Make a Pitfall Trap

Set this trap to catch creeping, crawling creatures that come out after dark.

What You Need:

• Container with steep sides, such as a large yogurt tub
• Flat piece of wood
• Small stones and heavy rock
• Garden trowel 

What You Do:

1. Find a good place for your trap and ask if it’s OK to dig a hole there.
2. Use the trowel to dig a hole the same size as your container. 
3. Put the container in the hole so that the top is level with the ground. Fill any gaps around the edges with soil. 
4. Put a little soil in the bottom of the trap. 
5. Place four small stones around the trap and set the wood on them. Then put a heavy rock on top of the wood.This makes a cover to keep out rain and predators.  

How to Use It

 Leave the trap out overnight. In the morning, check to see if any creatures have fallen in. Look carefully—they might be hiding in the soil at the bottom. You could also add bait, such as a bit of fruit, bread, meat, or cheese. Be sure to check the traps every day and set the creatures free.

Helpful Tools for a Lawn Safari Garden trowel for digging

• Plastic spoon for scooping
• Small containers for sorting
• Magnifying glass for looking close
• Notebook for writing down or sketching your finds
• Insect field guide for identifying finds

Habitat Explorer illustration by Michael Slack