How to Make an Insect Capture Jar

Use Paper Strips with a Cardboard Disk

• 1

  Obtain a one-pint, straight-walled glass jar. Do not use plastic, since it could react with the killing agent. A quart jar is better for larger specimens.

• 2

  Fill the bottom of the jar with about an inch of absorbent paper strips, a number of cotton balls or saw dust.

• 3

  Cut a cardboard disk to fit the inside diameter of the jar. It should be snug. Poke a number of holes through the disk. The holes allow the vapor to penetrate the upper part of the jar more effectively.

• 4

  Pour just enough killing agent into the jar to saturate the absorbent material. The most frequently used agent is ethyl acetate, or nail polish remover. Do not leave excess liquid in the bottom of the jar.

• 5

  Insert the cardboard disk into the jar. Make sure that it rests just above the absorbent material.

• 6

  Apply fiber tape to the bottom of the jar. This helps to avoid shattering if the jar is dropped. Finally, it is a good idea to add a poison label to the side of the jar. The jar is ready to use.

• 7

  Allow the specimen to remain in the jar for at least one hour. This will ensure that it's dead. When ready, place the insect into a specimen jar.

Employ Plaster of Paris

• 8

  Use a clean one-pint glass jar with straight sides. Pour the plaster into the jar to a depth of about one inch. Let the plaster dry for a couple of days.

• 9

  Charge the plaster with the killing agent when it is dry. Thoroughly soak the plaster with ethyl acetate or nail polish remover. Make sure to remove any excess liquid.

• 10

  Wrap the bottom third of the jar with fiber tape to help avoid injury if the jar is dropped. Lastly, it is a good idea to add a poison label. The jar is ready for collecting.

• 11

  Leave the specimen in the jar for at least one hour. This will ensure that it's dead. When ready, put the insect into a specimen jar.