Finding moths

Observing moths is very easy; you don’t even have to actively look for them. By using two simple methods to attract moths, all you have to do is wait for them to come to you. Moths are attracted to light (no one really knows why although there are a number of theories), and also to the smell of fermented sugar and ripe fruit – both food sources.

Light set up for beginners

1. Any type of light will attract moths. Just leave a porch light on and wait and see what is attracted to it. If you are in a field or forest, you can use battery-operated lights or even a flashlight. Entomologists use black lights and mercury vapor lights, which emit light in a color spectrum that moths find irresistible. These types of lights can be ordered online at relatively low cost.
2. Moths need a surface to rest on. White sheets are often used. Hang a sheet over clothes line or between two trees, and shine the light on it. An outside wall also works well if your light is set up near a house or a building.
3. Wait for the moths to come to your light so you can observe and photograph them.

——Specialty lights and light traps can be purchased from entomological equipment suppliers such as lepitrap.com. Mercury Vapor and black lights can also be purchased from hardware stores or ordered online. Blacklights can also be found in Party stores. ——

Sugaring for moths

1. Moths can smell food from a distance. When provided with fermented sugar and fruit, they will fly right to it. This method of attracting moth is simply called ‘sugaring’.  Read more about sugaring for moth and tips on how to from moth’ers.
2. Make “moth food” A mix of sugar, fruit (banana, peach or other overripe fruit) and beer will work. Try Dave’s not-so-secret recipe or experiment with your own recipe.
3. Brush the mix on tree trunks an hour before dusk.
4. Check every 30 minutes to see what’s coming to the bait.

Have fun!

• Invite your family and friends to join you for a mothing party. Enjoy moth-inspired food, watch the old flick Mothra, (but remember, moths aren’t really scary!)  and tell mothing stories.
• If you are mothing with children, check out the kids page for more ideas.

Finding moths during the day

• Moth that fly at night are settled down during the day in some hidden places. 
• Keep an eye out for the amazing Sphinx moths, many species fly during the day.  

Collect data

• Photograph the moths you see.  To learn how to photograph moths watch How to photograph butterflies and moths (from our partner LepiMap).  For more about photographic moths click here.
• Submit moth photos to the any of our partners.
• Upload your moth, setup, and people photos on the National Moth Week Flicker group. If you would like to make your images available to be uploaded to the National Moth Week website, please set permissions to “Creative Commons,” or leave a note in the comment section giving permission.
• Tell us about your mothing events. Share your stories, recipes for moth-inspired foods, games, and whatever else. The best moth night stories will be featured on our blog.

Video: Carl Barrentine