Home >> Science & Nature >> Insects & Science

How to Catch Bugs

Some children love to catch bugs just for the fun of keeping them in jars for some time, or to study their behavior. Many people love to catch lighting bugs and fireflies and keep them in jars to see their light. It can be fun and educational to learn how to easily catch bugs. You can easily spot them as they are usually found in long grass or in a marshy area near pools, lakes, streams and ponds. You can also see them in fields and forests or in your backyard. It's better to work with a partner while catching bugs, with one person holding the jar and the other using the net.

Things You'll Need

Net
Wooden stick
Jar
Flash light/LED light (optional
Moist paper towel

Instructions

- 1
  Turn off any lighting if looking for bugs that move away from light. Wood lice are a prime example of an insect that avoids light.
- 2
  Look under stones and rocks, carefully lifting each one up to reveal any insects hiding underneath them. Bugs can also hide inside of trees and underneath dead plant life.
- 3
  Dig into the soil to further ascertain a greater range of bug species underneath the ground. Many bugs prefer these conditions because of greater protection from predators and environmental conditions.
- 4
  Move close to the bug and use a net to catch them if they are airborne. Alternatively, use a wooden stick to maneuver the bug inside of a net if they are on the ground.
- 5
  If you are trying to catch fireflies, use a flash light to attract the bugs.
- 6
  Pierce a clean jar with air holes for the bugs and keep a moist paper towel inside the jar to create humidity.
- 7
  Place the bugs inside of the jar, handle the bugs with care because many species are fragile. Keep and observe them for a day or two and let them go at night. They may die if kept longer.

Insects & Science