Pets

Why You Should Consider Getting Pet Bugs

When most people think of bugs, they think of annoying pests or potentially dangerous predators. They don’t immediately associate the word “pet” with any kind of bug.

But yet, pet bugs have been an option for some time now. So if you have the time and money to look after small creatures, you might be interested to learn more about the pet bug industry. 

We’re going to do just that in this article. So keep reading to find out more about having bugs as pets, and the many benefits that come with them.

Different Kinds of Bugs to Have as Pets

If you decide to have bugs as pets, you might be wondering which specific type you should get. So below, we’ve listed down the most common bugs that become pets for your fellow enthusiasts.

Millipedes

Millipedes are a type of bug that make for great pets because of their low-maintenance needs. These arthropods come in various colors, from orange and yellow to shades of green and brown. Their bodies can grow up to 4 inches in length and they feed on dead plant material, so they are easy to care for.

Millipedes also need mild temperatures, usually between 65 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit. They are generally nocturnal so they are relatively quiet. They make for great interactive pets as they spend most of their time crawling around. 

Beetles

Beetles are one of the most popular types of bugs to have as pets. They come in a variety of sizes and colors and add a unique visual element to a home.

Beetles suitable as pets include rhinoceros beetles, scarab beetles, and ground beetles. Rhinoceros beetles are large, impressive creatures with horns. Scarab beetles come in bright hues of green, blue, and purple. Ground beetles are very active, while rove beetles feed on small insects.

Whichever type you choose, caring for beetle pets requires patience and research. An enclosure should provide a constant source of food and water, as well as surface or burrow space for the beetles to explore. 

Ants

Ants typically come as a package deal as ant farms and allow you to watch the ants as they dig their tunnels and care for the eggs. They typically come with all the necessary materials to grow the ants. But you should also do your own research on what do ants eat or what living conditions they prefer so you can properly take care of them.

Depending on the kind of ant farm you have, some have artificial terrain for the ants to explore and tunnels for them to build. You can also customize your ant farm by adding new tunnels and providing food for the ants.

It’s important to remember that these are living creatures and will require care. Thus, if you decide to keep an ant farm you also need to invest in good quality materials and properly maintain the ant farm. 

Roaches

Roaches are one of the most commonly kept bug pets. They are attractive, hardy, and long-lived. They require basic care, like any other pet; food, water, and clean habitat.

Cockroaches are often found in the wild, but those bred and kept in captivity are usually large and tame, making them excellent pets. They come in a variety of colors and sizes, so you can choose one that is right for you. Roaches also have a lifespan of several years, so they don’t require replacing like other small pet insects.

Praying Mantises

Praying mantises are beautiful and exotic bugs to add to your list of bug friends. Native to tropical and subtropical regions, they prefer a warm environment, high humidity, and plenty of food.

A terrarium or large clear container with some plants and a tall, thin twig or branch is the ideal home. They may even snack on some of the other bugs in the enclosure.

Praying mantises also come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be green or brown with spotted or striped wings. But feeding your praying mantis can sometimes be tricky. They prefer live food in the form of crickets, locusts, grasshoppers, and moths.

Aside from that, praying mantises are easy to care for. They are particularly interesting due to their willingness to interact with humans. They also can turn their heads and watch you and will sometimes even sit on your finger. 

Stick Insects

Stick insects are one of the most popular critters people choose to keep as pets. These insects are arthropods which are close relatives of spiders and beetles.

Stick insects are usually found in tropical climates and like to feed on foliage and flowers. They come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, and are usually quite docile. This makes them a great pet for gardeners, classrooms, and kids who want a pet that you can handle without causing distress.

They can also thrive in captivity and require minimal feeding and terrarium maintenance. They don’t make noise, don’t require much space, and shed frequently. A terrarium full of active stick insects can be a lot of fun to watch and make an interesting conversation starter.

Benefits of Having Pet Bugs

Many small bugs make for fun, interactive pets that can bring a range of benefits to your home. But what are their benefits? Keep on reading to learn more.

Low-Maintenance & Easy Care

Pet bugs are an ideal pet choice for those looking for something low-maintenance and easy to care for. Unlike traditional household pets such as cats and dogs, pet bugs require minimal effort to keep them happy and healthy. They only require the occasional change of fresh bedding and food, and you do not need to walk or take them outside for exercise.

Additionally, they do not require a large enclosure and can be kept in a small habitat such as a terrarium. They require little time and effort to clean. Their messes are typically less noticeable and less smelly than traditional pets. 

Natural Pest Control

Bugs, like ladybugs and spiders, are natural predators of common pests like aphids and flies. So keeping bugs in the house can help to keep unwanted pests away. Bugs are good pets that provide natural pest control. 

Tiny Companions

Pet bugs can bring a sense of joy and interactive entertainment to a home. Bugs are fascinating to observe as they explore. You can watch them climb and jump around and display interesting behaviors. 

They can make a great addition to any family, providing novelty and companionship to people of all ages. And they can also provide insight into insect life cycles and the delicacy of nature.

Relatively Cheap to Care for

Pet bugs are a great choice if you’re looking for a pet that is relatively cheap to care for. Pet bugs are low maintenance, often able to live off of bits of fruits and vegetables, or commercially available food.

They have minimal vet costs – bug hospitals are rare but not impossible to find. In addition, bug cages are cheaper than those required for other pets. If at any point it becomes impossible to care for them, you will not be stuck with a costly vet bill. And when a pet bug passes, it is the cheapest of all pets to dispose of due to its much smaller size. 

Helps Reduce Stress & Anxiety

Getting pet bugs can be a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. The presence of something small and non-threatening can help ease bad emotions and sensations.

Bugs are often much easier to take care of than regular pets, as a less strict schedule for feeding and maintenance is needed. And observing the hive mentality of the bugs provides a sense of calm. Their erratic movements, yet stable habits, can be a great source of calming and focusing.

They can also often be taken almost anywhere and can make interesting conversation pieces. For these reasons, anyone looking to reduce stress and anxiety should consider getting a pet bug.

Can Help in Educational Settings

Exposure to the wonderful world of insects can give students a closer look at the amazing species living in our environment. They are both engaging and interactive in a way that makes them a great educational tool when teaching about nature and biology.

Insects as pets can also serve as a great introduction to the importance of taking care of the environment and being kind to animals. Looking after, monitoring, and observing pet bugs is a great way to provide children with responsibilities. It will also foster a sense of empathy.

Bugs can also help teach children the importance of keeping animals in their natural habitats. They might even discover the thrilling adventure of the many different species that inhabit our ecosystem. 

Having Pet Bugs Can Offer Lots of Enjoyment!

Getting pet bugs can be an exceptionally rewarding experience. It not only provides you with an interesting conversation starter but also with something to nurture and care for. So if you are looking for a low-maintenance pet to keep around, you should seriously consider bringing home some bugs!

What are you waiting for? Get started today by researching which bug would be best for you and your lifestyle.

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Asad Ijaz

My Name is Asad Ijaz. I am Chief Editor on NetworkUstad and also a writing a blog for different websites. My most of articles are published on networkustad.com.

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