ok, so whats the trick?!

how do you have your crickets set up, how often and what do you feed them? I have always been good at killing plants but crickets are coming in close second. my supplier says i should be able to keep them alive for several weeks but they just arent living!!

I currently have a tupperware type tub (fairly large) with lots of holes in the lid, wehave tried two different types of containers, one with slits in the lid and those died faster than with holes, was using newspaper or paper towel for substrate, feeding the cricket gut load, also feeding that gel stuff as well as large chunks of apple or potato. we have lots of egg carton and other hiding spots and yet they are all dying within days. its cooler out right now and we have tried keeping them outside and inside and still they keep dying!

*so what should i be using for substrate? (can i use yesterdays news? the same stuff i use for the rats so i dont have to buy new stuff)
*what do you feed yours, what do you use for hydration
*how long can you typically keep yours alive?