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Moth Mash
 How would you attract a moth to come for a visit? Try these simple activities to find out.
What You Need
1 ripe banana
Bowl and spoon
Molasses or honey
Apple cider vinegar
Old paintbrush
Flashlight
Tacks or string
White sheet or towel
What to Do
Part 1
1. Mash the banana in the bowl using the back of the spoon.
2. Add a spoonful of molasses or honey and mix well.
3. Add a splash of vinegar and mix. Continue adding small amounts of vinegar until the mixture is like thick paint.
4. Go outside late in the day and paint the mixture on the trunk of a tree (or on a fencepost or tree stump).
5. About an hour later, return with an adult and a flashlight to see if any moths or other insects have come to snack on the banana mash.
Part 2
1. Use the tacks or string to attach the sheet to the side of a building. You can also hang it from the branch of a tree.
2. At night, return with an adult and shine a flashlight on the sheet. Watch to see if any insects are attracted to the sheet.
How it Works
Moths and other insects love sweets. This is why they are always searching for the sweet nectar in flowers. Since you put your sweet mixture out late in the day, it attracted night insects, like moths. Light also attracts night-flying insects. Scientists think these insects may use the Moon as a guide for flying at night. Other bright lights house lights, street lights, and your flashlight may also attract them.
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