A moth trap is a fascinating way to find out what kind of moths are flying about in your garden when you are asleep and it’s very easy and cheap to build one. Moth traps are designed to catch and observe moths, not to harm them, and the insects can be safely released the following day. You can also do your bit and submit your moth sightings to the National Moth Monitoring Scheme.

What do you need?

Bucket/crate with lid
egg boxes
a cylindrical bottle/pipe
inside of a lampshade, or similar (for holding bottle & LED strip)
cable ties
perspex bowl/microwave food cover (optional, for rain protection / bird deterrent)
Sharp knife for cutting hole in lid for funnel to slot into
large, shallow funnel (approx 20cm diameter) with wide hole at bottom (cut a standard funnel to size)
USB power pack
UV light (around 365nm UV) (nb. I’m using 395-405nm LED strip which is cheap and works OK but isn’t optimal for attracting moths. Visit Butterfly Conservation for alternatives

Charge your battery pack

Put some fresh foliage in the crate along with the egg boxes
At 11pm-12am put the moth trap in a sheltered area of your garden and switch the light on
6am-7am (or earlier!) come out in the garden to look at your catch! (UK Moth ID)
Gently move the moths to a shady hedge or tree to rest until dusk

NB: I am in no way an expert. There has been a lot of trial and error, plus friendly advice on Facebook groups like Moth Traps UK. There is plenty of information online about building moth traps for observation, and places where you can buy them ready to go.

A few of the moths I’ve attracted in my garden using my simple, budget-friendly set-up: