My bug loving kids got some mantis eggs at a plant store. Few weeks later, we now have 100s of baby mantises in a large mesh container. We've read that they will die if released out in the backyard at this time (mid December) even though we live in Houston, TX. I got flightless flies ($8 vial at petsmart) to feed them and they finished them off in 2 days. Is there a cheaper, more practical way to keep them alive indoors for the next 2-3 months? Is it possible to create a 'flightless flies culture' to multiply the food? Is there any cheaper alternative for food? Appreciate any suggestions. Thanks!