How to Buy a Pet Insect

Insects are all around us. Most of us cannot imagine having one as a pet, but there are many insect species that make excellent pets. Of course, you can collect your own from your garden, but if you really want a unique bug, you'll have to buy one.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Learn about pet insects before you run out and buy one. Beetles, cockroaches, mantids, centipedes, millipedes and stick insects are the most common. Some of them may not be right for you. Some get really big, some make noise and some live for years!
2. Determine where you will be keeping your bug. A big glass or plastic container should suffice. Mantids prefer screened cages. Some insects such as the Rhinoceros Beetle and some cockroaches fly, so you need a lid on your container. Proper temperature and humidity are important factors, too.
3. Call a local pet store that sells insects or go to the PetBugs website. Ask for the names and contact information of people who own the species of insect that you would like to own. Ask as many questions as you can about the care of these pets. Also ask them where you can buy one.
4. Purchase the insect from your local pet store that deals in exotic pets or from a referred insect dealer that you found after talking to other insect lovers. You can also find insects for sale in classified ads on the PetBugs website.
5. Ask about any warranties that may come with the insects. Find out policies on shipping the insects and whether they will guarantee a live bug reaches you through the mail.