How to Properly Kill Insects for a Collection

Create a Kill Jar

• 1

  Obtain a clean jar with clear, straight sides.

• 2

  Put heavy tape on the bottom of the jar. This will prevent it from breaking if it is accidentally dropped.

• 3

  Gather cotton balls and layer them in the bottom of the jar. Make the layer about 2 to 3 inches high.

• 4

  Make a blotter by cutting corrugated cardboard to fit inside the jar. It should be close to the diameter of the inside of the jar.

• 5

  Use a sharp, pointed object to make small holes in the piece of cardboard.

• 6

  Pour nail polish remover or another killing agent over the cotton balls in the jar.

• 7

  Put the cut piece of cardboard over the cotton balls.

• 8

  Screw the lid on your killing jar.

Kill an Insect Properly

• 9

  Take the lid off the killing jar and place the insect inside. Screw the lid back on.

• 10

  Leave your insect in the jar until it dies. Don't leave it in the jar for more than 5 hours, however.

Kill a Stinging Insect Properly

• 11

  Capture a stinging insect in a net.

• 12

  Invert the net and wait for the insect to move toward the tapered end.

• 13

  Place the tapered end of the net inside the killing jar.

• 14

  Set the lid on top of the jar and wait until the insect appears to be unconscious.

• 15

  Take the lid off the jar and remove the net with the insect inside.

• 16

  Shake the net carefully to deposit the insect in the jar. Replace the lid.

• 17

  Wait until the insect appears to be dead. Gently shake the jar to make certain it is dead before removing it from the jar.