I have two boys. It is therefore not surprising that the word "bug" has been part of their vocabulary since very early on.
While Husband is a self-proposed 'fraidy-cat when it comes to insects and spiders, my son the Cat is a bit more bold. Interestingly, it is only more recently that he has become more hesitant around bugs, although encourages "fairy flies" to stick around, even in odd places such as the car.
Spliggle has never been afraid. In his preschool class two years ago, he used to pull the bugs off the low windows. Last summer it was tough to get all the way around the lake because every few feet Splig had to pick up a ladybug. He adopts bugs and cries when they fly, scoot, or crawl away seconds later.
I knew the Discovery Channel Store's Bug Net Launcher would be for them. I figured the Cat could observe bugs from a safe distance and Splig could capture them without crushing them. I received this product free-for-review from the Parent Bloggers Network:
Indeed, the kids were excited when we received the package. They immediately wanted to try it out.
Straight out of the box, the contraption was new and tight enough so that I was the one to stick in the prongs of the net to "load" it. I showed the Cat (age 7) how to do it, but until the catcher became a bit more "used," it was too difficult for him to do himself. Perhaps the springs had to loosen a bit; it didn't take too long.
Both he and Spliggle (age 4, younger than the suggested age of 6) enjoyed aiming the net at flying insects. The package also comes with cardboard cut-out "decoys" and little stands, so even if no real live bugs are around, the net can be used with glee.
Both boys spent hours the first day - and even the second - launching the net around the backyard. While initially the targets were actual insects, the boys moved on to the cardboard versions rather quickly. They then started trying to trap other things, hopefully not each other.
While on the Discovery Channel Store's shop page, this toy is entitled "Bug Net Launcher," the actual product is called a "Backyard Safari Netgun," but I am one of those moms who hates the word "gun." To be honest, if I saw the package on a store shelf, I don't think I would have picked it up. The graphic is of a boy with eyes narrowed in devious concentration with a smirky smile. He is aiming at the frightened bugs as if to cause harm. "Ready, Aim, Fire! No Bug Can Out Fly the Netgun!" boasts the description.
When I chose to review this product, I thought it was a "catcher" as in "catch the bug, observe it a bit, and release it." Indeed, the instructions imply a more "observation" purpose, saying things like "...ever seen a bug or insect and wished you knew more about it... now is your chance because with your new Netgun, you can safely capture, examine and learn about all kinds or flying bugs and insects!" The instructions go on to explain how one might carefully transfer the bug to a habitat or release it safely after "the net [comes] down and gently cover[s] the bug."
That description sounds great to me, as does the "caution" section which forbids aiming the Netgun at people (of course!) and closes with "You're an explorer, so be smart and careful in the way you treat all living things in nature. The idea is to learn and explore, but it is your responsibility to use the Netgun properly. A good explorer always respects nature."
Sounds good.
But unfortunately, 100% of the bugs my boys caught with the Netgun died on impact, or shortly thereafter. Perhaps the launch is a bit too strong. After Splig caught his first bug, he exclaimed, "Oh! There it is!" as he approached the net, and then "Oh no, it died!" It was almost comical, but also very sad.
The boys didn't mind when I told them to switch to non-living targets; the whole shooting and capturing action was just as fun with other objects. As much as I hate typing out the word "shooting," the boys really loved it.
Unfortunately, one of the four prongs broke that first evening. Fortunately, with three other prongs, the gun's strength and trajectory were unaffected; the fun continued! Unfortunately, another prong broke after a second day of rambunctious play. Similarly, the cardboard cutouts got wet (I blame the wading pool!) and faded. Still, the Netgun is outside, because the net itself can be used in a variety of different fantasy play, and even the weathered cardboard bugs are good for something.
I definitely like the idea of the Netgun Bug Catcher / Bug Net Launcher : I'd love to be able to safely catch flying insects for purposes of observation, but this particular product didn't deliver. I like the instructions and how they encourage safe exploration, so hope that perhaps they will continue to refine the product so that it will be longer-lasting, and yet gentle enough for the bugs.
In sum, my boys had fun with this product; I think they just had a bit too much fun, such that the product couldn't stand up to their enthusiasm. But unfortunately, the bugs couldn't stay alive either.
