Built by Hobbyists, for Hobbyists
We recently had the opportunity to speak with BugEaters founder Ray Tripp, and one thing was immediately clear. This is not just a business. It is a lifetime hobby.
Since the 90s, Ray has been right there in the trenches of the vivarium world. What started as a passion for poison dart frogs, geckos, and building lush, living ecosystems has grown into BugEaters.co, a brand created by hobbyists for hobbyists.
Where It All Started
The roots of BugEaters go back to something simple, a neighbor.
When Ray was in elementary school, a family moved in next door. The father was an entomologist who had just returned from New Guinea, where he worked in conservation and farmed giant birdwing butterflies. His son was the same age, and together they introduced Ray to the world of breeding insects.
At the same time, he was breeding livebearer fish and selling them back to local pet stores. That early exposure sparked something that never faded. It only evolved.
Over the years, that passion turned into hands-on experience across the world. From legally collecting giant geckos in New Caledonia to working with Aldabra tortoises from the Seychelles, and spending time in Madagascar, his journey has always been driven by a deep respect for the animals and ecosystems he keeps.
Still Active in the Hobby
This is not a brand built from the sidelines. Ray is still actively involved in the community.
So far in 2026, he has vended in Boise, Loveland, and Colorado Springs, and will be vending in Farmington, Utah. He regularly works shows throughout the western mountain states, including the Southwest and Pacific Northwest. He has also vended in Grand Junction, Colorado.
Staying active on the show circuit keeps BugEaters connected to the hobby, current with what keepers need, and constantly improving what they offer.
The Problem Every Keeper Knows
If you keep dart frogs or any insectivorous species, you already understand the importance of high-quality feeder insects.
There is also a challenge that often gets overlooked, the smell.
Producing fruit fly cultures at scale can quickly take over a room. When you are maintaining hundreds of cultures, the odor becomes difficult to manage without the right system in place.
A Solution Born From Experience
At BugEaters, more than 200 fruit fly cultures are produced every single week for their own collection. Ignoring the problem was never an option. A solution had to be developed.
Through years of trial and error, refinement, and real-world use, Ray created what is now known as the BugEaters Stink Solution.
This is not a theory or a quick fix. It is a system built from decades of hands-on experience in the hobby.
Designed for Real Keepers
Whether you are setting up your first dart frog vivarium or managing a full collection, BugEaters products are built with one goal in mind.
Make your life easier without compromising the health of your animals.
Their DIY Fly Mix and fresh cultures are reliable, consistent, cleaner to maintain, and designed to reduce odor at the source.
Build Better Ecosystems
At the end of the day, this is not just about fruit flies.
It is about creating environments where your animals thrive and your space remains enjoyable.
BugEaters is here to help you build better ecosystems, one stink-free culture at a time.
Join a growing community of hobbyists who expect more from their feeders and from the companies they trust.
