Other containers, like cardboard boxes, should be avoided. Over time they’ll fall apart due to moisture. For larger insects like walking sticks and praying mantises, make sure the container is at least twice as big as their body width and three times as big as their height. [2] X Research source Multiple small insects will fit into a regular-sized container. For larger insects, double the space per insect. As long as your insects have room to run and hide, they’ll be happy.
You may also cover this layer with a half an inch (1. 3 cm) of activated charcoal. Charcoal can be found at pet supply stores. It reduces the smell in terrariums with growing plants.
You may use potting soil, but outdoor soil is familiar to bugs. Potting soil has chemicals that may harm some critters.
One small plant or a couple of weeds is usually enough greenery. Leave most of the space open so you can see the bugs moving. Green, healthy plants are the ones that serve as the best food. Keep in mind that some bugs, such as walking sticks, only eat fresh leaves. [6] X Research source
Again, you have too much when the terrarium is filled with decorations. Leave most of the space open and have a couple of places for the bugs to climb and hide.
Mealworms and crickets are common starter bugs. You’ll also come across other bugs, such as roly polys (pill bugs), ladybugs and beetles. Sometimes you’ll even find critters like snails. Be aware of poisonous or biting insects. It’s best to avoid spiders, centipedes, fire ants, and carpenter ants (large black ants). If you’re looking for critters that move a lot, try crickets and snails.
Plants and worms use the soil for food. Decomposing food, like banana peels and eggshells, or compost, keeps the soil filled with nutrients. Fish flakes from the pet store will also be popular with the bugs.
You can use a lid, such as the lid on a mason jar. Use a drill or hammer a nail into it to make small holes. Scatter the holes around. Make a few of them, maybe five or six. Remember to make sure there are air holes at the top of the container. Bugs need to breathe too!
You can also try setting a dampened paper towel or cotton ball on top of the soil for extra humidity. Consider getting a hygrometer from the pet store. It’ll indicate the humidity in the terrarium. Try to keep the humidity above 75%.
Catch the bugs before you begin cleaning. Scoop them up and move them to a second terrarium or sealed container with air holes. Terrariums with large bugs and critters will need to be cleaned weekly. If you only have a few small bugs, you may be able to leave the terrarium alone for longer without noticing bad smells or mold.
