If you keep insectivorous pets (from bearded dragons to dart frogs) you've undoubtedly heard the term "gut-loading." It's the practice of feeding your feeder insects (crickets, roaches, mealworms, etc.) a highly nutritious diet shortly before offering them to your pet. You know you're supposed to do it, but have you ever paused to wonder about the science behind it?

We all know people with distinct personalities: the adventurous friend, the cautious planner, the life of the party, the quiet observer. We even see it in our pets... the bold dog, the skittish cat, the ferret with an unshakeable mischievous streak. But what about a creature as seemingly simple as a discoid roach? Do these ancient insects, often dismissed as mere automatons, possess anything resembling a "personality"?

Welcome to Part 4 of our Discoid Roach Educational Series! Today we’re diving into the surprisingly scent-free science of insect habitats. While many assume roach bins smell foul, a well-maintained colony is virtually odorless. The real culprit? Decomposition and microbial activity. With good husbandry—like ventilation, dry substrate, and frass removal your roach bin can stay fresh. It’s not magic. It’s science.