Panning For Insects

Did you know panning doesn’t just work for gold? You can also pan for insects! A popular trap used by entomologists is the yellow pan trap. These simple traps collect a surprisingly high number of flying insects, providing researchers with many specimens to study and frustrated citizens a great way to take care of backyard pests. The bright yellow color is the secret behind the trap’s success. Flying insects such as bees and wasps find the color incredibly alluring, unable to resist taking a closer look.

These traps are super easy to make and also won’t break the bank. All you need is a yellow container such as a yellow plastic picnic plate, which you can mount on a pole or just place on the ground. Then just fill them with liquid aimed at killing and possibly preserving the insects such as formaldehyde or even soap and water. Those curious pests simply can’t help but approach to check it out, thinking the liquid is mere water, and end up getting a little too close and unable to escape the clutches of the wet grave. It’s almost ridiculously simple, but works like a charm. See for yourself if you don’t believe me.

Have you ever tried using a yellow pan trap to catch insects? How well did it work?