Madagascar Hissing Cockroach Care Sheet
Invertebrate
2 - 3 inches long
4 - 5 years
Insectivore
Diet & Nutrition
Hissing Cockroaches can eat a variety of fruits and vegetables as well a commercially available insect gut load.
Hissing Cockroaches are scavengers and require constant access to food and water.
Housing & Habitat
Hissing Cockroaches are native to the large island of Madagascar off the coast of Africa where they can be found living in fallen logs.
Enclosure Size
Hissing Cockroaches can climb smooth surfaces. Some keepers will use a thick strip of petroleum jelly around the top few inches of the enclosure to prevent escape. Housing size depends on the number of individuals in the enclosure. A few roaches can be housed in a small plastic enclosure. A large colony would require an aquarium or large storage container with good ventilation.
Substrate
Depending on setup an absorbent substrate such as peat moss or coconut fiber works well to keep up humidity. Other keepers will use a bare bottom to help with cleaning.
Temperature & Lighting
Temperature
Temperatures between 75-90°F are perfect for Hissing
Cockroaches.
Lighting
Madagascar Hissing Cockroach colony. It is common for people to develop an allergy to Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches with too much handling and constant exposure. Handling your Madagascar Hissing Cockroach in a well- ventilated room and wearing gloves and a respirator can help reduce the chances of developing an allergy. Our facility has been equipped with high quality air filtration and ventilation systems, and we always wear gloves and respirators to keep the risk to a minimum. Please note that the reactions will start with itchy skin, then move on to itchy eyes, congestion, and ultimately lead to respiratory issues.
Humidity & Watering
Humidity
Roaches do best with a humidity of 60-70%.
Watering
The best way to provide water is with water crystals. Roaches can't swim well and will drown in an open water source.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What do Madagascar Hissing Cockroachs eat?
Hissing Cockroaches can eat a variety of fruits and vegetables as well a commercially available insect gut load. Hissing Cockroaches are scavengers and require constant access to food and water.
What size enclosure does a Madagascar Hissing Cockroach need?
Hissing Cockroaches are native to the large island of Madagascar off the coast of Africa where they can be found living in fallen logs. Hissing Cockroaches can climb smooth surfaces. Some keepers will use a thick strip of petroleum jelly around the top few inches of the enclosure to prevent escape. Housing size depends on the number of individuals in the enclosure. A few roaches can be housed in a small plastic enclosure. A large colony would require an aquarium or large storage container wit...
What temperature and lighting does a Madagascar Hissing Cockroach need?
Temperatures between 75-90°F are perfect for Hissing Cockroaches. Roaches do not need UVB or light sources. IMPORTANT: Please be aware that we DO NOT recommend starting your own Madagascar Hissing Cockroach colony. It is common for people to develop an allergy to Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches with too much handling and constant exposure. Handling your Madagascar Hissing Cockroach in a well- ventilated room and wearing gloves and a respirator can help reduce the chances of developing an aller...