How to Make an Easy Bug Catching Jar

Catching bugs or fireflies is a summer time ritual for children - especially boys. Let your kid's collect all the creepy crawlers they want with these ideas for homemade bug catching jars.

Remember that bug catching should always be a catch and release program! (Do you really want those things in the house? I don't think so!)

Save empty jars whenever they become available. You never know when the urge to go on a bug hunt will happen - and you'll need a bug catching jar.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Clean Plastic Jar
• Stickers
• Yarn
• Tape
• Sticks

1. Save plastic jars whenever they become empty and store them for future use. Plastic jars are best for small children - they are unbreakable and lighter weight. Peanut butter, mayo and Parmesan cheese jars work best for bug catching jars.

2. Peel off the label and wash well. Soak the jar if the label won't come off.

3. Poke air holes in the lid. These should be smaller than the bugs you plan to catch. Use an awl, ice pick, or sharp knife. If you aren't going to keep the bugs long, you can skip this step. (Really, how much air does a bug need?)

4. Optional: Decorate the bug catching jar with bug stickers. Place a stick or blades of grass inside for the bug to crawl on. Don't overfill the jar, you still want to be able to see the bugs.

5. Make a carry strap for the bug jar with a length of yarn. Tie the yard around the jar, then use tape to keep it in place.

6. Catch some bugs! I like to use Parmesan cheese and snap top mayo jars best, because the lids are easy to open for small children.

Resources

• My Cub Scout Mom Blog for more Scout tips

[ScarlettOHairy]

on 12/20/2008 I loved catching lightning bugs as a kid! This brings back some good memories.