The bu g’s long day’s journey into night.

The roach motel.

A blast of air makes the bugs go bye bye.

This bug suction device is so much fun to use that you’ll relish home spider infestations.

SPIDER RIFLE
Humane, compressed-air-powered bug trapper.
By Matt Lind

I created the spider sucker rifle because my wife and mother-in-law are terrified of spiders in the house. I had seen “bug vacuums” on infomercials but didn’t want to shell out the $30-$60 for something that runs on batteries and probably doesn’t perform all that well.

Illustration by Damien Scogin

What you are about to build is not technically a rifle, as it does not launch a projectile, but it does look like a rifle. It works by directing compressed air downward through the “drop tube,” which draws air from the barrel, along with any hapless bug that happens to be next to the barrel end.

Make It

Important! If you use a saw for cutting the pipe, make sure you wear proper respiratory equipment. This also applies for drilling. Dust from CPVC

is toxic and can stay in your lungs. Using a pipe cutter instead of a saw will minimize dust. Check out the materials list on the next page, then begin.

1. Cut the ½" CPVC pipe into 4 lengths: 18" ( 1), 4” ( 2) , ¾" ( 1).

2. On one of the two 4" pieces of pipe, cut a slit lengthwise ½" from one end. The slit should be about ¾" long and go completely through the pipe. This slit will be used to clamp the can of compressed air to the Spider Rifle.

You can either drill a few pilot holes through the pipe and cut the rest out with a utility knife or use my preferred method: a Dremel with a cutting bit. Be careful with a knife, as it can slip easily, and as always, wear a dust mask or respirator. 3. Use a r" drill bit and drill a single hole in the center of the CPVC T-fitting. This will be the