If you’re a kind soul whose sensitivity extends to even insects, this humane bug catcher might be just what you’ve been looking for. It’s an inexpensive and quick insect removal apparatus you can make with a handful of simple items. It’s perfect for certain types of bugs such as spiders and beetles. If you’re sneaky enough you might be able to catch a fly with it! It allows you to trap the bug at arm’s length, then take it outside for release into the wild. There’s step by step instructions and also a video showing you how to make it.
For more great humane ways of removing bugs from your home check out “Getting Rid of Fruit Flies with Kindness” and “No-Kill Natural Pest Control“.
Humane Bug Catcher Supplies
- 33 oz. plastic soda bottle with straight sides
- Sturdy but thin piece of cardboard
- Craft knife
- String
- 2 washers
- 1/2″ PVC pipe cut to about 30″ long (Cuts easily with any small hand saw)
- Small cork that fits into the end of the PVC (optional)
- Drill (if you use the cork)
- Masking tape
- Clear packing tape
- If you’d rather not make one you can always buy this one.
Video
Instructions
Though it has several steps, the humane bug catcher is very easy to make. We’ve provided some detailed photos and also a video.
CUTTING THE BOTTLE
SHAPING THE BOTTLE
MAKING THE LID
MAKING THE HANDLE
OPTIONAL CORK STEP: You will generally use these for larger bugs. If you decide to try and catch tiny ones and are concerned about them going into the tiny PVC opening you easily prevent this using a cork as follows.
ATTACHING THE STRING
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I read this as human and I thought…well that is interesting. LOL! Apparently reading is fundamental! Haha!
haha!
This looks fantastic! Easy enough even for me 🙂 One question though: will a smaller creepy crawly fall down the pipe (closer to me)?
I don’t want to kill them, but I’m terrified of them – extremely phobic. Any suggestions for ensuring that couldn’t happen?
Thank you!
I can’t thank you enough Sharon for reminding me of that. I actually thought of it early on then forgot to adjust for it. I’ve now updated my post with additional photos to show how to prevent this. Basically you just use a small cork that fits into the top end of the PVC pipe. Drill a hole into it just large enough for the string to pass through. I had to use a large darning needle to pull my string through it. Then continue on as normal making the bug catcher. This should prevent all sizes of bugs entering… unless you’re going after fleas! Ü
I responded to your email, but wanted to post here as well. That’s a brilliant solution, and I love it! As well as your safe (for both me & the little critter) solution for moving unwanted room-mates.
Just an ‘FYI’ for anyone interested, I read a post from a fellow from a university somewhere, who spends his life studying bugs (it takes all kinds…) and he said that the spiders that we find in our homes actually belong there. If you put them outside, they’ll die. I’ve taken to moving them on to my plants that are the farthest away from my favourite spots in my home.
Thanks again Nancy, for coming up with this great DIY bug catcher!
Thanks Sharon. I got your email. Its very true that many bugs are actually needed but we’ve become a bug phobic society. Ü I think it’s all those giant bugs in movies that did it! lol!
What a great idea! We seem to get invaded by spiders in the fall, and this would be a great way to keep those creepy crawlies at arm’s length while not killing them.
Thanks so much Vineta!
Fantastic project! According to Jewish thought we are not allowed to kiils bugs except those that could be dangerous, like a scorpian for example, or a bee if someone in the immediate area is known to be allergic. I can’t say that everyone realizes this, but it drives me crazy when people kill bugs just because they enter their house…… Thanks so much for sharing on craft schooling Sunday!
That was something I didn’t know! Thanks so much for for that information. I’m glad it was such an appropriate post!