How to Keep Lady Bugs As Pets

Ladybugs eat small bugs called aphids, which can be found on flowers.

Ladybugs aren't just beautiful to look at. They are extremely helpful for the environment as they protect various plants by consuming plant-eating insects. Many people, especially children, have tried to capture and keep these delicate bugs as pets without much success. The truth is ladybugs can be kept as pets for a short time with the proper preparation and care.

Things You'll Need

• Clear box or terrarium
• Foliage
• Grass
• Flowers
• Soaked raisins or other sweet fruits

Instructions

1. Cut small holes (not too big or the ladybug will be able to get out) on the top of your container to keep the air circulating. If possible, add some to the sides as well.

2. Spread the foliage, grass and flowers all over the box. Make sure all of these things are moist. This is how the ladybug will obtain water to drink.

3. Add moistened raisins or other fruit you have into the container.

4. Place the ladybug in the terrarium.

5. Check to ensure the container remains moist and that the ladybug is finding the food you are leaving.

Tips & Warnings

• In addition to keeping the container and its natural elements moist, you may want to place a damp paper towel inside the ladybug's home as well.

• Ladybugs survive best in their own natural element. If you are insistent on having one as a pet to observe, it is best to keep them for just a short time and then release them back into the wild, preferably in the spring.

References

• Ladybug Lady
• National Geographic