My Critter Catcher - Spider and Insect Catcher…

there's a review here that says that this thing gave the reviewer their life and home back and that made me LOL but out of pure recognition. i can TOTALLY RELATE. i hate hate haaaaaaate bugs and not having a solid, reliable way of dealing with them makes me feel ill at home at home and that's just not acceptable. when i first moved into my new place, i encountered a cockroach so large that i literally did not know what to do... it was so large and unprecedented to me that i considered calling the police. turns out that these are "american cockroaches" that tend to be outdoors critters in my area but will crawl in if your home is not hermetically sealed. so job one was to find all possible points of ingress and it's been a continuing saga where i find overlarge holes for the pipes in the bathroom and kitchen and also open seams at the base of the toilet etc... it seems the first line of defense against pests is to just find and block out all possible modes of entry (and for that, i've found expanding foam and caulk to do a great job). but as this enterprise continues, i've still had to deal with the occasional intruder. until now, i was using a kinda terrifying method of plastic cup and index card to get them... but if i miss, it ends up causing the bugs to skitter around like crazy and that in turn causes me to leap back and start doing the dance of the heeby jeebies.... (again, i freakin' hate bugs!). but a week ago, when i found another invader (first in like 3 months so i'm hoping it was just a straggler that got in before i sealed the last hole [hope hope hope!] and was hiding till now) and i missed and it ended up skittering behind a book case, i was sick of my method and started searching amazon convinced that there had to be a better way. encountered several possible solutions including several motorized vacuums which i had a feeling couldn't possibly be powerful enough to actually catch largish bugs. so i took a gamble on this and i'm so pleased to say that it works!!! i think i caught the bug that i missed that went into hiding behind the book case too! from what i can tell, it's very well designed - the bristles act like a good outer perimeter with which to "trap" the bug so it can't get away and then the pinching motion turns that trap into a gripping claw that very reliably held the little villain till i could get it to the toilet. catch, release and flush all worked flawlessly. the key, i think to usage is to expand the bristles so that they're far enough away from the bug to not trip its alarms but as close as possible. then, you hover over it and either very slowly or quickly (by circumstance) put it over the bug and then snap the bristles shut as quick as possible... it seems almost like you can use it as you would your own fingers... if only you weren't squeaming about picking up large bugs with your own fingers.... they feel almost that dextrous. and very much like the other reviewer, i feel like i have my home back. i have a reliable way to deal with the problem and a way that allows me to deal with it AT A DISTANCE and with confidence. lol... i no longer have to live in fear lol! hilarious but really really true. i can only imagine how it must be for people who live in more critter infested places like in the pics i've seen for australians.... but if largish and mid-sized pests are a problem, first, try to seal off all points of entry and while you're doing that, get one of these to deal with the invaders while you seal. it will indeed give you your home and life back! i hope this product does super super super well so that it will never ever go out of stock! this needs to exist into perpetuity or at least until we annihilate all home invading bugs! [note: this is as glowing a review as anything i've ever reviewed on amazon. again, lol but i am absolutely sincere!]

The 'My Critter Catcher' is a handy tool for catching and releasing those unwelcome guests that occasionally pop up in your house. It's especially effective for slower-moving critters but don’t count on it to catch the tiny, speedy ones like ants or cockroaches. The catcher’s gripping end features two different types of grips, which seem to help secure insects pretty well. At about 2 feet long, it might feel a bit short to some, but any longer, and you’d probably lose control while trying to nab something from a distance. What I love about it is the ease of use. I’ve even managed to catch a little anole with it! The design is sturdy—mine has survived a few drops when I got startled, and it’s held up just fine. On the downside, it’s not the best for really small or fast bugs. If the grip had a finer material, it might be more effective for those tricky little insects. Living in Florida, insects are a part of daily life. You never know what might show up next, so it’s good to be prepared. Using a towel or tissue can be risky, especially if you’re dealing with something like a venomous spider. This tool makes it safer and easier.

I just caught a quarter sized spider with this catcher for the first time, walked it 20 steps, and released it outside on the ground. The spider looked at me bewildered, as if i saved an enemy’s life. I did, and it feels great. The only improvement would be: 1. The wall hook is ineffective, get a bigger one. 2. Add a 1-inch diameter hook hole to the handle. 2. Make it stainless instead of plastic. 3. Enable the neck to extend a foot. 4. Add a bright white light to the catcher end so the spider can be seen in dark areas. The light should have its own on/off switch on the handle. 5. The bristles could be 1 inch longer. Aside from that, it’s great.

I recently bought the stick insect catcher, and it's been a fantastic addition to my home! As someone who prefers to relocate insects rather than harm them, this tool makes the process so much easier and more humane. The design is simple but effective. The long handle allows me to reach insects on ceilings, walls, and even tricky spots without any trouble. The gentle bristle mechanism securely traps the insect without harming it, making it super safe to use even on delicate creatures like spiders and moths. What I love most is how easy and quick it is to use. No more climbing on chairs or chasing bugs around! It’s also lightweight, durable, and easy to clean, which is a huge plus. This stick insect catcher is an absolute must-have for anyone who wants to catch and release insects with ease and kindness. Highly recommended for nature lovers and anyone who prefers not to squish their uninvited guests!

20250808: After 9 years of use I am purchasing a new one. The previous one finally lost its shape (probably because I don't keep the cap on it - so keep the cap on it!). I tied it up with twine and put it in boiling water last year and got it back into shape, but don't have the time to do that this year. Lost a bunch of wolf spider babies the other night when mom kept slipping out of the now Very open bristles, so it's time for a new one. The babies didn't escape it when it was tightly closed, so for you arachnophobes, don't worry! Mine's just faulty after nearly a decade of use. So far I've had success; however, our spiders are far from calm, docile friendly house spiders. Wolf spiders are aggressive (once provoked) and Fast. They range from not-so-scary to my-huband's-going-nowhere-near-this-thing. I purchased My Critter Catcher for him, hoping it would embolden him to approach these monstrosities (his view) and gently scoop them up to release them outside so they can eat the gross bugs. Thus far I have been the only one to use it. For a slow moving spider I'd imagine this would be a great tool. For wolf spiders it's going to be more like a game. None of the three I've caught so far have just sat there and taken it. They run. Quickly. The first two I caught after three attempts. The third one was one of the large guys, and a bit sassier than the first two. On the fifth try I Finally got it; however, it did lose a leg in the ordeal. Hopefully it will molt again, which will result in a new leg for the little fella. All three spiders survived and scurried off after I released them. The first one I had to flick out of the device, but the other two plopped right out. I think I'll stick to the Tupperware container and my spider catching paper for the ones that have babies, though I think the babies Might actually stay caught within the bristles. I'll have to try it outside sometime - don't want to risk all those little guys loose in the house. My husband would sleep with one eye open until I was able to account for each little monstrosity; or we'd just have to move. (see 20200823 update) 20170929: I found one place I was unable to use the Critter Catcher. I walked into the restroom, gazed upon the porcelain throne and was stumped. Let me tell y'all about a wolf spider's silly side. They flatten themselves against surfaces in an effort to hide; however, I have bad news for them - I see you! It's difficult to miss those Long legs, and that large body, hanging out on a white wall. Sorry, guys, you're not sneaky. I'd compare it to an elephant hiding behind a human. In any event, I'm still looking for this particular prankster. He was sitting under the lip of the rim of the commode, just chillin'. I thought and thought about how to catch and release, but I simply wasn't willing to dunk My Critter Catcher. I believe I've mentioned somewhere that while I'm not terrified of these creatures, I'm not entirely keen on snuggling with them, and Especially not in such an intimate setting. With regret, I hit the handle and I kid you not, this guy Surfed the Wave to the other side of the bowl, flipped me the bird, and disappeared. I haven't seen it since, and I only know it did not go down the hole. I'll go on record to state that there is now a process of lifting lids, swiping My Critter Catcher between the tank and seat, as well as the back of the tank before I'll consider taking care of business. 20190816: 2 years after the Huntsman spider's wily antics I'm still using this device. We have a deal in our household - I catch the spiders, we don't burn down the house. He dispatches the roaches, we don't burn down the house. Peace and harmony is maintained. I did have to purchase a new broom when I couldn't make it to him to take out one particularly large roach - it was blocking me from getting to the bedroom where my hero slumbered, utterly unaware of my plight. That evil entity zigged when I zigged and zagged when I zagged, it was stalking me! Out of desperation I jumped over the couch and scrambled to the broom before that gruesome pest could get me. Once I was armed, he knew it was on and tried to run but oh no, emboldened by my acquisition of a weapon I was like a wild Amazonian ready for blood (or ooze). A quick jab into the wall and seven smacks later the broom broke (some may think it was overkill but noooo, it was Still alive because that's how roaches are - invulnerable). Mustering my courage, and choking back bile, I harpooned that repulsive demon. I then covered it with a tupperware container and left a note for my husband, along with the aftermath so all could marvel at the brave battle I endured. I digress, My Critter Catcher is Fantastic and you won't be disappointed. It helps with reaching otherwise unreachable areas that arachnids like to taunt us from. Ours are frisky and very much enjoy tormenting my husband in the shower (buwahaha - don't tell him I laughed or he'll tell you about the time I pickled a roach in the shower with a gallon of vinegar. It . . . touched my hand - gives me shivers to this day!). 20200823: I'm pleased to discover my review has helped many people! I came to update - My Critter Catcher has racked up nearly 100 catches now and is still going strong. The bristles are beginning to widen a bit but I'm suspecting a hot water soak will get those back into shape - I just don't have a pot I'm willing to sacrifice (gross!) so I'm thinking on alternate solutions (maybe a bucket in which I pour the hot water). I Have captured wolfies with the babies and the babies stayed within the bristles, much to my husband's relief. Y'all should have heard That conversation, "No baby, don't do it, don't, don't, dontdontdontdont, babyyyy!" This is a Firefighter we're talking about, y'all - burning building falling all around him is No problem, but you stick 8 legs in front of him and he's taking the flight option. To be fair, I have broken 2 brooms whilst killing roaches since purchasing My Critter Catcher. I have since purchased the Bug-A-Salt and though it may take 7 shots, salt ammo is less expensive than a new broom. And Much Much more fun. Huntsman spiders remain a difficult catch due to their expert level of hiding. They practically suction to the wall and almost always in the corner between the door frame and wall. I found a Second one in our toilet - never again shall I do my business in the dark. Florida is no joke! I was able to get him out with My Critter Catcher and I felt better about that than flushing him. I had one Huntsman get so angry I could feel the vibration from its temper tantrum through the handle - he was a big boy. A big furious boy. 20220712: Holy cow, I've had this thing for 6 years! I've caught hundreds of spiders, and released them into the wild (okay, our yard). Some of the bristles are starting to follow their own path, but for the most part the contraption is holding together well. I Have scooped up wolf spiders, with babies on their backs. The babies, so far as I could tell, did stay with their mom as I escorted them outside. It's a risk, for sure. For anyone still on the fence about this product - do it! Even my husband had been emboldened after all these years to use this device, though he has eyeballed the Bug-A-Salt a few times, to which I have shot a warning glance. Remember, folks, spiders kill roaches and that makes spiders valuable and precious.

I really wanted this to work, so when a moth entered the house, I was excited to try it. Unfortunately it was impossible to catch the moth with this, and after several tries, the moth was visibly injured. When I finally got it outside (without the critter catcher), it was barely moving. This was not the product I'd hoped for. Update 3/8/19: Tried using the critter catcher again to catch a bee. The bee was not moving fast and perfectly positioned to be caught. I tried several times to catch it with this device and failed each time. I think it injured the bee as well. It ended up falling into a crevice and appears to be dying. Update 4/10/19: I have since managed to successfully catch a bee (the one mentioned above which was apparently only playing dead), a wasp, a spider, and a large, delicate flying insect. It still has trouble catching certain bugs, especially small ones, but after a few tries you can eventually catch most of them. I am not convinced that it's not hurting the bugs when multiple attempts are made, but so far the bugs I've caught (aside from that initial moth) seem to have been able to fly/crawl away when released. I have not had the chance to try it on a moth again, so I'm not sure how good it is at catching them. I'm upgrading the review to 3 stars. It's not perfect, but it does work sometimes.

This thing. Oh how it has changed my life. I live alone in a small NYC apartment, and for the past 3 years have had a mysterious increase of American cockroaches. I used to find maybe 2-3 per summer. Since May, I’ve seen over 20. I’ve paid an exterminator, sealed every nook and cranny shut, but for some reason they really want to come in here and die. Maybe I should take it as a compliment? Anyhow, it might seem that having mostly dead ones is better than live ones. But I’m really not sure. They are so big, I just can’t stand to pick them up. Not even with a shop vac (which their big dead bodies clog up anyway). They terrorize me. I really pride myself on not being afraid of silly things, but I just can’t with these. Spiders? Fine. Snakes? No problem. Geckos? Cute! American roaches? 😱 Another huge issue are the half-dead ones. What does one do when you arrive home from a long day at work, ready to sit down on your couch and enjoy some dinner and Netflix, but there is a half-dead roach lying in front of your tv? If you try to kill it, it WILL get up and start running at you. But it’s too big to pick up with your little girly hands. Your night is ruined. The apartment you pay $2,000+/month for does not belong to you. Find somewhere else to eat your dinner and relax until the roach is dead enough to try to pick up the next day. I paint these scenarios for you all so you can truly understand how much this bug picker-upper has given me back my home and life. It picks up these huge roaches perfectly. I’ve only tried it on dead or half-dead ones, but that’s fine with me. It’s so easy to use, that this morning, before putting my contact lenses in, I noticed what seemed to be a dead-ish one on my kitchen floor. I purposely left my contacts out so I didn’t have to see details, grabbed this thing, snatched up the roach in one fell swoop and dropped it in the toilet. Was it dead or alive or brown or black or winged or not? Thanks to this contraption, I’ll never have to know.

Seriously, if spiders give you the heebie-jeebies, look no further... In the Pacific North West where the only thing scarier than the meth addicts is the spiders, this is a must have tool. It works well for medium to large size spiders. Smaller spiders CAN be caught with this, but probably not before beating them to submission with the antenna like plastic fingers used to gently pick them up. It's really easy to use: Pull and hold the trigger to hyper-extend the claws/fingers/spider grabbers, and then gently move the bristles so they surround the spider and touch the floor/wall/ceiling surface, release the trigger while maintaining grip so that the claws retract with the speed given by the mechanical tension (don't finesse the trigger, just let go!). Voila. Spider is stuck inside the grip. Pull back gently to ensure; don't be surprised if he/she squeaks through every now and then (especially if you're trying to grab from an uneven surface like a textured wall). Carry the spider quickly outside and pull the trigger again with a little gentle whip like motion and watch the little 8-legged menace turn into a cute little puppy that lands gently, takes a look at you and tries to figure out what the heck just happened, before scurrying off into the bushes to become dinner for your favorite field mouse living in the garden. Minus one star because it's pretty much only good for the mid-large size spiders and it would be cool if it had a way of standing up on its own or having a build in loop for hanging/storage. I keep it behind my front door next to my umbrella. Small spiders no longer bother me based on my positive interactions with the big spiders and this tool. Edit: See photos. Lasts about a year with moderate use. Claws bend and fray too easily and it’s pretty much useless for the smaller spiders. You just keep catching them and they keep falling out. I think the overall value of this items is <$4. Final Edit: RIP critter catcher. I am going to reaffirm what I stated above. I cannot recommend this product. Unfortunately, the bristles break down rapidly when trying to pick up spiders on crown moldings or carpet or any other uneven surface — which is most. Given the limited lifespan of this product I would recommend an alternative tool. Maybe a small handheld portable vacuum with a way to quickly and easily remove the spider and release them outdoors? This device is a firm NO recommendation for me after one year of use. See final photo for details.

This gadget is a lifesaver (both for me and the critters). In Australia we make spiders HUGE. I caught 3 in the first week I had it. You have to give it a few goes sometimes if the spider is fast, but none have got away. Works for moths on a wall too.

Tal cual la descripción y muy funcional

When you press the handle to close the nozzles and press too hard, the whole front detaches and flies away - parachuting the insects to the other side of the room which completely defies its purpose

Funciona muy bien para atrapar y sacar: arañas, alacranes, etc. Lo mejor es que lo haces con el catch critter, y ya no hay riesgo de que te brinque la araña o te pique el alacran.

Keeps you and the critter safe