Sonic Technology BugBuster BB100 - Battery Operated Spider Catcher and Release Device, Spider Vacuum Catcher for Kids & Adult, Bug Catch and Release Tool for All Insects with Easy Switch- 14" Yellow

This little vacuum is just what I was looking for. It presents an easy way to transport bugs from indoors back outside without having to physically touch or get too close to them. I've used it for those pesky flies in the summer - can be a little tricky as they fly away as soon as you get near them, but I've found that if you can get them to an open window (screen closed), it's easier to catch them. Turn it on, a lightweight but effective vacuum starts and you allows you to catch the bugs in tunnel. Before turning the vacuum off, put the cap back on the end of the tunnel to prevent bugs from escaping before you get them outside. The vacuum is just strong enough to keep bugs inside and alive, so if you're looking for a humane product this is a good choice. I've never had a bug die on my watch since using it! This bug catcher requires a 9-volt battery for use.

I'm mad at myself for buying this item. I read all the negative reviews and still purchased only due to the fact this item was in fact made to suction up insects and keep them alive to place outdoors and that is the exact purpose of me buying this. I bought the battery required 9 volt and decent brand of Energizer. When I first turned it on I was like okay maybe this will work; so I have my first encounter with a spider and grab my new vacuum- sort of excited and scared with the little sticky spider feet holding on for dear life I was holding the vacuum over the spider for approximately 10 minutes when it finally gave up and walked in. So unfortunately not enough suction for this operation; so don't waste your dollars. I gave it another go as well but no luck.

So I hate killing any animal and do my best to avoid it, but I also absolutely hate bugs. I’m vegetarian and I practice Buddhism, so I’ve been looking for something that is humane and no kill, while also being convenient for a long time. This thing has been a godsend for someone like me. AND it works. I’ve used it to suck up and release spiders. I also just used it to suck up and release a hornet that got into my home, which is what is prompting my review because I would absolutely not try the cup and paper method with one of those. Before this item came into my life that would have called another family member and they would grab the shop-vac, leading to the death of it. This just sucked it right up, while not hurting it. I will say the way the top is, it was kinda scary having to remove it with a hornet flying in it, but I think the vacuum disorients it. Before opening it i put the vacuum back on and jostled it to the bottom. When I opened the lid it flew away. I kinda wish there was a way to open it without placing your hand so close to the opening for bugs like hornets, but even so it still works perfectly and wouldn’t knock that against it. And I am planning to buy a second one.

I don’t regret buying this product for smaller bugs, in those situations it worked great. There were big insects I could not catch as either they were too fast or the suction wasn’t powerful enough. I found an effective solution for them. We have aquarium fish and of course we had the typical fishing catch net laying around that you can easily buy at Petsmart. I have to wait for the large spider, for example, to be on a flat surface first, they can’t be hiding in a corner. I place the opening of the net flat on the wall with the spider trapped in the middle so he can’t run away. Of course, he doesn’t immediately jump into the net, so I slide a somewhat firm piece of paper in the net and gently prod the spider with it until he falls or walks into the net. Then I place the paper over the opening of the net. Once I relocated him and let him free, it may take awhile for him to get out of the net, I may gently shake the net to help. However, I still found this easier than trying to do the same method with a drinking glass.

I purchased this item because I can’t stand getting too close to bugs. The thought of one getting on my skin is enough to cause a slight panic.The Bug Buster keeps the insects at arms length so I don’t have to worry about a bug jumping into my hand.It’s very easy to setup (Just pop in one 9-volt battery) and it’s lightweight. The idea is great but the execution leaves a lot to be desired. It works decently but I thought it would suck harder.The instruction manual states that “bug will be sucked rapidly into the tube”. They must have a different definition of the word, rapidly, because it’s far from it. The suction is very light and I had trouble sucking up a couple earwigs. After multiple attempts, I eventually got them into the tube.Once caught, the bugs were easily released outside and cleanup is very easy. A little dish soap and some hot water on the tube and a disinfectant wipe on the vent area.I wish there was an option to choose the color. The yellow isn’t my favorite. It doesn’t seem to be the most sturdy either. I don’t plan on this happening but it seems like it would break if dropped.So basically I was disappointed in the sucking power. If that could somehow be increased, it would be the perfect bug catcher.

I received this item as a gift and when I installed a 9V battery, there was no response . . no suction whatsoever so I returned it and another was sent to me and it too - no suction, no response. I took it to a neighbor who tried to find the reason - and here it is. Even though I installed a 9V battery that had never been used - I had it for too long a time and it no longer registered 9V and this item does not work unless the battery is brand new and actually tests at 9V - not just on a simple battery tester to see if it has any voltage. So I apologize to Amazon and the seller as I just did not realize what the problem was. I purchased a brand new 9V battery and the suction is good enough to suck up a bug and even some crumbs which is a plus. Instructions should be included to be sure the battery truly is 9 volt and not 7 or 8 even.