Arachnophobia, the fear of spiders, is among the most common phobias worldwide. But even those who don’t fear these eight-legged creatures might not appreciate them making their home in the corners of your living room.
Fortunately, technology has an answer that doesn’t require a rolled-up newspaper or a shoe. Spider catchers have become a modern solution for dealing with these unwelcome guests, allowing you to capture and release them without causing harm or getting too close for comfort.
As we delve deeper into this subject, you may find yourself wondering, “How did I ever manage without one of these?
Table of Contents
Our Top Pick
Our Top Pick is the My Critter and Spider Catcher due to its effectiveness and ease of use. Its long handle keeps you at a safe distance, and its gentle bristles catch and release spiders humanely. This user-friendly and environmentally responsible device stands out among its competitors.
Buying Guide
Spider catchers are devices designed to help capture and release spiders from your home with minimal contact. They’re perfect for those looking to handle these situations humanely without any harm to the spiders or themselves.
Here is a generalized buying guide to help you make an informed decision when seeking the best spider catcher:
- Ease of Use: The device should be simple to operate, even for those who are not technically inclined. It should also be safe to use around children and pets.
- Length of Handle: A longer handle means maintaining a safe distance from the spider while capturing it. This is particularly important for those who are uneasy around spiders.
- Humane Capture: Choose a device that captures the spider without hurting it. A model with soft bristles or a similar gentle capture mechanism is ideal.
- Durability: The device should be sturdy and well-constructed to ensure it lasts. Check customer reviews to gauge the longevity of the product.
- Price: While you may not want to break the bank on a spider catcher, cheaper options may not always be the best. Consider the balance between cost and quality.
- Reviews and Ratings: Always check the reviews and ratings of the product from previous customers. This will give you a better idea of the product’s real-world performance.
1. My Critter and Spider Catcher
Pros
- Easy to use, no-touch design.
- Safe for both the user and the critters.
- Lightweight and portable.
- Effective for a variety of small insects and critters.
- Safe to be used indoors around children and pets and can be used on the go too.
Cons
- Not suitable for larger insects or critters.
- The mechanism may fail if not handled with care.
If you’re seeking a humane way to deal with critters, this catcher is your ideal tool. This critter and spider catcher allows for indirect contact with insects, providing a sense of ease and potentially helping overcome arachnophobia.
Manufactured in the United States and available globally, it ensures safety for both you and the insect. Perfect for both indoor and outdoor use, it makes a thoughtful gift for friends and family.
The catcher works with a range of small insects, including spiders, scorpions, wasps, bees, stink bugs, crickets, cicadas, grasshoppers, roaches, water beetles, butterflies, and even tarantulas.
With a length of 25.5″, it offers a comfortable distance between you and the insect being captured. It secures insects effectively, even when they’re moving, and keeps them safely contained until released.
To use correctly, ensure all bristles fully encase the insect before placing the plastic cover over the bristles. Then, transport the insect outdoors for release.
Remembering the importance of insects to our ecosystem, the critter catcher is a chemical-free alternative to insecticides, promoting the safe capture and release of insects back to their natural habitat.
While safe around children and pets, ensure they do not interact with the device while an insect is contained inside. Always release insects outdoors promptly after capture.
This cost-effective solution does not require batteries and is durable, working well on walls, glazing, carpeted, and hard-wood surfaces.
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 25.5 Inches Long
- Material: Plastic
- Pet Safe: Yes
- Manufacturer: My Critter Catcher
- Target Species: Spiders
- Item Weight: 0.38 Pounds
- Item Count: 2 Pieces
Customer Reviews
The My Critter and Spider Catcher is popular in e-commerce stores for their efficiency in spider removal.
One customer, initially skeptical, found it effective and gentle, even using it to relocate flies and a Black Widow spider. The product’s utility prompted them to buy more as gifts.
Another customer praised the product’s practicality, ease of use, and long handle. However, they noted its fragility and the inadequate included hanger but regarded the product highly overall.
Instructions to Use
- Extend the handle towards the critter or spider.
- Gently press the trigger to open the bristles.
- Slowly release the trigger to close the bristles and capture the critter.
- Carry the critter to a safe location for release.
- Press the trigger to open the bristles and release the critter.
Get the My Critter and Spider Catcher on Amazon or abilitysuperstore.com or Walmart or themarket.com or leevalley.com or microfiberproducts.com or leevalley.com or abilitysuperstore.com or dealforanyoccasion.com or alibaba.com
2. BugZooka Spider Vacuum
Pros
- Easy to use.
- No chemicals are involved, making it eco-friendly.
- Safe for pets.
- Effective on a variety of bugs.
- Portable and lightweight — can be used indoors and on the go too
Cons
- Requires close proximity to the bug.
- Not very durable.
- It may not be effective on larger insects.
BugZooka is an effective, easy-to-use tool that safely removes spiders and other insects from your home without using chemicals. It operates without batteries, instead using a high-powered suction force to capture a wide variety of household bugs, including mosquitoes, bees, wasps, flies, moths, and roaches.
Its innovative, lightweight design allows you to catch bugs from a distance, avoiding any close encounters with these pests. The device ensures a clean process, preventing bugs from being squished during capture. Bugs are swiftly sucked into a removable catch tube with a simple button press.
Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, the BugZooka is versatile enough for homes, offices, restaurants, and clinics and is portable for use in cars, boats, or vacations.
The BugZooka offers a quick, humane solution for removing spiders and other insects. Its design allows for easy bug removal after capture. The device consists of three main parts: a compression module, a hollow connecting tube, and two detachable catch tubes.
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 11 x 5.5 x 3.9 Inches
- Material: Plastic
- Pet Safe: Yes
- Manufacturer: Wyers
- Target Species: Spiders
- Item Weight: 3 Pounds
- Item Count: 1 Piece
Customer Reviews
Users generally praise the BugZooka WB100 Bug Catcher Vacuum for its user-friendly design, effective bug trapping, quiet operation, and durability. Some have used the same unit for several years without any issues.
The BugZooka’s strong suction power is another appreciated feature. It stands out from other similar products as it generates this power without needing batteries.
On the downside, some users express dissatisfaction with BugZooka’s build quality, particularly the trap doors. These doors, designed to contain the bugs, are reportedly prone to breaking, sometimes within a few days of use.
Users find the BugZooka convenient for use in various parts of the house, with some buying multiple units for different rooms. It’s also easy to store by hanging. Families even describe it as a fun tool for kids to use.
Instructions to Use
- Extend the tube towards the bug.
- Press the button to create a vacuum.
- Once the bug is inside, release the button to trap the bug.
- Remove the tube and release the bug outdoors.
Get the BugZooka Spider Vacuum on Amazon or Amazon or Amazon or Walmart or Home Depot or sears.com or bumpersuperstore.com or boatandrvaccessories.com or tvtimedirect.com or kmart.com or zoro.com or trimaxlocks.com or dealsnstealsonline.com or camelcamelcamel.com or expertverdict.com
3. Katcha Bug – Spider Catcher
Pros
- Non-harmful to insects.
- Pet-safe design.
- Lightweight and portable.
- It is a reusable bug catcher.
Cons
- Requires close proximity to the bug.
- Plastic material may not be as durable.
The Katcha Bug Spider Catcher, made in the UK, is an effective tool for safely capturing a variety of insects, including large spiders, butterflies, grasshoppers, and millipedes. It’s a reusable, battery-free device that doesn’t contain any chemicals.
This user-friendly catcher features a clear compartment with a plastic shutter door for capturing insects and a 40 cm long handle for ease of use.
For optimal performance, the manufacturer recommends using it on reasonably flat surfaces. When the handle is twisted, the shutter drops, trapping the insect inside, which can then be safely released outdoors.
While the device works well, its design may inadvertently harm the insect. Therefore, the manufacturer advises letting the insect crawl onto the trap door by itself before shutting it to ensure a clean, harm-free capture.
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 23 x 9.1 x 5.7 Inches
- Material: Plastic
- Pet Safe: Yes
- Manufacturer: Primrose.co.uk
- Target Species: Spiders
- Item Weight: 0.06 Pounds
- Item Count: 1 Piece
Customer Reviews
The Katcha Bug – Spider Catcher has become popular in E-commerce stores due to its effectiveness in catching spiders and other insects.
One user described it as a “brilliant item” and appreciated its pink color option. Another user found the tool to be extremely useful, citing its simplicity and ability to trap spiders without causing harm.
Another review referred to the product as a “lifesaver,” highlighting the long handle that allowed users to keep a safe distance from insects. One customer expressed surprise about managing without the device before.
Finally, a reviewer couldn’t imagine being without the product, lauding its effectiveness in catching spiders without inflicting harm.
Instructions to Use
- Gently approach the bug or spider with the open end of the catcher.
- Once in range, lower the catcher so the bug is within the compartment.
- Slide the handle to close the compartment, trapping the bug inside.
- Carry the catcher to your desired release location.
- Slide the handle to open the compartment, allowing the bug to exit.
- Ensure the bug has left the catcher before closing the compartment.
Get the Katcha Bug – Spider Catcher on lydendesigns.com or onbuy.com or diy.com
4. Sonic Technology Bugbuster Spider and Insect Vacuum
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to use.
- It doesn’t harm insects, and it is good for arachnophobes.
- Eco-friendly and easy to use
Cons
- Suction power may not be strong enough for larger insects.
The Bugbuster Spider and Insect Vacuum, produced by Sonic Technology Products, is a high-quality, humane insect removal tool. Based in California, Sonic Technology Products is known for a range of devices, including rodent extermination and insect repelling tools.
The Bugbuster is a battery-operated vacuum designed to safely remove a wide variety of insects, including spiders, flies, and bees. It’s powered by a 9-volt Duracell or Energizer battery and can be used both indoors and outdoors, making it a versatile solution for managing insects in your home, yard, and garden.
What sets the Bugbuster apart is its ability to trap and remove insects without leaving any messy remains, simplifying the clean-up process. The device is lightweight, weighing only 14 lbs, and features a polypropylene body. It includes a battery compartment, a motor, an on/off switch, and a transparent extension tube for catching insects.
Customer reviews indicate the Bugbuster performs well, and it even comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee for added peace of mind.
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 8 x 3 x 1 Inches
- Material: Polypropylene
- Pet Safe: Yes
- Manufacturer: Sonic Technology Products
- Target Species: Spiders
- Item Weight: 0.1 Pounds
- Item Count: I Piece
Customer Reviews
The Sonic Technology Bugbuster Spider and Insect Vacuum have garnered a range of feedback.
Some users appreciate its catch-and-release functionality, although they suggest it could be more powerful. One user successfully caught a large spider without scaring it away, indicating it’s quiet in operation, while another appreciates its humane way of removing bugs.
Conversely, several customers highlight issues with the device. One user reports it is fragile and easily shattered when dropped, even though it’s effective against certain bugs. Some feel the vacuum’s suction power is inadequate, with one particularly dissatisfied customer citing problems with the small nozzle, poor suction, and parts falling apart.
Despite its cheap construction, some find it useful. It’s been described as effective for catching flies and easy to empty.
Another user believes the product works but could benefit from stronger vacuum power. Finally, one reviewer indicated that the device’s short length was a disadvantage when trying to catch bugs.
Instructions to Use
- Wait until the insect is stationary before starting the motor.
- Approach the bug carefully and use the open end to gently vacuum it into the catch tube.
- Turn the device upright and secure the safety cap to prevent insects from escaping.
- Release the insects outdoors without harm.
- The vacuum is safe for indoor use around children and pets.
Instructions to install or replace a battery
- Pull out the black cap at the end of the handle to replace the battery.
- Disconnect the old battery and connect the new one.
- Insert the battery connector into the cavity first, exposing about a ½ inch of the battery.
- Align the wide slot on the cap with the two ridges next to the on/off button, then replace the cap.
Get the Sonic Technology Bugbuster Spider and Insect Vacuum on Amazon or Walmart or zoro.com or sears.com or builderdepot.com or super.com or sunriselaneproducts.com
5. SEICOSY Spider Catcher
Pros
- Easy to use and handle.
- No harm to spiders or other small insects.
- A long handle keeps the user at a safe distance.
- Eco-friendly material ensures durability.
Cons
- Not suitable for larger insects.
- It may not work well on uneven surfaces.
- Requires careful handling to avoid damage.
- Limited reach may not reach high ceilings or deep corners.
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 24.4 x 9.7 x 5.5 Cm
- Material: Plastic and Soft bristle
- Pet Safe: Yes
- Manufacturer: Seicosy
- Target Species: Spiders
- Item Weight: 280 Grams
- Item Count: 1 Piece
Customer Reviews
Customers often praise the SEICOSY Spider Catcher, admiring its effectiveness and easy handling.
Those with arachnophobia particularly commend the product because it maintains a safe distance between them and the spider.
However, some users observe that the device doesn’t perform as well with larger insects or spiders, and they also report that it’s less effective on uneven surfaces.
Instructions to Use
- Attach clear vacuum type in the handle.
- Connect the suck booster to the open pipe end.
- Direct the suck booster at the roach at a 45° angle and trigger the vacuum by pressing the vacuum button.
- Do not release the vacuum until you have plugged the pipe.
Get the SEICOSY Spider Catcher on Amazon or dhgate.com or alibaba.com or Walmart
Exploring Alternative Spider Control Methods
Exploring alternative methods beyond traditional spider catchers can be beneficial when it comes to spider control.
Spider traps or glue boards are adhesive-based devices that effectively capture spiders when strategically placed in common spider areas.
Spider sprays formulated with targeted insecticides can directly eliminate spiders by spraying infested areas.
For a more comprehensive approach, spider bombs or foggers release mist or fog that reaches inaccessible spaces, effectively targeting and eliminating spiders.
However, following instructions carefully and considering professional pest control services for severe infestations or potentially harmful spider species is important.
How many types of spider catchers are there?
There are two major types of spider catchers. These include:
Mechanical spider catcher tools
These are the most commonly found spider catchers with either soft bristles to grab the insect or a plastic trap fitted with a lid to trap the insects.
Both of these insect catchers capture in a humane manner without hurting the insects. Also, they can be used anywhere due to their mode of working, which does not need any power source such as electricity, batteries, or power cables.
Also, they don’t contain any toxic or harmful chemicals and can be used safely around children and pets. These are also liked by the customers due to being lightweight and portable, which makes it easier to be used on the go too.
Vacuum catchers
These are the type of spider catchers that work by sucking in the insect from the suction tube. These require some source of energy for generating the vacuum, either batteries or an in-built motor by which the vacuum develops. However, some of the vacuum catchers generate a vacuum by inflating and deflating bellows attached to the device.
Vacuum catchers are generally heavier than mechanical spider catchers. Some of these might have an electric grid, which needs cleaning before storing.
How do manual spider catchers work?
Manual spider catchers typically feature soft bristles that gently grab spiders and other insects. When the insects come into contact with the bristles, they curl up, securing themselves within and preventing escape. The bristles are designed with soft material to avoid harming insects.
These catchers are user-friendly, with a simple operation. Pressing a button opens the bristles wide, allowing you to place them over the unsuspecting insect. Releasing the button then captures the insect within the bristles, ready to be safely released outdoors.
Some manual spider catchers are constructed with a plastic body and a shutter door, providing an entry point for spiders. Once inside, they can be released back into their natural habitat.
Conclusion
Navigating the market of spider-catching tools can be a web of decisions. For minor infestations, manual spider catchers are an effective, cost-friendly solution.
However, serious infestations, particularly those involving venomous spiders, may necessitate the use of spider vacuums or professional help.
Despite their higher cost and power requirements, spider vacuums offer a more certain capture, reducing the risk of agitation.
Regardless of the tool, spider catchers provide an ethical, eco-friendly alternative to chemical sprays, making your home spider-free while respecting our eight-legged cohabitants.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a spider catcher work?
Spider catchers use a mechanism, such as soft bristles or a suction device, to capture spiders without harming them, allowing for safe and humane removal.
Are spider catchers safe for use around children and pets?
Yes, spider catchers are designed to be safe for use around children and pets, as they provide a non-toxic and non-invasive method of spider removal.
Can spider catchers handle different spider sizes?
Most spider catchers are effective in capturing common house spiders of various sizes. However, larger or more agile species may require alternative methods or professional assistance.
How do I clean a spider catcher after use?
Spider catchers are typically easy to clean. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for specific guidance, but generally, rinsing the catcher with water and mild soap should suffice.
Can I use a spider catcher outdoors?
Yes, spider catchers can be used outdoors to capture spiders found in gardens, on porches, or in other outdoor areas.
Do spider catchers come with a warranty?
Warranty coverage varies by brand and model. Check the product details or contact the manufacturer to determine if a warranty is provided.
Can spider catchers be used for other insects?
Spider catchers are primarily designed for spiders, but they can also be effective in capturing other small insects, such as flies, beetles, or moths. However, their efficiency may vary depending on the insect species and the specific design of the catcher.