Entomologist and MSU extension agent Duke Elsner recently led an insect walk that focused on those creatures that are drawn to sap, particularly those that become active after the sun sets. In order to draw these fascinating insects in, he painted a number of trees with a mixture of sugar, beer, molasses, banana extract and rum.
On the first tree baited, ants were the first to arrive, and they likely continued to visit the site after all the human visitors were long gone. There were also slugs, daddy long legs, camel crickets, and the star of the night, ground beetles and a single underwing moth (Noctuidae catocala). Duke informed the group that this same bait, applied in the morning, would bring different insects.
Anyone wanting to attract nighttime insects can make up a batch of bait by beginning with five pounds of sugar, a can or bottle of beer, and the other above listed ingredients. The final mix should be liquid enough to stick to the tree and remain fluid for several hours before crystallizing, but not so runny that it all drains off the trees. Use a large paint brush to apply and then watch to see what shows up!