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Anyone who raises feeder insects will sooner or later run into one of the most trivial and frustrating problems of all: water.
On the one hand, many colonies produce and grow better when they have constant access to moisture. On the other hand, especially in the case of very small insects, just one drop of water in the wrong place is enough to end up with dozens of drowned insects.
Over the years, I’ve tried various solutions, each with its own pros and cons.
Fresh veggies
For a long time, I’ve been using carrots, apples, zucchini, and other fresh vegetables. From the insects’ perspective, this is probably still one of the best solutions because, in addition to water, they also provide extra nutrients and are generally eaten with great enthusiasm.
The problem is maintenance. You have to replace them regularly, check that they don’t develop mold, and adjust the quantities to suit the colony.
It works very well, but it requires a certain amount of consistency.
Bug gel
Later, I tried the classic Bug Gel—it’s practical, clean, and significantly reduces the risk of drowning. For those who manage just a few colonies, it can be an excellent solution!
In my case, however, the cost began to add up over time.
Wet paper towels
For quite some time, my favorite method was a simple saucer lined with constantly damp paper towels. Inexpensive, effective, and very safe.
The only real drawback? It required constant attention! During the hottest periods, I found myself having to rewet it several times a day. It wasn't exactly the ultimate solution I was looking for.
The idea which changed everything
In the end, I asked myself a very simple question: if there are automatic waterers for chickens, why not create a miniature version for insects? This question led to the system I still use today.
It consists simply of:
a plastic bottle
a cap with a few holes
a saucer
hot glue to attach the cap to the saucer
The bottle is attached to the cap so that it can be easily unscrewed for refilling. A few holes are drilled near the cap to allow water to flow out gradually using the principle of atmospheric pressure, just like in traditional poultry waterers.
This way, the saucer constantly maintains a small level of water without immediately emptying the bottle’s contents.
The result is a true reservoir that can last several days without requiring constant attention!
Bottle with holes
Cap glued to saucer
Completed watering system
Paper towels or marbles?
Unfortunately, the saucer can’t be left empty, or the insects would drown in it. There are several ways to completely avoid this risk: many breeders use marbles, small pebbles, or other materials that allow the insects to reach the water safely.
I’ve tried this solution myself, and it works well—but over time, I’ve found that I simply prefer a piece of paper towel placed inside the saucer.
The paper towel absorbs the water, provides a safe surface for the insects, and, most importantly, makes cleaning much easier. For the way I manage my colonies, it has become the most practical option.
Why I keep using this method
The best part of this system isn’t so much the financial savings as it is the time saved.
The colonies always have access to water, the risk of drowning is minimal, and I no longer have to worry about constantly checking dozens of containers throughout the day. Plus, I only need to refill them with fresh water a couple of times a week instead of all the time.
It’s not a perfect solution, and every breeder will likely find the method they prefer. For me, though, it’s been one of the simplest yet most useful changes I’ve ever made to the daily management of my feed insect colonies.
Sometimes the best ideas come from the most mundane problems!
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