How to Make a Pitfall Trap to Collect Bugs

Entomologists use pitfall traps to collect crawling bugs such as beetles or termites. They make a great way to collect bugs that can't be caught with a light trap or butterfly net. A pitfall trap is easy to make and use, and can be assembled with simple household items.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Trowel
• Can or jar
• Rocks or weights
• Wooden board
• Bait
• Killing solution or dish soap (optional)

1. Dig a hole in the ground where you believe the bugs you want to collect frequent. The hole should be exactly as deep as the jar or can you intend to use, allowing it to fit neatly inside the hole with no gaps or breaks.
2. Place the jar or can in the hole, adjusting the depth until the top of the jar is flush with the surface of the ground. The bugs should not have to climb over the lip of the jar in order to tumble down to the bottom.
3. Space several rocks or weights evenly around the edge of the jar. There should be enough space between them for the bugs you want to collect to slip through easily.
4. Add a piece of bait to the bottom of the jar. The exact type of bait depends on the insect you are trying to catch. Some respond to rotting meat or vegetable matter, while others are attracted by excrement or spoiled fruit. Consult entomology manuals to determine which bait works best, and don't be afraid to experiment in order to find the right type.
5. Place a wooden board on top of the rocks over the trap. The board should be a few inches wider than the cover of the jar so that it can rest on the rocks comfortably. It will provide shade and cover, which will further attract bugs to the trap, since ground insects instinctively seek out such areas for protection.
6. Check the trap at a set time each day and remove any insects which you find within it. Discard those that don't meet your purposes and place the rest in preserving jars or terrariums for further study.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to use a jar or can with extremely slick or smooth sides when you make a pitfall trap. The more difficult it is for the bug to get a grip on the surface, the harder it will be to climb out of the pitfall trap.
• If you wish the trap to kill the bugs that fall into it, add 1 inch of water to the bottom of the jar and mix it with insect poison or just a bit of dish soap. The water will help keep the body moist until you can retrieve it.