Bugs/insects are everywhere and there an essential part of our ecosystem, but sometimes they come into our houses and become a problem for us humans.

Most of the time the easiest way to take care of the problem is to step on them, however, this can have a huge impact on the ecosystem or even in our houses, some bugs work as pest control, like spiders, they take care of mosquitos and flies.

To solve this issue I developed a quick, easy and cheap product, a semi-modular open-source humane bug catcher you can make in a matter of hours (including print time).

The product works using a 52mm diameter dust remover can which can last months and most importantly is harmless.

If you can't find a can with a 52mm diameter I've included the files so you can make changes or even design attachments.

Supplies

To make the catcher you'll need:

A 3d printer with at least a 120 by 120mm bed:

I printed the parts using PLA but you can use any nonflexible filament, you'll need around 600 grams.

A can of dust remover:

If you don't want to change the design get a 52mm diameter can.

1/2 inch PVC pipe:

You'll need around 30 centimeters.

PVC fitting:

You'll need a "Tee" and a "45 degree elbow". Make sure the PVC pipe fits in the fittings.

2 part epoxy glue:

Since I 3D printed the parts with PLA I couldn't use PVC glue to glue them, so instead I used something that could work both for PLA and PVC, (see the image to get a better idea).

Epoxy putty:

Youll need this to make a plug.

Something to cut the PVC with.

You can get a PVC cutter however a hacksaw works too.

Drill:

Youll need a drill and a drill bit to make a hole to fit the straw of the duster (usually a 3/32 bit is the right size).

Step 1: Printing

To make the bug catcher you'll need to print 4 parts:

The tank holder:

The default 52mm tank holder is made of 1 part "Tank holder.stl". If you wish to change the design I've included the files and a video at the end of the instructable.

I printed the part using 3 perimeters, 3 top/bottom layers, 50% infill and no support.

The tip:

The tip of the bug catcher is made of 1 part "tip.stl".

I printed the part using 3 perimeters, 3 top/bottom layers, 20% infill and no support.

The bug cup:

The cup is made of 2 parts one gets glued and the other one can be removed to take out the bug/s.

I printed the part using 3 perimeters, 3 top/bottom layers, 20% infill and no support.

Disclaimer: I like to have sturdy 3D prints and I don't mind printing with high infill, however, if you do you can go lower with the infill, just don't go below 5%.

Step 2: Assembly

If you wish to paint the bug catcher you'll have to do it before gluing the 3D printed parts, I've found that the best and easiest way to paint PVC pipe is to use spray paint, rustoleum spray paint works great.

To build the bug catcher you'll need to have all the 3D printed.

Start by cutting, you'll need:

2 pieces of 15cm PVC pipe.
2 pieces of 4cm PVC pipe.

Once you have your pieces cut you'll need to plug one end of the PVC tee using the epoxy putty, see the image to get a better idea and make sure that when you plug the fitting the PVC pipe can still fit and that you have a clear path between the bottom and the right hole of the fitting.

Next, make a hole through the top center of the tee, this hole has to fit the straw snuggly, see the picture to get a better idea.

Finally, glue the 3D printed parts to the pipes making sure the pipe with the tip is attached to the end that isn't plugged.