Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Pan Trap
Clean and dry a colorful dish, such as a plastic plate or pan. A brightly colored dish will help attract several insect species to the trap better than a dull or dark dish will.
Fill the bottom of the dish with water. Pour in enough water to just cover the bottom.
Add one drop of dish detergent to the water. The soap will make it impossible for insects to escape the water once they wander in.
Place the dish outside on the ground. Check the trap and replenish the water daily. To collect insects from the trap, carefully pour the water through a small mesh net.
Pitfall Trap
Drill a small hole in the bottom center of a small, high-sided bucket or tin. The hole will allow for water drainage and the high sides will make it harder for crawling insects that enter the trap from climbing out.
Dig a hole in the ground with the shovel. Make it just large enough for the container to fit into.
Insert the container into the hole, ensuring that the top of the container is level with the ground. This will enable insects to easily fall into the container.
Bait the trap, if desired. Insects will fall into the container without bait, but you may be able to collect more insects by adding a small piece of fruit to the bottom.
Back Light Trap
String a length of clothesline between two trees. Tie each end of the line securely.
Attach a large white bedsheet to the clothesline with clothespins. Allow the sheet to hang down to the ground.
Set up a bright light just behind the sheet. Either a hanging light or a lamp set on the ground will work.
Turn on the lamp at dusk. The illuminated sheet will attract insects and give them something to land on.
Examine the insects on the sheet carefully and scoop any interesting bugs into a jar.
Flight Interception Trap
String some clothesline up in between two trees, only a few feet from the ground. Tie each end securely.
Attach a screen to the clothesline using clothespins. Let the screen hang all the way to the ground.
Place a long tub directly under the screen. A plastic garden planter will work well for this because of its thin, oblong shape. Flying insects will hit the screen and fall into the tub for collection.
Mix a killing and preservation solution to add to the planter or tub. Combine one part propylene glycol, or antifreeze, and one part 70 percent ethanol. To keep animals from ingesting the solution, add a small amount of dentatonium benzoate, which gives the mixture a bitter taste.
Pour the mixture into the tub. Use caution when removing the insects from the solution. Strain the insects through a mesh net or use a net to remove them from the solution to avoid handling it.