Can You Have a Pet Cockroach?

While most cockroaches are not tame and cuddly, some species are. The Madagascar hissing roach, for example, is known to climb up on its owners’ hands. A pet cockroach is not likely to bite you, but they do have mandibles for breaking down food.

If you want to have a pet cockroach, you should make sure to have a safe, secure enclosure. The insects can escape through even the tiniest crack, so make sure your enclosure is leak-proof and escape-proof. Some species are able to walk on vertical surfaces, so be sure to install a sliding door with an open space between the doors.

Males should be kept separated from females. If you are planning to breed, use a reliable source for adopting your babies. You should also avoid releasing baby hissing cockroaches into the wild, which is unethical. These cockroaches are not native to the United States and don’t fare well in our climate.

A good place to keep a cockroach is in an aquarium or a reptile terrarium. Cockroaches are poor climbers, but they can escape if there is a crack or hole. Luckily, these insects aren’t picky eaters.