Ceiling Bug Catcher

thingiverse

When I find spiders/bugs/insects in the house, I usually trap them with a cup and carefully slide a piece of cardboard underneath so that I can transport them outside. I prefer not to squash them and try to catch and release them whenever possible. That's more difficult and dangerous to do when they're on the ceiling, so I designed a Ceiling Bug Catcher! This works basically the same as the cup and cardboard approach but instead uses a rotating disc pulled by a string to capture the critter in a cup. There are three printed pieces in this project: cup, disc and pole connector. I used the broom-thread-female model from halley's Broom and Paint Handle Threads 3/4"x5 design (https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:84774) for the pole connector, which should screw on to most US-standard threaded broom or telescoping extension poles for painting etc. The project also uses 1 x M3 self-lock nylon hex nut, 1 x M3x10mm bugle head screw, 2 x M3x10mm socket head screws, and kite string (or similar) to assemble. See post-printing assembly instructions provided. Watch my video* to view the capture process, but the steps are: 1) Use your hand to rotate the disc open, 2) Position the cup over the critter, 3) While holding the cup in position, use the string to slowly rotate the disc closed and coax the critter into the cup, 4) Take it outside and release it! Be sure to post your makes and share your successes in the comments. Enjoy! (*The video stars a printed spider made possible by thinkyhead's model at https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:514863)