Do Dubia Roaches Smell and How to Minimise Possible Odours
One of the biggest concerns people have when keeping feeder insects is smell. Compared to other feeders like crickets, dubia roaches are known for having very little odour when kept properly.
For most Australian reptile keepers, dubia roaches are one of the cleanest feeder insects available. However, they can still develop a smell if conditions are poor. Understanding why this happens and how to prevent it will help you keep your setup clean and as smell free as possible. For a broader overview of feeder options, see our complete guide to feeder insects in Australia.
Quick takeaway: Dubia roaches themselves do not smell much. Any odour usually comes from waste buildup, moisture, or spoiled food rather than the roaches themselves.
Do Dubia Roaches Actually Smell
Dubia roaches are naturally low-odour insects. Unlike crickets, they do not produce strong waste smells or constant ammonia buildup when kept in proper conditions.
Most people notice little to no smell from a well-maintained dubia setup. This is one of the main reasons they are considered a premium feeder insect. We even often get comments like 'I can't belive they don't smell' when we have visitors to our commercial dubia breeding setup.
If you are comparing feeders, see: Dubia Roaches vs Crickets
What Causes Dubia Roaches to Smell
When dubia roaches do smell, it is almost always caused by environmental factors rather than the insects themselves.
- Waste buildup: accumulated frass (droppings) can develop an odour over time. Especially if damp - common in an overcrowded tub
- Excess moisture: damp conditions encourage bacteria and mould
- Spoiled food: old fruit or vegetables break down quickly in warm tubs
- Poor ventilation: traps humid, stale air inside the container
These factors often combine, which is why a setup can suddenly develop a noticeable smell even if it seemed fine before.
How to Keep Dubia Roaches Smelling Clean
Preventing odour is simple once you understand the causes. A few consistent habits will keep your dubia roaches virtually smell-free.
- Maintain airflow: add ventilation holes or mesh to allow fresh air exchange - more the better
- Control moisture: no water bowls and limit wet food - if using water crystals, make sure the tub is well ventilated
- Remove old food quickly: especially fruit and vegetables in warm conditions
- Clean periodically: remove excess frass buildup from the tub
- Avoid overcrowding: more roaches = more waste and heat = humidity = bacteria = smell
Proper storage setup plays a major role in this. See: How to Store Dubia Roaches
Does Temperature Affect Smell
Temperature has an indirect effect on odour. Warmer setups increase metabolism, feeding, and waste production, which can lead to faster buildup if not managed.
However, temperature alone does not cause smell. It only becomes an issue when combined with poor ventilation or excess moisture.
For ideal temperature ranges, see: Best Temperature for Dubia Roaches
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Leaving wet food in too long
- Not providing enough ventilation
- Letting waste build up without cleaning
- Keeping too many roaches in a small container
Final Thoughts
Dubia roaches are one of the lowest-odour feeder insects available. In most cases, any smell comes from setup issues rather than the insects themselves.
With proper ventilation, clean feeding practices, and simple maintenance, you can keep dubia roaches virtually smell-free and easy to manage.
