SPECIAL OFFER: - Limited Time Only!
(The ad below will not display on your printed page)
2 FULL YEARS of Parents® Magazine plus a FREE GIFT! Order NOW to take advantage of this great offer! Get 2 full years (24 issues) for just $7.99! Plus you get our new Ultimate Birthday Party Planner ABSOLUTELY FREE! HURRY this offer won't last! (U.S. orders only)

Email:

First Name:

Last Name:

Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

100% Money-Back Guarantee: You must be pleased, or you may cancel any time during the life of your subscription and receive a refund on any unserved issues – no questions asked. Parents® Magazine is currently published 12 times annually – subject to change without notice. Double issues may be published, which count as 2 issues. Applicable sales tax will be added. E-mail address required to access your account and member benefits online. We will not share your e-mail address with anyone. Click here to view our privacy policy.

Bugs as Pets

from Parents Magazine
Phasmids
Phasmid

Phasmids, or stick and spiny leaf insects, need fresh leaves (usually eucalyptus) every few days and a spray of water every day.

Ants
ant

Instead of containing sand or dirt, Fascination's AntWorks ($20, amazon.com) is filled with a nontoxic blue nutrient gel so that ants need no additional food or water. Catch your own ants, or order them by mail.

Madagascar Hissing Cockroach
Madagascar hissing cockroach

The large, wingless Madagascar hissing cockroach can't bite or hurt you. Keep it in a tank with a heating pad underneath, and feed it fresh veggies, fruits, and dry dog food.

Crickets
cricket

Like the sound of crickets? Get an adult male (females don't sing) and keep it in a ventilated aquarium. Crickets will eat each other if not well fed. Try lettuce and oatmeal.

Originally published in the June 2009 issue of Parents magazine.

Parents.com Parents.com

© Copyright 2013, Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved.