Mexican jumping beans might be one of the least expensive and most entertaining "toys" in nature. These items aren't actually beans that jump, but seed pods. The pods only grow in a specific region of Mexico and have become famous for their antics. A small breed of moth lays eggs inside the "beans," which then "jump" when the moth larvae inside move. Take a couple of simple steps to be a responsible pet owner and take care of your Mexican jumping beans.
Caring for Mexican Jumping Beans
Taking care of Mexican jumping beans is a relatively simple task that requires more common sense than education. Mexican jumping beans become active with light and warmth. They should be exposed to light and warmth consistently to keep them exercised. Store your jumping beans in a closet, drawer or even the butter shelf of your fridge. The cool, dark environment will keep them quiet when you're not using them and make them live longer. Once a week, spray your jumping beans with purified water to give them a drink. Allow the water to soak in, and then dry off any excess on the outside.
What Not to Do
Never freeze Mexican jumping beans or get them too close to high heat. Although keeping them cool is safe and will lengthen their life, they are living and can die from extreme temperatures. Warmth makes them active, but extreme heat will kill them. Dousing the beans in water for extended periods of time will drown the moth larvae inside. Mexican jumping beans and their larval inhabitants should never be exposed to something they wouldn't encounter in nature. Do not shake or drop your beans, or step on them.