When is a Bug More Than a Bug?

As a kid, we didn't have any pets; no dogs, no cats, not even a hamster or gerbil...nothing. So, being kids, we improvised. We had worms, ants, bugs of all shapes and sizes. We genuinely enjoyed them, each and every one...at one point, I think we even had a jar of swamp water...yes swamp water. By the way, there are some very cool creatures living in swamp water.

As an adult, I have had "real" pets, dogs, cats, rabbits, reptiles (of various types) and rats, just to name a few. I decided that my kids would have pets, lots of pets. That they would grow up with the joy of a furry head to pet, to feed, to clean up after; my kids would have all of the joys and responsibilities that come with having pets of their own, in the home.

So, why is it that they still feel the need to turn every little bug and slug into 'pets'? My kids have had moths, ants, lightening bugs, even slugs for pets. They seem to enjoy building elaborate homes and habitats for them, they name them, they get upset when they escape or when they die.

So, when is a bug more than a bug? When it's a pet. A true, loved pet.

I was reminded of this the other day in the pet store. As I was looking over the puppies, kittens and assorted reptiles, I happened across a tank containing Hissing Cockroaches. While these would not be my pet of choice (and won't be allowed in my house), they must be on someone's 'want list'. This same store had Preying Mantis for sale - a childhood favorite for generations, centipedes, scorpions and a number of tarantulas.

So, what do people see in these buggy pets? What is the lure of them? While keeping bugs requires specific set ups (including food, bedding, etc), they don't require the amount of attention that a traditional pet requires. They don't need to be walked and cleaned up after every day, they don't need training, they don't shed all over the house and won't attack your visitors.

Bugs are unusual, even exotic pets. Not everyone has them and that lends to their uniqueness. While bugs still need to be fed, they don't require a lot of food, and in general, what they do require isn't expensive. The habitats that are needed tend to be small, making them great for apartment dwellers and renters. Bugs are great for people who like to look at pets more than they like to cuddle them. They don't exacerbate allergies the way furred pets can.

While these pets may not appeal to all, or even to very many perspective pet owners, they do have their fans and they should and do require humane treatment throughout their entire lives.