How to Put Together a Bug Collecting Kit

Putting together the basic tools that make up a bug collecting kit is the first step in your journey toward creating your own bug collection. Pre-made kits are available, but you may wish to create your own kit using inexpensive items, many of which can be easily found around the house.

Things You'll Need

• Jar
• Cardboard
• Nail polish remover
• Net
• Cotton balls
• Styrofoam
• Pins
• Internet access

Instructions

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

1. Obtain a magnifying lens for viewing tiny insect body parts.

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

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

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

Put Together Supplies for Mounting and Displaying Bugs

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

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

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

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

5. Purchase a butterfly and moth spread board.

6. Make pin points to use in mounting very small bugs.

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

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

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

Put Together Supplies for Killing Bugs

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

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

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

4. Select a killing agent, such as nail polish remover.

Tips & Warnings

• Take special care when dealing with bugs that sting or bite. Be sure the bug is dead or at least dazed (10 minutes in the refrigerator should do the trick) before handling.

Resources

• Amazon for insect collecting guides