How to Care for Live Crickets | Keep Crickets Alive Longer
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'?
The feeder cricket we have commonly available in the reptile hobby is susceptible to something called the Cricket Paralysis Virus which comes from our Australian native Field Crickets. This virus wipes out breeders overnight and is brutal to the feeder cricket industry. Often though, the virus is unnoticed until the crickets are packed and shipped to a customer. The stress causes the cricket virus to take affect.
We personally have experienced this with crickets we've purchased for our own animals, prior to us supplying them. 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 a hassle for both you and your feeder producer. Unfortunately though, theres no work around.
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, let your supplier know or potentially try a different one.
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.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Crickets produce waste quickly, and dirty conditions are a major cause of death.
- remove dead crickets daily
- clean out waste regularly
- replace egg cartons when dirty
Keeping the enclosure clean dramatically improves survival rates.
Why Many Keepers Switch to Wood Roaches (Woodies)
While crickets can work well, many reptile owners find them difficult to maintain due to smell, noise, and frequent die-offs.
Woodies are often chosen as an alternative because they:
- live longer
- produce less smell
- require less maintenance
You can browse available sizes here:
Choosing the right feeder insect can make feeding easier for both you and your reptile.
Learn More About Feeder Insects
Understanding how different feeder insects compare can help you choose the best option for your reptile.
Read the full guide here: Complete Guide to Feeder Insects in Australia