Cut and sew the netting material into a 'cone' shape, then fold the edge over and sew a casing through which to thread the wire loop. Attach to a dowel rod or broomstick as described for the sweep net. Beat sheets are used to collect slow moving and small insects which have been jarred from plants. An inverted umbrella, white pan or sheet of paper is placed under plants. Shake or jar the insects off of plants onto the beat sheet, then grab them with tweezers or shoo them into jars.
Berlese funnels are useful in collecting small insects from soil, leaf litter, or compost.
Scoop a bit of soil or debris onto the screen, and then place an electric light directly above the funnel. The heat from the lamp forces insects down the funnel, into the alcohol. Leave undisturbed for 2-5 days, or until soil is dry. If the material is very fine, place a paper towel between the screen and the soil, so fine particles won't get into the alcohol. Light traps are used at night to catch insects.