How to Keep Giant Water Bugs

Giant water bugs are commonly mistaken for cockroaches. Giant water bugs are known to crawl up the pipes in a home and through the shower drain. These insects are usually about 1.5 inches long, but they can get up to 4 inches long under the right circumstances. If you have caught a giant water bug and would like to keep it as a pet, there are a few things you should know before you start building a terrarium for it.

Things You'll Need

  • Terrarium
  • Rocks/vegetation
  • Small insects
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Instructions

    • 1

      Buy a terrarium with a lid. Some terrariums will have lids with larger ventilation holes. Giant water bugs can squeeze through holes so make sure that the holes are very small.

    • 2

      Put rocks and other natural vegetation into your giant water bug's cage. This could include cattails or weeds. Do not line the bottom of the terrarium with sand or dirt. Put about an inch and a half of water into the terrarium.

    • 3

      Feed your water bug small insects like crickets. Start with the smaller crickets and then work your way up as the water bug gets bigger. Crickets can be found at pet shops in your area.

    • 4

      Keep the water bug inside the cage. Water bugs have a nasty bite that can swell the flesh. Never pick your water bug up, as it will definitely bite you.