Catching Bugs

Learn how to catch bugs in Animal Crossing: New Horizons! Get tips on using your net, catching seasonal insects, and safely dealing with wasps.

Hey there! Ready to fill up that Critterpedia and maybe make a few Bells? Catching bugs in Animal Crossing: New Horizons is pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it, but there are a few tricks to know.

First things first, you're gonna need a net! Tom Nook will give you the DIY recipe for a flimsy net after you finish his initial DIY Workshop. You can craft this basic net using five tree branches. Don't worry too much if it breaks – tree branches are everywhere, so you can always whip up another one.

Once you've got your net, head outside and start looking around. You'll see butterflies and dragonflies zipping through the air, and other bugs chilling on tree trunks. To catch one, just open your inventory and equip your net. When you're close enough to an insect, press the A button to swing your net.

Flying bugs, like butterflies, are a bit more forgiving if you miss. But if you miss a bug on a tree trunk, it'll usually fly off super fast, so you'll want to be a bit more precise there. For your first few tries, I'd recommend sticking to the flying ones – they're easier to catch!

Now, if you want to get a little more accurate with your net swings, try this: hold down the A button. This makes you walk slowly, giving you time to line up your shot perfectly. This is especially handy for those tricky bugs on trees.

Just like with fish, bugs are seasonal. This means you can only catch certain types of critters during specific months and seasons. Plus, some bugs only show up during the day, while others are strictly nocturnal. Keep an eye on your Critterpedia for details!

Catching Wasps: A Word of Caution!

Okay, this is important: when you're chopping down trees or shaking them, be super careful! Sometimes, a wasp nest will fall out, and those wasps are NOT happy. They'll come after you, and you'll get stung.

You *can* catch wasps with your net, but you have to be really quick. You've only got a tiny window to snag them before they hurt you. My best advice? Always shake trees *before* you chop them down. If you've got your net equipped while shaking, you're already in a good position to catch any wasps that drop out!

Warning: If you get stung by wasps twice without using medicine to heal in between, you'll faint and wake up back at your house. It's a bit of a setback! So, always keep some medicine handy, just in case.

Catching wasps definitely takes some practice, so don't get discouraged if you get stung a few times. You'll get the hang of it!