafy greens, these should be removed before they spoil to prevent mold and bacterial growth.
Avoid feeding chicken feed, dog food, cat food, or other livestock rations. These products can contain trace levels of pesticides, antibiotics, or chemical additives that may harm or kill crickets. Even small residues can contaminate your colony and cause rapid die-offs.
For best results, stick to clean, dry, commercial cricket diets and always keep food dishes dry and fresh.
Water
Provide moisture using water gel crystals or damp sponges — never open dishes of water. Crickets drown easily.
Refresh water sources every 1–2 days to prevent mold. Keep the area dry around the edges of the container.
Cleanliness
Remove dead crickets and waste regularly.
Decomposing crickets produce ammonia, which can kill the rest of the colony.
Scoop out dead crickets daily. Replace egg cartons weekly. Wipe the container with mild soap and water when cleaning. Rinse well.
Tips for Longevity
Avoid overcrowding. Keep temperature stable. Always provide food and moisture. Store away from strong odors, chemicals, or direct sunlight.
Mahalo for Choosing 808 Crickets!
We proudly supply Hawaiʻi with healthy, high-quality feeder crickets for all your animal needs.
Hawai’i Herpetological 