Huntsman

I think the concern is that he has spotted parasites on several of the roaches and wants to know if there is anything to be concerned about. He possibly feels that if they're host - specific there is probably nothing to worry about. I haven't seen them myself, as these were posted to him in another city... Are these species known for having host - specific or casual parasites?

It's a general question, posed by several of my customers, who feed roaches to all manner of herps. Could you tell me which has species-specific parasites?

Which of the following species have species - specific parasites, and what is the ramifications when using them as feeders? E. chopardi G. portentosa B. dubia Thank you.

I have noticed over the last year that Phoetalia pallida, int. al. have a tendency to control their population to a point where they stop breeding totally, when the populations reach a certain point, regardless of food or heating levels. My research is ongoing, and I will try to ascertain the optimal levels for maximum breeding increase in the next few months. I presume this is the same in other species. Does anyone have specifics, perhaps?

I will do my best to avoid insulting you at this point as that will only draw me down to your level. Scams that originate in Nigeria have as much to do with me 3000 miles and six countries away as the Cocaine trade in Bogota has to do with you, genius! So all Phillippinos are pirates and South Americans all carry swine flu?

Tarring everyone with the same brush is both moronic and irresponsible. Your own country's laws do not govern those from other countries, and regardless of the legally of your receiving goods in the United States of America sent directly from Africa or anywhere else, this does not constitute an automatic scam on the part of the consignee. It is up to the receiver to ensure that all of the correct channels are followed, in order to allow the goods to enter his own Customs Zone, as it is that of the consignee to ensure his exporting procedures are all correct to allow the goods to leave his Customs zone legally.

What a crock of crap! Never buy anything shipped directly from Africa? What kind of ##### comment is that, Matt??! Are you suggesting that all Africans are thieves?! You probably imagine we're all black and call white folk 'Massa' too! I have sent tarantulas, roaches and sticks all over the world and have never ripped anyone off so get off your bloody high horse!

Operation 'clean up' starts tomorrow...

Thanks, Z - Yeah, the better ventilated colonies are definitely less affected, and the ones that require the most cleaning are worst hit of all. I'll pop some isopods into each colony (I have a colony of those, too!) and clean them all out, as suggested. I'll stick a fan onto them 24/7 also... BTW Do these little buggers die off for Winter, or am I stuck with them until I can eradicate them myself? Anyone? Cheers.

Thanks, guys! Yeah, we have flypaper in place, but it doesn't even dent the population! I considered the drying out method, but my colonies are very large and I'm concerned about the effect on the roaches...?? I'll try the pest fly search too, thanks.

Over the past two weeks, I have noticed little flies scuttling about in my roach colonies. About 2mm long, they scuttle a few inches, stop, and scuttle again. The can fly, but seldom do unless threatened. Daily, their numbers are growing as is my concern! Any ideas what flies they are, what the ramifications are of having them, what attracts them and most importantly...how to get rid of them? Thank you, for any and all input.

Should be on the menu somewhere...

Thanks, chaps!

These lads were found in the NW part of South Africa.

Hi Orin - No idea. This question was posed on a local site, but no-one could answer it, and I thought I'd try to help... I thought they looked like N. rhombifolia too, but they were found wild and I don't believe we have that species here, but...who knows?