How to Put Together a Bug Collecting Kit

Obtain Equipment for Capturing Bugs

• 1

  Secure jars of various sizes for collecting and killing insects. The jars should be clear with tightly fitted lids.

• 2

  Purchase nets for snagging bugs for your collection. Acquire a butterfly, sweep and aquatic net.

• 3

  Buy or make your own traps. Pitfall and light traps are commonly used in collecting bugs.

Secure Supplies for Observing Bugs

• 4

  Obtain a magnifying lens for viewing tiny insect body parts.

• 5

  Purchase a guide to collecting and identifying insects on the Amazon website (see Resources below).

• 6

  Buy a notebook and a pen or pencil for recording details of your bug observations.

• 7

  Stock your kit with a flashlight and batteries for finding bugs in dark places.

Put Together Supplies for Mounting and Displaying Bugs

• 8

  Buy entomology pins for pinning and positioning bugs in your collection.

• 9

  Add a collection of vials to your kit. They can be used for storing soft-bodied bugs.

• 10

  Secure styrofoam sheets or cork to line your bug collection boxes or cabinets.

• 11

  Select a wooden box or tray to house your bug collection.

• 12

  Purchase a butterfly and moth spread board.

• 13

  Make pin points to use in mounting very small bugs.

• 14

  Create labels for the bugs in your collection by hand or using a computer labeling program. Alternatively, you may purchase pre-made bug labels.

• 15

  Gather a fumigant to put in your bug collection, preventing destruction caused by live pests. Moth balls are commonly used for this purpose.

• 16

  Obtain a small supply of alcohol for storing insects in vials.

Put Together Supplies for Killing Bugs

• 17

  Obtain jars to use for killing bugs. Select clear, glass jars with tight, screw-on lids.

• 18

  Secure cotton balls or small sponges for the bottom of your killing jars.

• 19

  Find a couple of pieces of corrugated cardboard to use in your killing jars.

• 20

  Select a killing agent, such as nail polish remover.