Mosquitoes are often blamed for spreading deadly disease. At least 25 birds have died this year in Pennsylvania from West Nile Virus -- which is carried by mosquitoes. But some say there's a softer side to bugs.

"Giant Hissing Cockroaches make great pets."

Eichelberger, who manages the insect collection at the North Museum of Natural History in Lancaster says many insects make better pets than cats or dogs. They don't require constant attention; they can be fed irregularly, and contrary to popular belief, bugs are pretty clean critters.

"The hissing cockroaches in particular are one of the cleanest creatures I've ever kept. They don't even require their cage cleaned out from year to year. The only time it gets dirty is if they put too much food in it and they can't consume it all."

Eichelberger says some of the best insect pets can be purchased for just a few dollars from a pet store -- and while bugs may not show signs of affection, they do demonstrate familiarity with their owners.

"I have a footlong giant millipede that if they're not used to being handled, they will ooze a toxin on your hands. But after a very short period of time, they get used to it. And then there's no problem at all."

Eichelberger says in Japan, beetles have become popular as pets which can be bought from vending machines. She says she can imagine a similar situation in the United States, given the amount of interest children seem to have in insects.

More information's available on the web at GreenWorks.tv. I'm Brad Linder