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Make a bug catcher

Make a bug catcher
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Build a safe handheld bug catcher using a jar, breathable lid or mesh, soft paintbrush and magnifying lens to observe insects gently and release them.

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Step-by-step guide to make a bug catcher

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Bug Catching at Home Kids learn about insects and nature

What you need
Adult supervision required, breathable mesh or tulle, jar with lid, magnifying lens, rubber band, small leaf or twig, soap and water, soft paintbrush

Step 1

Gather all the materials listed and bring them to a flat workspace outside or near a window.

Step 2

Wash the jar with soap and water and dry it so it is clean for the insect.

Step 3

Put a small leaf or twig inside the jar to give the insect a soft place to rest.

Step 4

Cut a piece of mesh a little larger than the jar opening so it will fully cover the top.

Step 5

Place the cut mesh next to the jar so you can cover the jar quickly when the insect is inside.

Step 6

Go outside slowly and find a small insect to observe without chasing or hurting it.

Step 7

Use the soft paintbrush to gently coax the insect toward the jar opening.

Step 8

Guide the insect onto the leaf in the jar by very gently nudging it with the paintbrush.

Step 9

Immediately cover the jar opening with the mesh and secure it in place with the rubber band.

Step 10

Hold the jar gently and use the magnifying lens to look closely at the insect for a short time.

Step 11

Remove the mesh and let the insect go back where you found it by tipping the jar gently outdoors.

Step 12

Share your finished bug catcher and what you learned on DIY.org

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can we use if we can't find mesh, a rubber band, or a magnifying lens?

If you can't find mesh, use a clean nylon stocking or a paper coffee filter over the jar opening, replace the rubber band with string or tape, and use a smartphone camera zoom or a handheld reading magnifier in place of the magnifying lens.

What should we do if the insect won't go into the jar or the jar fogs up?

Place the small leaf or twig right at the jar opening and gently coax the insect with the soft paintbrush (steps 3 and 6–7), make sure the jar is washed and fully dry (step 2) to prevent fogging, and cut the mesh a little larger than the jar opening (step 4) so it covers quickly without trapping air.

How can we adapt this bug catcher activity for younger or older children?

For younger kids use a shallow plastic container, have an adult pre-cut the mesh and handle the jar (steps 1–4 and 8), and for older kids add a notebook and use the magnifying lens or smartphone to record detailed observations before releasing the insect (steps 9–12).

How can we extend or personalize the bug catcher activity after we release the insect?

Decorate and label your jar, keep an observation journal with sketches made while looking through the magnifying lens, try different leaf or twig types inside the jar (step 3), and photograph or write up your findings to share on DIY.org as suggested in the final step.

Watch videos on how to make a bug catcher

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

Stink Bugs for Kids | Learn all about these smelly insects

4 Videos

Facts about entomology for kids

🌬️ A breathable lid or mesh keeps air flowing so captured insects can breathe and stay healthy until release.

🔍 A magnifying glass (2–10×) can reveal tiny wing veins, antennae segments, and body hairs kids can't see with the naked eye.

🐞 Insects are the most diverse animals — scientists have described over one million insect species!

🖌️ Using a soft paintbrush is a gentle way to guide delicate insects into a jar without hurting them.

🌍 When kids log insect sightings on platforms like iNaturalist, they help scientists track biodiversity and environmental change.

How do I make and use a handheld bug catcher to observe insects safely?

To make and use a handheld bug catcher, clean a clear jar or small plastic container and fit a breathable lid or secure fine mesh over the opening with a rubber band. Gently coax insects inside with a soft paintbrush—avoid pinching or grabbing. Use a magnifying lens to observe details briefly, then open the lid and release the insect where you found it. Clean the catcher between uses and always supervise children during collection and release.

What materials do I need to build a safe handheld bug catcher?

You'll need a clear jar or sturdy plastic container with a lid, breathable material (fine mesh, fabric, or a jar lid drilled with tiny holes), a rubber band or tape to secure mesh, a soft paintbrush for coaxing insects, a child-safe magnifying lens, and optional gloves or tweezers for older kids. Also include labels and a small notebook for observations. Avoid using containers with sharp edges and choose materials that are easy to clean.

What ages is this bug catcher activity suitable for?

This activity suits toddlers through preteens with adult guidance. Ages 3–5 can enjoy bug spotting and simple collecting with close supervision and help handling the catcher. Ages 6–9 can build the catcher with assistance and practice gentle observation skills. Ages 10+ can work more independently, learn identification and record findings. Always supervise children around potentially stinging or biting insects, and match tasks to each child's attention span and motor skills.

What safety tips should parents follow when using a bug catcher?

Safety tips: always supervise children, especially around bees, wasps, or spiders. Never trap stinging or biting insects for long; observe briefly. Use a soft paintbrush or gentle coaxing—avoid bare hands for unknown bugs. Make breathable lids to prevent overheating and keep observation times short. Teach children to release insects where found, wash hands after handling, and avoid collecting from protected habitats. If a child is allergic to stings, avoid insect handling entirely.
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