Killing jars
quickly kill insects prior to preserving them.
Killing jars use killing agents to effectively dispatch an insect so you can either mount or study the specimen. You can use containers such as peanut butter jars or olive jars to hold your insects. Typical agents used to kill insects include cyanide and chloroform. However, such agents can also prove quite harmful to humans when used inappropriately. An easier method uses ethyl acetate, which is found in most nail polish removers. When you notice that insects take longer to die in your killing jar, you can simply recharge the jar by adding more nail polish remover.
Instructions
1. Empty and clean out a glass jar. Use soap and water to remove any residue. Air dry your jar.
2. Cut out circular shapes out of a sheet of newspaper. The newspaper pieces should fit within your jar. Fill the jar with a 1/2 inch of newspaper discs, indicates the University of Kentucky.
3. Coat the newspaper with nail polish remover. Pour out any excess liquid. You only want to provide a light coating of nail polish remover.
4. Cut strips of tissue paper and place them into your jar. This keeps any insects from flailing and potentially causing damage to their bodies.
5. Put masking tape on the lower portion of the jar, which will keep the potency of your jar, indicates the University of Minnesota. Label your jar with a permanent marker so you know the jar is used just for insects.
