How to Care for Live Crickets | Keep Crickets Alive Longer

March 28, 2026

Keeping live crickets healthy is one of the biggest challenges reptile owners face. While they are widely used as feeder insects, crickets are sensitive to their environment and can die quickly if not cared for properly.

This guide covers everything you need to know to keep crickets alive, active, and suitable for feeding for as long as possible.

Quick tip: Most cricket deaths come down to poor ventilation, incorrect moisture, or overcrowding.

Choosing the Right Container

Crickets need a well-ventilated container with plenty of surface area to prevent overcrowding and moisture build-up.

plastic tubs or storage containers work well
add ventilation holes or mesh lids
avoid sealed containers
keep them dry at all times

A lack of airflow is one of the fastest ways to cause die-offs.

Is there a cricket 'Virus'?

There is also speculation of a cricket 'virus' that can get into some breeding facilities here in Australia. As far as we're aware this is unconfirmed but common reports say that the crickets are fine until stressed, then once stressed (like during shipping) they can roll over and die.

We personally have experienced this with crickets we've purchased for our own animals. We also know of breeding facilities that have had to completely shut down and restart due to being exposed.

There is no risk posed to your reptiles, just wasted money on feeders you can't use.

If your crickets have this, unfortunately theres only so much you can do. If your setup is perfect and you are still having large numbers of cricket die, potentially try a different supplier.

Adding Structure and Space

Crickets need vertical space to spread out and reduce stress. Without structure, they pile on top of each other, increasing mortality.

use egg cartons or cardboard flats
stack vertically to maximise surface area
avoid overcrowding the container

More usable space means healthier crickets and fewer deaths.

Feeding Your Crickets

Crickets need both dry food and moisture to survive and remain nutritious for your reptile.

dry food: commercial cricket feed or grains. Some poultry feeds work well
moisture: vegetables like carrot or leafy greens
remove old food before it spoils

Proper feeding improves both cricket lifespan and their nutritional value.

Water and Hydration

Never use open water bowls with crickets — they will drown easily.

use moisture-rich vegetables
or water crystals if needed
avoid excess moisture in the enclosure

Too much moisture can quickly lead to bacteria growth and mass die-offs. Though young crickets will die fast without access to moisture, so make sure to keep a moisture source available without making the tub wet. Ventilation is key here.