I wish to put down some homemade insect traps in the backyard to see what kinda critters live back there. If possible I don’t want them to be killed in these traps. I’ve also heard about moth traps? I’d love to hear some methods and suggestions:) PS: I have two dogs, please nothing toxic, thanks! E…

In Suburban Safari, the author talks about burying a small container, brim at ground level. She partially filled it with with rubbing alcohol to kill the critters and prevent escape, but it sounds like you don’t want to do that. You could try without the alcohol and see what remains in the morning. …

not a trap per se, but if you’re interested in seeing what critters are in your area I’d highly recommend setting up a black light in your yard. On a good night you might attract 100+ species with minimal work, just bring a camera and prepare to be surprised :)

I would recommend you lay down some flat pieces of plank or plywood in a dampish area on flat ground surrounded by weeds. Give it a week or two, or three or four, and you should get a bunch of woodlice, slugs, maybe some small snails, ground beetles, centipedes, spiders, and so on. When you do fina…

putting fruit/flower/grain chunks on the ground can be surprisingly effective at night (though ants are likely to usurp the bait if it isn’t floral)

Moth sheets work really well in drawing in tons of insects (and often other Arthropods!). I use a UV flashlight I got off of Amazon paired with a normal spotlight and a cotton sheet (which is apparently the best for attracting insects).

Thanks Susan. I now have a new activity at HarborLab. Lots of planks there to lift up. I will not be surprised with what’s there, but will be thrilled.

I would really like to try a moth sheet at some point, but I don’t have a black light or a battery right now. I found these instructions but I’m curious if anyone has other suggestions for what’s best to use.

I made a very basic moth sheet last summer and found some interesting species, am definitely gonna try again this year. What are peoples opinions of MV lamps for mothing?

I’ve found lots of moths by turning on a porch light with a white wall behind it. Not as good as the moth sheet but almost.

What are good homemade insect traps?

Nature Talk

dhricenak April 20, 2019, 6:36pm 2

One simple method would be to bury an empty can with a flat rock over it. Anything that normally hides under such things falls in. Just check frequently.

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What are good homemade insect traps?

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