How To Take Care Of Stick Bugs: 12 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Home » What Does A Stick Bug Eat » How To Take Care Of Stick Bugs: 12 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Take Care of Stick Bugs PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Brandon Runyon

Last Updated: February 24, 2025 Approved

PDF download Download Article
  • Creating the Proper Environment
    • |
  • Providing Basic Care
    • |
  • Dealing with Special Circumstances
    • |
  • Expert Interview
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Brandon Runyon. Brandon Runyon is a board-certified Entomologist based in Evansville, Indiana. He has over 18 years of experience as a Pest Control professional, and is the Technical Director of Swat Pest Management. Swat Pest Management serves areas throughout Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois, where they provide safe, cost-effective solutions for client’s pest control needs. He authored Bugged by Bugs: A Comprehensive Guide to Pest Control, a user-friendly guide to commercial pest control practices in hotels, restaurants, apartments, and offices. He graduated from Purdue University with a BS in Entomology, and received a MS in Entomology from The University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He also received an MBA from Western Governors University. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 14 testimonials and 82% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 126,595 times.

Stick bugs are long insects that resemble sticks. They can be purchased at many pet stores around the world. If you have purchased a stick insect, you should make sure you care for it properly. Make sure you provide a safe environment for your insect. Choose quality food and handle your stick insect with care. In the event your stick insect lays eggs, make sure you know how to properly care for its babies.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Creating the Proper Environment

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Provide an appropriate habitat for your stick insects. 1 Provide an appropriate habitat for your stick insects. Height is important when it comes to a stick insect housing, as some stick insects are long and enjoy climbing.[1]
    • Your stick insects home should be about three times as high as the total length of your stick insect. If your stick insect is still growing, look up about how big your breed of stick insect tends to grow.[2]
    • You should get a glass habitat with a mesh lid. Make sure to get a mesh lid as this provides necessary ventilation for your stick insect.
  2. Step 2 Cover the floor with a moisture absorbing substance. 2 Cover the floor with a moisture absorbing substance. You'll need some substrate, which is the material that coats the bottom of an insect's cage. You should cover the floor with a moisture absorbing substrate. Potting soil or pebbles would work well.[3] Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Provide resting places and some safe decorative items or enrichment. 3 Provide resting places and some safe decorative items or enrichment. Enrichment is anything that enriches your pets environment, anything that make its habitat more like it's natural environment. Stick insects love to climb and will be unhappy if they can't be active in their cages. Provide a variety of climb-able decorations, as well as resting places. You can look for these kinds of supplies at a local pet store.
    • You can look for plastic sticks, as long as they don't use too many chemicals, at a local pet store. Try to find sticks with a large circumference, so your stick insect can rest on the top of the stick when it finishes climbing.
    • You can collect branches outside, as well as plants, for your stick insects to climb. You can also purchase plants from the store for your stick insect's cage. Keep in mind plants will definitely be eaten, however. Also, remember if you search for food locally make sure you check each leaf carefully. Many stick bugs have died from a spider that somehow got inside on a plant. Make sure any plants you provide are pesticide-free, as pesticides can potentially harm stick insects.
  4. Step 4 Clean your stick insects home regularly. 4 Clean your stick insects home regularly. Stick insects will leave droppings in their cage, and will shed their skin. It's a good idea to periodically remove droppings and skin when the cage looks dirty.
    • You may want to periodically replace your substrate as well, which means you'll have to temporarily transfer your stick insects to another container.
    5. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Providing Basic Care

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Pick the proper food for your stick insect. 1 Pick the proper food for your stick insect. Stick insects should only be fed plants.[4] The type of plants you should provide depends on your type of stick insect. Many will eat oak leaves, vines and berries. Make sure you give your type of stick insect the food it needs. All leaves should be fresh. If you feed them leaves, remember to spritz the enclosure so they do not become dehydrated. Do not put a water dish in the cage if you also have baby stick bugs, or they will drown.
    • The majority of the commonest stick insects can get by eating bramble leaves or holly. You should be able to find leaves at a local pet store. You can also purchase them online. If you choose to collect leaves locally, only do so in places where leaves have not been treated chemically. Chemicals and pesticides can be deadly for stick insects.
    • Indian stick insects have a slightly different diet and may not take well to bramble leaves. Oak, rose, and hawthorn are the primary leaves eaten by Indian stick insects. As with bramble leaves, you can purchase these online or at a pet store. If you plan to collect locally, only do so in an area free of pesticides.
    • Place leaves in a glass jar for your stick insects. Replace the leaves as the stick insects eat them. If you notice any leaves are getting old or rotten, remove them.
  2. Step 2 Keep your stick insect in a warm environment. 2 Keep your stick insect in a warm environment. Stick insects typically live in tropical areas, so it's vital you keep your stick insect's cage warm. Temperature's less than 59 °F (15 °C) can be harmful.
    • Generally, the temperature should be around 68 °F (20 °C), which is a normal room temperature. As long as there is no draft, your stick insects should be safe in your home most of the time.
    • Indian stick insects may need slightly cooler temperatures to thrive. They may be better off at 65 degrees Fahrenheit, so move them to a cooler room if necessary.
  3. Step 3 Spritz plants regularly to provide water. 3 Spritz plants regularly to provide water. It's a bad idea to have a water bowl in a stick insects cage as they could fall in and drown. Stick insects can usually drink water droplets found on plants. Get a spray bottle and mist the plants in your stick insect's cage each day to ensure they get enough water.
  4. Step 4 Handle your stick insect with care. 4 Handle your stick insect with care. You may want to play with your stick insect, which can be a fun and safe way to bond with your pet. However, always handle stick insects with care to avoid stressing them out.
    • Stick insects are extremely delicate, so handle them very gently. When taking your stick insect out of its cage, lift it from its body and not its legs. Its legs could break off if you attempt to pick your stick insect up by the legs.
    • Allow your stick insect to walk on your fingers and into the palm of your hand. When you put your stick insect back in the cage, make sure you do so gently. Go slowly to avoid startling your stick insect. You do not want to accidentally catch one of its legs if it starts squirming.
    5. Advertisement
Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Dealing with Special Circumstances

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Take care of stick insect eggs. 1 Take care of stick insect eggs. If you have more than one stick insect, they may end up breeding. If your stick insect lays eggs, make sure you care for the eggs properly.[5]
    • If you see eggs in your stick insects cage, gently transfer them to a shallow container with a lid. Punch small holes in the lid to allow for air flow. Line the bottom of the lid with newspaper or sand.
    • You can safely store the eggs at room temperature, but keep in mind not all eggs will survive. Stick insects lay many eggs as a lot of eggs do not end up hatching. Lightly spray the eggs with water once a week.
  2. Step 2 Make sure you care for baby stick insects properly. 2 Make sure you care for baby stick insects properly. Once the stick insects hatch, you can return them to the main cage. Stick insects do not have a larval stage, so they will emerge as full-bodied insects. Make sure you provide plenty of leaves as soon as the eggs hatch. If you want to handle the babies, do so with an object like a pencil or paintbrush. Your hands may be too big to pick up babies safely.[6]
  3. Step 3 Prevent any factors that could cause poor health. 3 Prevent any factors that could cause poor health. With proper care, stick insects are usually fairly healthy. There are several things you can do to assure your stick insects live long, healthy lives.
    • Stick insects sometimes get fungus on their skin. Wash this away with a rag dabbed in water. Fungus can spread to a stick insect's internal organs, causing death.
    • Spritz the cage regularly so your stick insects have access to water. Wash any leaves you feed your stick insect thoroughly and avoid leaves treated with chemicals and pesticides.
  4. Step 4 Do not be alarmed by deformities accrued during shedding. 4 Do not be alarmed by deformities accrued during shedding. Occasionally, stick insects will develop deformities during shedding. A stick insect's leg may be bent at an odd angle. While this can look alarming, this does not generally affect a stick insect's health.
    • To help prevent such abnormalities, make sure your cage is high enough. Stick insects often hang upside down when they shed. If a cage is too small, a stick insect may not have adequate room for shedding, causing deformities.
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question How do I catch a stick bug? Brandon Runyon Brandon Runyon Entomologist Brandon Runyon is a board-certified Entomologist based in Evansville, Indiana. He has over 18 years of experience as a Pest Control professional, and is the Technical Director of Swat Pest Management. Swat Pest Management serves areas throughout Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois, where they provide safe, cost-effective solutions for client’s pest control needs. He authored Bugged by Bugs: A Comprehensive Guide to Pest Control, a user-friendly guide to commercial pest control practices in hotels, restaurants, apartments, and offices. He graduated from Purdue University with a BS in Entomology, and received a MS in Entomology from The University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He also received an MBA from Western Governors University. Brandon Runyon Brandon Runyon Entomologist Expert Answer Go get yourself a partner and some basic equipment. One person holds out a net or a sheet under the trees while the other person gently taps the branches, causing the stick bugs to fall onto the net. To ensure successful catching, use a net cage with dimensions at least three times the body length of the insect and twice the width. The larger the net, the better the chance of catching the stick bugs.  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 5
Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Tips

  • Stick insects shed their skin around 5 times during their life so they can grow larger (much like a snake). Make sure you don’t touch or disturb your insect when it sheds or moults its skin, as it will be very delicate during this time. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Take Care of a Praying MantisHow toTake Care of a Praying Mantis Make a Bug TerrariumHow toMake a Bug Terrarium Take Care of a Five Lined SkinkHow toTake Care of a Five Lined Skink Care for a Texas Spiny LizardHow toCare for a Texas Spiny Lizard Care for a House GeckoHow toCare for a House Gecko Make a Millipede HabitatHow toMake a Millipede Habitat Keep a Praying Mantis As a PetHow toKeep a Praying Mantis As a Pet Take Care of InchwormsHow toTake Care of Inchworms Keep Crickets AliveHow to Keep Feeder Crickets From Dying Care for ScorpionsHow toCare for Scorpions Look After a Pet WoodlouseHow toLook After a Pet Woodlouse Care for a SkinkHow toCare for a Skink Care for a CentipedeHow toCare for a Centipede Make a Caterpillar HabitatHow toMake a Caterpillar Habitat Advertisement

Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about entomology, check out our in-depth interview with Brandon Runyon.

References

  1. ↑ Brandon Runyon. Entomology and Pest Control Expert. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ Brandon Runyon. Entomology and Pest Control Expert. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ http://www.keepinginsects.com/stick-insect/care/
  4. ↑ Brandon Runyon. Entomology and Pest Control Expert. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ http://australianmuseum.net.au/care-of-stick-insects
  6. ↑ http://australianmuseum.net.au/care-of-stick-insects

About This Article

Brandon Runyon Co-authored by: Brandon Runyon Entomologist This article was co-authored by Brandon Runyon. Brandon Runyon is a board-certified Entomologist based in Evansville, Indiana. He has over 18 years of experience as a Pest Control professional, and is the Technical Director of Swat Pest Management. Swat Pest Management serves areas throughout Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois, where they provide safe, cost-effective solutions for client’s pest control needs. He authored Bugged by Bugs: A Comprehensive Guide to Pest Control, a user-friendly guide to commercial pest control practices in hotels, restaurants, apartments, and offices. He graduated from Purdue University with a BS in Entomology, and received a MS in Entomology from The University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He also received an MBA from Western Governors University. This article has been viewed 126,595 times. 12 votes - 82% Co-authors: 20 Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 126,595 Categories: Bugs Article SummaryX

To take care of a stick bug, keep it in a ventilated glass container that's at least 3 times taller than the length of your stick bug's body. You should also line the bottom of the container with potting soil or pebbles, and add sticks, branches, and plants for your stick bug to climb on. To feed your stick bug, make sure it always has access to fresh leaves that it would normally eat in the wild, like bramble leaves or holly. Also, spritz the inside of its container with water regularly so it doesn't get dehydrated. For more tips from our Veterinary co-author, like how to handle your stick bug, scroll down! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish German French
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 126,595 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • De Durlesser

    De Durlesser

    Sep 6, 2017

    "I was amazed to know that people cared enough about a tiny little creature like this to even know its care. I only..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Brandon Runyon Co-authored by: Brandon Runyon Entomologist Co-authors: 20 Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 126,595 82% of readers found this article helpful. 12 votes - 82% Click a star to add your vote De Durlesser

De Durlesser

Sep 6, 2017

"I was amazed to know that people cared enough about a tiny little creature like this to even know its care. I only..." more Kaden Roberts

Kaden Roberts

Jul 27, 2017

"I didn't know how much water I should give my stick insects and how to lay out the cage. Because of this..." more Anonymous

Anonymous

Apr 23, 2017

"Provided concise and simple information about care of stick insects. It was easy to read and did not have a lot of..." more Rated this article: Yu Lan

Yu Lan

Oct 20, 2022

"Excellent article! We have just adopted 4 Hermagoras and your recommendations have been strictly followed! Thank..." more Leah Animal lover

Leah Animal lover

Nov 6, 2016

"This article really helped me. I use this website on everything, and it is always right, now I know a lot about..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

Guess the Animal Photo QuizGuess the Animal Photo QuizTake QuizHow Tall Will I Be QuizHow Tall Will I Be QuizTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizTake QuizAnimal Riddle QuizAnimal Riddle QuizTake QuizWhat Type of Hands Do I Have QuizWhat Type of Hands Do I Have QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Take Care of a Praying MantisHow toTake Care of a Praying MantisMake a Bug TerrariumHow toMake a Bug TerrariumTake Care of a Five Lined SkinkHow toTake Care of a Five Lined SkinkCare for a Texas Spiny LizardHow toCare for a Texas Spiny Lizard

Featured Articles

13 Types of Hairlines for Men and Women (And How to Maintain Yours)13 Types of Hairlines for Men and Women (And How to Maintain Yours)Which of the 8 Face Shapes Do You Have? Helpful Tips & Style GuidanceWhich of the 8 Face Shapes Do You Have? Helpful Tips & Style GuidanceMental Illness TestMental Illness TestEnjoy the HolidaysHow toEnjoy the Holidays Get 250 Grams of Protein Daily: Best Foods, Meal Plans & MoreHow to Get 250 Grams of Protein Daily: Best Foods, Meal Plans & MoreAm I Girly QuizAm I Girly Quiz

Trending Articles

Let Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizLet Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizCan We Guess If You're Single or Taken?Can We Guess If You're Single or Taken?How Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Nonchalant Am I QuizHow Nonchalant Am I QuizAm I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?Am I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?Make OutHow toMake Out

Featured Articles

200 Fun, Flirty, & Deep Questions to Get to Know a Guy Better200 Fun, Flirty, & Deep Questions to Get to Know a Guy Better Tighten Skin Under Your Chin: Natural or Surgical OptionsHow to Tighten Skin Under Your Chin: Natural or Surgical OptionsWhat Would My Nickname Be QuizWhat Would My Nickname Be Quiz21 Common Hand Signs & Gestures (& What They Mean)21 Common Hand Signs & Gestures (& What They Mean)170+ Best Useless Facts That Sound Like Lies170+ Best Useless Facts That Sound Like LiesIs He Interested In Me QuizIs He Interested In Me Quiz

Featured Articles

15 Signs Your Ex Misses You (and What to Do About It)15 Signs Your Ex Misses You (and What to Do About It) Observe Hanukkah (From Candle Lighting to Latke Frying)How to Observe Hanukkah (From Candle Lighting to Latke Frying)165+ "You Are Special" Quotes For Friends, Family, Partners & More165+ "You Are Special" Quotes For Friends, Family, Partners & More115+ Brain Teasers For Adults & Kids (With Answers!)115+ Brain Teasers For Adults & Kids (With Answers!)When Will I Get My First Kiss QuizWhen Will I Get My First Kiss Quiz17 Believable Excuses to Miss Class At the Last Minute17 Believable Excuses to Miss Class At the Last Minute

Watch Articles

Wrap a Round GiftHow toWrap a Round GiftSteam in an OvenHow toSteam in an Oven Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesHow to Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesClean a Silver NecklaceHow toClean a Silver Necklace4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of Soda4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of SodaPart Your HairHow toPart Your Hair

Trending Articles

Have I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizHave I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizAm I a Furry QuizAm I a Furry QuizAm I Annoying QuizAm I Annoying QuizHow Weird Am I QuizHow Weird Am I Quiz180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any Argument180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any ArgumentWhat Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)What Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)

Quizzes & Games

What Lizard Am I QuizWhat Lizard Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Plant Am I QuizWhat Plant Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Bird Am I QuizWhat Bird Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Age Is My Brain QuizWhat Age Is My Brain QuizTake QuizBedroom Aesthetic QuizBedroom Aesthetic QuizTake QuizWhat Kind of Cat Am I QuizWhat Kind of Cat Am I QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Pets and Animals
  • Bugs
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --635

Tag » What Does A Stick Bug Eat