The 10 Best Bug Houses
This wiki has been updated 15 times since it was first published in May of 2020. Catching bugs can be fun, but the next step is giving them a home so you can watch them play and observe their behavior. Our list includes several designs and models kids will love, from kits that include nets and other types of catcher to small houses they can take on the go. It's always good to be careful when dealing with strange animals, and to let them back into the wild after play. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Nature Bound Bug Catcher
2. Essenson Outdoor Explorer Kit
3. My Critter Catcher Kit
Editor's Notes
June 08, 2020:
Perhaps your child has built all the classic lego sets and it's a little too cool for a water gun. Well, then you might want to consider bug collecting. This fun activity can be a great way to get kids active and outdoors. Bug houses are also a great way to extend this activity so they can see how the bugs interact with one another. They can also learn how to treat them well, and keep them alive and thriving inside their habitats. Interestingly, some of the homes on our list can also be used for aquatic life like beta fish or tadpoles.
A few of the houses come with implements for catching the creatures, while some will have your kids relying on whatever is around. If this latter instance is the case, make sure to teach them the proper precautions when dealing with unknown bugs and insects.
For those that want a kit that has everything you will need to get started catching bugs, check out the Nature Bound Bug Catcher or the Essenson Outdoor Explorer Kit. The former has a suction powered vacuum that collects the bugs so you don't have to touch them, and the latter includes tongs to easily grab your specimens.
If your just looking for something your kids can fit in their pocket when their out on-the-go, a great choice is the Backyard Safari Pop Up. It collapses to fit in a pocket, or if they prefer, they can use the carabiner to attach it to a belt loop.
If your child wants something that also can be used as a small aquarium, then the Educational Insights Habitat is perfect. It can easily house a beta fish, and they can also use it for dry-land bugs and insects as well.
4. Nature Bound Critter Cage
5. Educational Insights Habitat
6. Melissa & Doug Butterfly House
7. Funpeny Insect House
8. Backyard Safari Pop Up
9. Jarware Firefly Kit
10. Restcloud Butterfly Terrarium
Jack McLennan is a writer residing somewhere in the greater Los Angeles area. He is a recent graduate of UC Santa Cruz, where he obtained a bachelor’s in Literature and Creative Writing with an emphasis in poetry. He is currently pursuing standup comedy and working on sketch writing, among other things. Jack has worked myriad jobs throughout the years from house painter to gravedigger, which has given him insight into varied fields such as woodworking, furniture, gardening, animal care, handiwork, camping supplies, and more.