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
Illustration by Damien Scogin
I created the spider sucker rifle because my wife is toxic and can stay in your lungs. Using a pipe cut-
and mother-in-law are terrified of spiders in the ter instead of a saw will minimize dust. Check out
house. I had seen “bug vacuums” on infomercials the materials list on the next page, then begin.
but didn’t want to shell out the $30-$60 for 1. Cut the ½" CPVC pipe into 4 lengths: 18" ( 1),
something that runs on batteries and probably 4” ( 2) , ¾" ( 1).
doesn’t perform all that well. 2. On one of the two 4" pieces of pipe, cut a slit
What you are about to build is not technically a lengthwise ½" from one end. The slit should be
rifle, as it does not launch a projectile, but it does about ¾" long and go completely through the
look like a rifle. It works by directing compressed pipe. This slit will be used to clamp the can of
air downward through the “drop tube,” which compressed air to the Spider Rifle.
draws air from the barrel, along with any hapless You can either drill a few pilot holes through
bug that happens to be next to the barrel end. the pipe and cut the rest out with a utility knife
or use my preferred method: a Dremel with a cut-
Make It ting bit. Be careful with a knife, as it can slip eas-
Important! If you use a saw for cutting the pipe, ily, and as always, wear a dust mask or respirator.
make sure you wear proper respiratory equip- 3. Use a r" drill bit and drill a single hole in
ment. This also applies for drilling. Dust from CPVC the center of the CPVC T-fitting. This will be the
