simple steps to discover
How CalATBI Malaise
Trapping Works
Deploy a passive flying insect trap at your site, swap the collection bottle once a week, and ship it back monthly. We handle everything else.
The Process
Six simple steps
Receive the Kit
You receive everything you need — malaise trap, collection bottles, setup instructions, and a prepaid return label. Nothing to source or buy.
Deploy the Trap
Set up your trap in any open area where insects naturally move. Meadow edges, gardens, hedgerows — no specialist habitat required.
Swap the Bottle
Once a week, swap the full collection bottle for a fresh one. Takes about 5 minutes. No insect handling, no sorting, no expertise needed.
Send the Bugs Back
At the end of each month, ship your accumulated bottles back to us using the prepaid return label included with your kit.
We Send You More
As soon as we receive your bottles, we ship a fresh batch so your survey keeps running without interruption.
Back at the Lab
Our team identifies every specimen using next-generation robotics and DNA barcoding. Your data goes directly into the CalATBI database.
Receive the Kit
You receive everything you need — malaise trap, collection bottles, setup instructions, and a prepaid return label. Nothing to source or buy.
Deploy the Trap
Set up your trap in any open area where insects naturally move. Meadow edges, gardens, hedgerows — no specialist habitat required.
Swap the Bottle
Once a week, swap the full collection bottle for a fresh one. Takes about 5 minutes. No insect handling, no sorting, no expertise needed.
Send the Bugs Back
At the end of each month, ship your accumulated bottles back to us using the prepaid return label included with your kit.
We Send You More
As soon as we receive your bottles, we ship a fresh batch so your survey keeps running without interruption.
Back at the Lab
Our team identifies every specimen using next-generation robotics and DNA barcoding. Your data goes directly into the CalATBI database.
Everything Included
What's in the Kit
Malaise Trap
Tent-style passive flying insect capture
Collection Bottles
For weekly swapping — no handling required
Prepaid Return Label
For your first monthly bottle shipment
Setup Instructions
Full field guide included
Watch Before You Deploy
Setting Up Your Trap
Assembly takes about 15–20 minutes the first time. This video walks through everything from unpacking to your first collection.
Placement Guide
Choosing Your Site
You don't need a special habitat — any outdoor location with insect activity works.
Open habitats work best
Meadows, gardens, hedgerows, and forest edges all perform well.
Find a natural flyway
Position the trap across a path or gap where insects naturally move through.
Avoid deep shade
Flying insect activity is lower in dense interior forest and heavily shaded spots.
Stable, undisturbed ground
Choose a spot unlikely to be disturbed by foot traffic or livestock.
Ongoing Maintenance
Once a Week (~5 min)
Unscrew the full collection bottle from the head of the trap.
Screw on a fresh empty bottle from your supply.
Store the full bottle in a cool, dark place.
At end of month: pack all bottles and ship back with your prepaid return label.
No insect handling. No sorting. No expertise required.
After You Ship
Back at the Lab
Your samples will get sorted and processed using robotics and next-generation sequencing.
Ready to Apply for a Malaise Trap Kit?
Malaise trap kits are distributed by application. Tell us about your site and we'll be in touch to coordinate your deployment.
Apply Now →