Items You Will Need for Bug Collection

1.   A collection pan or tray- a light colored pan will make it easier to see the bugs.

2.  A container with a lid to put the bugs in.  This should have air holes— big enough for air exchange, not big enough to crawl out. Or you can cover the top with a breathable fabric using a rubber band.

3. Blue Ice pack and a cooler to transport bugs in to release site.

 Tips for Healthy Bugs

1.   Don’t forget to put either very small (pin-sized) air holes in the transport container or a breathable cloth as a lid.  Make sure your bugs can’t escape!

2. Add a little of the weed material as a food source for the bugs.  A piece of moist (not wet!) sponge can serve as a water source.

3.  Keep the bugs in a cool place while transporting to the release site.  A cooler with an ice pack works well.

4.  Don’t keep the bugs in the container more than 3-4 days or a week at the most.

5.  Keep documentation so you know how well your releases are working!

How to Collect Bugs

While holding your collection pan  under the weed, lightly tap the stem with your hand to gently knock the bugs off the plant.

 Once you have a fair amount in the collection pan, sort out the debris and gently transport the bugs to the holding container. 

Questions?  Contact:

Dale Whaley, Douglas County WSU Extension— phone:  509-745-8531  or email: dwhaley@wsu.edu

 Foster Creek Conservation District phone:  509-745-8362 ext 3 or email:  kristine-desgroseillier@fostercreek.net