A collection is as close as the backyard

Backyards can be an entomological scavenger hunt for budding bug collectors, says Brent Karner, insect zoo coordinator at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. “You’ll be surprised at what is going on out in your own backyard,” he says.

Beginners don’t need fancy tools, but a keen eye helps, says Karner. Kids can investigate leaves, dig in compost piles, look under rocks and go out at night with a net to see what’s flittering around a porch light.

Hungry for more bugs? Dig a hole and place a container inside with either water or food. Bugs crawl in but can’t get out. Karner also suggests painting a sugary solution on trees to catch moths and butterflies.

Finally, Karner reveals one of his favorite bug-collecting methods: Stick a piece of raw pork liver outside. “When you go back out, you’ll be amazed at what you’ll find,” he says.