Though gazing at insects and other creepy crawlies might not be too high on the to-do list of an adult, there is nothing more intriguing to a child than examining local wildlife and figuring out just why they do the things they do. It might be a bit difficult to catch a butterfly, and maybe not so appealing to collect a stink bug, but with this month’s HomTooling project, these bugs can be examined and observed from relative comfort and safety. This project will leave you with a stable and unique insect enclosure that will both protect the critter that your child is fascinated with, and keep your house safe from unruly escape artists. We’re joined by Sue today to help walk you through how to make this bug box.
What You’ll Need for This Project
This project comes with some pieces of wood that you’ll join together with some netting, so don’t worry if it initially looks like you’re missing a few pieces. Swing on by the service counter and pick up a HomTooling kit while supplies last.
- • 1 Square Base Block
- • 2 Side Pieces (1 with a pre-drilled hole)
- • 1 Smaller Square Block (the lid)
- • Skinny Rectangular Piece
- • String and Netting
- • Nails and Staples (not included)
- • Decorations (not included)
Step #1: Put the Enclosure Together
First, get the square base block and align the two side pieces on opposite sides of the square. Hammer them in. Next, get the small square block and hammer it just above the hole on one of the side pieces. Make sure not to hammer it too far in, since we want this piece to swing open and shut.
Then, nail the top piece onto both of the sides. This should look like the very top of a roof. The nailing is done! Next, you’ll want to thread the string through the small holes in the top piece. This will be the bug box handle.
Step #2: Netting and Decoration
You can do the netting one of two ways. After aligning the netting properly with the sides of the bug box, and poking the string handle through the top, you can either staple the netting in for a more permanent fit, or you can use thumbtacks for a temporary fit. If you use the thumbtacks, you can remove a side of the netting and easily clean out the box when you need to, as long as there are no bugs inside.
The last step is decorating. You can use paints, stains, glitter, whatever suits your fancy. Make it unique, and make it your own.
Pickup Your HomTooling Kit
This project is perfect for the warm weather and summer season. It will also get your kids excited about science and will hopefully keep them busy outside. The customizable nature allows for many different types of insects to be examined and kept safe, and a unique environment is made for each one. If your child has an interest in bugs or any sort of creepy crawlies, come into HomCo Lumber and Hardware and pick up the bug box kit at the service counter while supplies last. We also do curbside pickup.
Like with the other HomTooling projects, HomCo Lumber and Hardware will also be accepting donations for the Boys and Girls Club of Flagstaff. More information is available here.
Embrace summer and nurture learning and creativity with our DIY bug box!
Though gazing at insects and other creepy crawlies might not be too high on the to-do list of an adult, there is nothing more intriguing to a child than examining local wildlife and figuring out just why they do the things they do. It might be a bit difficult to catch a butterfly, and maybe not so appealing to collect a stink bug, but with this month’s HomTooling project, these bugs can be examined and observed from relative comfort and safety. This project will leave you with a stable and unique insect enclosure that will both protect the critter that your child is fascinated with, and keep your house safe from unruly escape artists. We’re joined by Sue today to help walk you through how to make this bug box.
What You’ll Need for This Project
This project comes with some pieces of wood that you’ll join together with some netting, so don’t worry if it initially looks like you’re missing a few pieces. Swing on by the service counter and pick up a HomTooling kit while supplies last.
- • 1 Square Base Block
- • 2 Side Pieces (1 with a pre-drilled hole)
- • 1 Smaller Square Block (the lid)
- • Skinny Rectangular Piece
- • String and Netting
- • Nails and Staples (not included)
- • Decorations (not included)
Step #1: Put the Enclosure Together
First, get the square base block and align the two side pieces on opposite sides of the square. Hammer them in. Next, get the small square block and hammer it just above the hole on one of the side pieces. Make sure not to hammer it too far in, since we want this piece to swing open and shut.
Then, nail the top piece onto both of the sides. This should look like the very top of a roof. The nailing is done! Next, you’ll want to thread the string through the small holes in the top piece. This will be the bug box handle.
Step #2: Netting and Decoration
You can do the netting one of two ways. After aligning the netting properly with the sides of the bug box, and poking the string handle through the top, you can either staple the netting in for a more permanent fit, or you can use thumbtacks for a temporary fit. If you use the thumbtacks, you can remove a side of the netting and easily clean out the box when you need to, as long as there are no bugs inside.
The last step is decorating. You can use paints, stains, glitter, whatever suits your fancy. Make it unique, and make it your own.
Pickup Your HomTooling Kit
This project is perfect for the warm weather and summer season. It will also get your kids excited about science and will hopefully keep them busy outside. The customizable nature allows for many different types of insects to be examined and kept safe, and a unique environment is made for each one. If your child has an interest in bugs or any sort of creepy crawlies, come into HomCo Lumber and Hardware and pick up the bug box kit at the service counter while supplies last. We also do curbside pickup.
Like with the other HomTooling projects, HomCo Lumber and Hardware will also be accepting donations for the Boys and Girls Club of Flagstaff. More information is available here.
Embrace summer and nurture learning and creativity with our DIY bug box!