How to Make a Pitfall Trap to Collect Bugs

Dig a hole in the ground where you believe the bugs you want to collect frequent. The hole should be exactly as deep as the jar or can you intend to use, allowing it to fit neatly inside the hole with no gaps or breaks.

Place the jar or can in the hole, adjusting the depth until the top of the jar is flush with the surface of the ground. The bugs should not have to climb over the lip of the jar in order to tumble down to the bottom.

Space several rocks or weights evenly around the edge of the jar. There should be enough space between them for the bugs you want to collect to slip through easily.

Add a piece of bait to the bottom of the jar. The exact type of bait depends on the insect you are trying to catch. Some respond to rotting meat or vegetable matter, while others are attracted by excrement or spoiled fruit. Consult entomology manuals to determine which bait works best, and don't be afraid to experiment in order to find the right type.

Place a wooden board on top of the rocks over the trap. The board should be a few inches wider than the cover of the jar so that it can rest on the rocks comfortably. It will provide shade and cover, which will further attract bugs to the trap, since ground insects instinctively seek out such areas for protection.

Check the trap at a set time each day and remove any insects which you find within it. Discard those that don't meet your purposes and place the rest in preserving jars or terrariums for further study.