Escape free roach containers?

[Reptiluvr]

Can someone give me an idea for a CHEAP and EASY method of making a sealed up container to keep freakin' roaches from escaping. I was trying an open garbage can like I did with crickets, but they're better climbers. I've tried using BugStop and it has no stop effect. I've also used a plain sterilite container with a top but that didn't stop them much either. I don't have any kind of nifty tools beyond screwdrivers, a hammer and x-acto blades. Does anyone know a way I can make a container to hold 3,000 or so roaches or crickets without their escaping? I'd like to keep it under $30 per container (I'd probably make two) if possible. I'm hesitant to pay $60 for a pre-fabricated container from Armstrong's Crickets just cause it's a lot of money and I don't know for sure that it will keep them from escaping.
PLEASE give me some ideas before my roommate kills me. :fight:

 

[Haroldo]

What species of roach are you working with (that can climb smooth sides)?

 

[Bowfinger]

http://www.geckosunlimited.com/community/design-set-ups/25580-8-step-construction-roach-motel.html
this has worked for me after making a few changes. I use short bunji cords and eye-loop hooks to hold down lid for ease of use, weather strip for added security at top, and have added finer material above metal screen for micro screening of any thing extra small like babies or flies. Nothing has gotten out, my biggest concern would be in transport or cleaning is when something could escape or an insecure gecko cage.

 

['stoph]

cheapest solution for buggs >=2mm you can wrap a mosquito net around your container So if they escape the box they still are trapped.

 

[Reptiluvr]

mosquito net isn't a bad idea. I'm thinking of actually placing that over the screen to eliminate fruit flies.
Bowfinger: I don't have all the tools to nicely cut the rubbermaid and make the wood frame. But I did figure something else out. Question: Where did you get the metal frame for the screen, what's it called and how do I attach screen to it?

Here's my planned idea: Got some rubbermaids, going to epoxy plexiglass flat to the top and seal it off. Cut a whole in the top to make an opening. Then take a plexiglass frame with screen slightly larger than the the opening and lay it over top. Then get some hinges and silicon them down or even screw them in. This way the door closes not IN the hole, but OVER it to even anything from crawling through any kind of gaps. The only part I haven't figured out is how I can make a screen door.

 

[Riverside Reptiles]

Question: Where did you get the metal frame for the screen, what's it called and how do I attach screen to it?

The metal frame is just screen door/window frame. It's available at most Home Depot type stores. In addition to the metal for the frame, you'll need 4 of the plastic corner parts and a tool to roll the screen into the channel of the frame (that's how it attaches). I use that stuff for all kinds of projects. It's handy stuff to have around.

 

[Reptiluvr]

So I can buy a small frame to put screen into with a splice and the mini pizza cutter looking thing? The same process I do after every hurricane season to my patio??

 

[Riverside Reptiles]

So I can buy a small frame to put screen into with a splice and the mini pizza cutter looking thing? The same process I do after every hurricane season to my patio??

Pretty much. Except you'll probably have to make the frame yourself (although they may have pre-made frames). The metal frame material comes in "sticks" that you'll have to cut to the size you want. Then you'll need 4 of the plastic corners. They just slide into the metal frame. Then use the "pizza cutter thing" for the screen just like on your patio.

 

[feedersinc]

I use about 4-5" strip of vaseline around my tanks, 0 escapes. about once a month i will take a paper towel and just smear it around. This works great for lobsters.

 

[Reptiluvr]

Unfortunately the lateralis were not even phased by vasoline and climbed right over. BugStop, that liquid paint-on barrier only made it harder but not enough to prevent escapes. I ended up having a plastics business make me sealed containers.

 

[Bowfinger]

Vasoline never worked for mine either. They can't climb the tubs I use, but soon as I use anything like vasoline, they actually can. I still have my lateralis going strong in the cages I built with no fly problems or escapees. I shake them in deli cups, then sort out in another tub (empty) for size and powder coating.

 

[Riverside Reptiles]

Just to add to this thread another option for good escape proof containers for roaches that I've been using lately is the big 40 pound plastic cat litter tubs. Like these:

Unlike rubbermaids, these actually seal up tight when the lid is closed. So, I just drilled some holes in the lid for air and hot glued a piece of screen over the holes so that babies can't get out. Quick, simple, easy, and free. I don't own a cat, but I have several friends that do and they give me the tubs when they're done with them. They work great. Also, they stack well and don't take up a lot of space.

PS these also make for good, cheap, arboreal gecko housing with a little bit of modification.

 

[lemonjello]

Couldn't you just use petroleum jelly so the roaches can't get out?

 

[Riverside Reptiles]

Couldn't you just use petroleum jelly so the roaches can't get out?

You can try. If you find that Vasoline (petroleum jelly) works for you, more power to you. I've not found it to work so great for me. Some people swear by it. Others seem to have no luck with it.