Tools - Bug Vacuum and DIY Aspirator Collectors

Before I even had children, I had a bug vacuum. These machines are awesome for catching and observing larger insects, especially those they may bite or sting.  I really like this model and tried to get some photographs of how easy it is to operate and how it can enhance your insect collecting adventures.

This vacuum has a magnifying glass that rotates to capture or release the insect.

This model will run you between $10-$15, check on Amazon to get the best deal, and I've had mine for almost 6 years and it's still running strong.

A similar type of collection method that entomologists use for delicate or tiny insects is called aspiration collection.  Here are a couple of ideas on how you can make collection tools at home. 

First, you will need a tightly fitted jar and lid, two straws, a drill and bit, and some Goo Gone to clean the label from the jar.

First, clean your jar very well, including the outer label so you have an unobstructed view inside the jar.

Next, use the drill to make two holes in the lid of the jar. I used a scrap piece of wood to protect the surface of my table. You want the drill bit to be slightly smaller than the width of the straw.

Insert the straws into the holes. If they don't fit tightly, use cotton wool or spray foam to make a tight fit. To use this in the field, you would place the green straw next to the insect (or possibly inside a flower to gain access to very small and delicate insects), and gently inhale on the red straw. This creates a vacuum that traps the insect in your jar. Although the vacuum won't be as strong as the one created by the bug vacuum, and you will be limited to collecting insects smaller than the width of the straw, it is a free and more suited to delicate collection of small insects than the bug vacuum.

Chances are that if you have children, you may have discovered the nosefrida.  It is actually my baby shower go-to gift, and I thought of this as an indispensable baby item to help relieve a congested baby.  But, in it's off season, it makes the PERFECT insect collecting aspirator! Just gently position the larger end over the insect (or inside the flower), and suck on the red mouth piece and you will likely get lots of great insects! Don't worry about swallowing anything, because there is a removable, blue filter that will keep the insects inside the tube! Once the weather gets a bit warmer, we will have some photos demonstrating. Happy collecting!