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As the weather heats up, more bugs start to appear — both outside and inside your home. But instead of running for a tissue or shoe, reaching for a catch-and-release bug trapper may be a better solution. The best ones do exactly what they sound like they do: They can trap a bug and safely release it back outdoors (or let you study it for a bit before setting it free).
If you’re starting to see bugs around your indoor space, you might want to consider stocking up on the handy tool, which can be kept anywhere around the house within reach. Here’s everything you should know to choose the best.
Catch-and-Release Bug Trapper Buying Guide
From built-in LED lights to special design features you should consider, here are all the features to look at when shopping for the best bug trapper for your home.
Design: Most bug trappers feel lightweight, which is perfect for quickly grabbing one when you see a critter. Having a tight chamber means the bug can’t escape while trapped, and one with clear sides means you can view the insect and make sure it’s inside, without having to guess if you got it. A removable chamber lets you disconnect it from the trigger unit, quickly letting your new multi-legged friend back out into the yard, no harm done.
Lights and Power: A built-in LED light is another feature you may see when shopping. It’s a big help for nighttime, especially in summer when porch lights attract large insects that can slip inside when the screen door swings open. These are often battery-powered trappers, and a lit-up magnifying glass is a great tool for kids that want to examine interesting bugs inside, or even ones that they find outdoors. The devices make it easy so you can safely check out the bugs with no risk once they’re trapped, before letting them go.
Uses Outside the Home: If you have a garden and are dealing with an invasive species or pests eating your plants, this can be an alternative to harmful poisons and insecticides. For those who live in a climate with venomous insects that can sting and bite like scorpions and spiders, these put some distance between you and them, minimizing the risk they pose. These also come in handy for classrooms and offices too, where a buzzing bug can be an annoying distraction. Another use is for pet owners with snakes or reptiles that require a feeding of live bugs. Having a bug vacuum on hand makes dropping crickets or whatever live insect their diet calls for into their enclosure a whole lot easier and cleaner.
What Are the Best Catch-and-Release Bug Trappers?
Here are our top picks for the best bug trappers you can buy online this season.
