This utility application is a nonprovisional application of provisional application Ser. No. 60/565,678 filed Apr. 27, 2004, the specification of which is incorporated herein by reference. The benefit of the filing date of this earlier filed application is claimed under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e). 


   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   This invention relates to devices used to catch pests and more particularly relates to devices that are inserted into a container in order to trap pests inside a container. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   Pests, such as insects, rodents, slugs, and the like, frequently inhabit greenhouses, gardens, pantries, kitchens, or almost any area designated for human use or enjoyment. To alleviate problems caused by pests, traps have been designed to capture the bothersome creatures. A common pest outdoors is the hornet or wasp. The flying, stinging insects have caused early termination of many outdoor activities and have frustrated numerous gardeners. Many traps have been specially designed to catch wasps. 
     FIG. 1  illustrates a typical wasp trap  100  known in the art. The trap  100  includes a base  102  with openings  104  for the wasps to enter. The trap  100  further comprises an inverted funnel  106  inside of a container  108 . The container  108  is connected to the base  102  and may include a device  110  for hanging the trap  100 . An attractant may be placed within the base  102  to lure wasps. One draw back to the trap  100  is, the trap  100  must be cleaned to be reused or must be completely discarded. The apparatus is also bulky and must be stored when not in use. Furthermore, this type of trap  100  is typically for home use and is not easily transportable because the trap  100  must be cleaned. Also, the trap  100  is intended to be hung and cannot rest on a flat surface because of the design of the base  102 . 
     FIG. 2  illustrates another example of a wasp trap  200  known in the art. The trap  200  includes an entrance device  202  and a bag  204 . The wasps enter through the entrance device  202  and are trapped in the bag  204 . In some cases, an attractant may fill the bottom of the bag  204  to lure the wasps. Because the trap  200  has a single entrance on top of the bag  204 , the number of wasps entering the trap may be limited. Unlike the wasp trap  100 , the trap  200  is disposable. However, the trap  200  must be repurchased, which causes unnecessary expense and hassle. In addition, the bag  204  may not be attractive to onlookers, especially when full of wasps. Furthermore, the bag  204 , lacking a solid shape, must also be hung to function as a wasp trap. 
     FIG. 3  is another wasp trap  300  known in the art. The wasp trap  300  comprises a base container  302  and a covering  304  with an eyelet and string to hang the trap  300 . The base container  302  includes a plurality of holes  306  for wasps to enter the trap  300 . The holes  306  have a tapered opening leading into the container  302 . Consequently, the wasps may crawl into the holes  306  easily, but cannot exit the holes  306 . In addition, the base container  302  includes smaller holes  308  to allow the aroma of an attractant to lure wasps to the trap  300 . Though the trap  300  has an attractive appearance, the trap  300  must also be cleaned for reuse and is bulky to store and transport, similar to trap  100 . 
   From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for a compact, cost-effective device that effectively captures pests, and in particular, wasps. Beneficially, such a device would be reusable but not require excessive cleaning. In addition, the device may be adaptable and may be used in a variety of locations and containers. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available pest traps. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide an insertable device to trap pests inside a container that overcomes many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art. 
   The device is preferably configured to be inserted into a container. In one embodiment, the container may be a disposable two liter plastic bottle. Alternatively, the container may be a milk jug, cardboard box, or other disposable container. In a preferred embodiment, the device is inserted into an opening in the side of the container. As a result, a plurality of devices may be inserted into a single container. In select embodiments, the device may be configured to be inserted into permanent enclosures, such as eves of a building, pipes, posts, walls, etc. 
   The insertable device preferably comprises a funnel with a first and second end. The first end may have a wider opening than the second end. The first end may further include a flange configured to engage a wall of the container. In certain embodiments, except for the opening created by the funnel itself, the flange may seal the opening into the container. Preferably, the flange blocks the opening so insects do not escape from the container. The device may also include one or more protruding members extending from the external surface of the funnel. The protruding members are preferably configured to secure the funnel to the container. In certain embodiments, the funnel may comprise apertures to allow the aroma of an attractant to permeate the inside of the funnel. 
   Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment. 
   Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention. 
   These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. 


   
     DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
     In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a wasp trap known in the art; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a wasp trap known in the art; 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a wasp trap known in the art; 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of one embodiment of an insertable device in accordance with the present invention with phantom lines representing tangencies of surfaces; the device is shown positioned such that the front face of the device is located at the top of the figure; 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a two liter disposable bottle with a plurality of insertable devices of the present invention inserted into the side of the bottle, a portion of the bottle being shown as substantially transparent so as to reveal the insertable devices that are inserted on the far side of the figure; 
       FIG. 6  is an orthographic side view of one embodiment of an insertable device in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 7  is an orthographic front view of one embodiment of an insertable device in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an insertable device in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 9  is a close-up view of a protruding member shown in  FIG. 8  in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 10  is an orthographic side view of an alternative embodiment of an insertable device in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 11  is a front orthographic view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 10 ; 
       FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 10 ; 
       FIG. 13  is a side orthographic view of an alternative embodiment of an insertable device in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 14  is a side orthographic view of an alternative embodiment of an insertable device in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 15  is a top orthographic view of the alternative embodiment of an insertable device depicted in  FIG. 14 ; 
       FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a lighted cap in accordance with the present invention—cross-hatching is not shown for clarity; 
       FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a disposable plastic bottle with multiple devices inserted in the side of the bottle, two of the devices are shown retained by a rubber band, and with a lighted cap in accordance with the present invention; a portion of the bottle being shown as substantially transparent so as to reveal the light and insertable devices and that are inserted on the far side of the figure and; 
       FIG. 18  is a perspective view of one embodiment of an insertable device in accordance with the present invention inserted into a disposable plastic bottle 
   


   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. 
   Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are included to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention. 
     FIG. 4  illustrates one embodiment of an insertable device  400  that inserts into a container. The device  400  includes a funnel  402 , a flange  404 , protruding members  406 , and apertures  408 . A first end  410  of the device  400  may comprise a wider opening  412 , and a second end  414  of the device  400  may comprise a narrower opening  416 . The insertable device  400  is preferably reusable and may be made from any suitable material, such as plastic, metal, wood, rubber, or the like. 
   Preferably, the second end  414  of the insertable device  400  is inserted into a hole in a container such that the narrow opening  416  opens into the interior of the container. Preferably, the container has a wall that is penetratable or deformable. For example, a container may comprise a disposable two liter plastic bottle, such as the type of container in which soda pop is sold. A user is preferably able to cut or create a hole or opening in the wall of the container. As a result, the user may insert the device  400  into the wall of the container. In one embodiment, the device  400  may include a blade or pointed member to create a hole or slit in a container. 
   Because the device  400  is inserted into the side of a container, one or more devices  400  may be inserted into a single container. Consequently, the user may customize a container according to the need for an insect trap. Preferably, the device  400  is removable from the container and may be reused. The container is preferably disposable and may be discarded after use. Also, the size of the device  400  is preferably compact enough to be transported and stored easily. In certain embodiments, for convenience in packaging and shipping, the device  400  is stackable. 
     FIG. 5  illustrates one embodiment of a two liter plastic bottle  450  with a plurality of insertable devices  400  inserted into the side of the bottle  450 . Bottle  450  further includes lid  460  sealingly and detachably attached to bottle  450 . Bottle  450  having lid  460  attached to bottle  450  and at least one insertable device  400  inserted in a wall of bottle  450  comprises pest catching apparatus  470 . Insects may enter the bottle  450  simultaneously through different insertable devices  400 . To lure insects into the bottle  450 , an attractant  452  may be placed in the bottom of the container  450 . Known attractants include sugar water, food, manufactured attractants, and the like. The vapors of the attractant  452  preferably escape through the insertable devices  400 , as well as through other openings created in container  450 . Multiple devices  400  permit a greater amount of attractant vapors to escape the container  450 . 
   The funnel  402  gradually tapers from a wider opening  412  to a narrower opening  416  such that pests may enter the device  400  from the wider opening  412  and then proceed through the funnel  402  to enter the bottle  450  from the narrower opening  416 . Preferably, the narrower opening  416  is sized relative to the type of pest being trapped, such that opening  416  is sufficiently large enough for the intended pest to enter into container  450  through opening  416 , but not so large that the intended pest may easily escape container  450  through opening  416 . Consequently, the pest is not easily able to exit the container  450  through the narrow opening  416 , since the creature typically tries to exit through the transparent walls of the container  450  or through the apertures  408  in the funnel  402 . To decrease the likelihood of a pest escaping container  450  through narrow opening  416 , device  400  preferably includes at least one barb  419  on the inner surface of funnel  402 . At least one barb  419  is angularly oriented such that barb  419  extends from funnel  402  towards opening  416 . Accordingly, barbs  419  provide for a pest to more easily enter container  450  through device  400  than to exit container  450  through device  400 . This is especially true for pests such as mice that bear fur. In the unlikely event that fur bearing pests attempt to exit container  450  through funnel  402 , the fur of such pests is prone to catch on barbs  419 . Thus the difficulty for such fur bearing pests to exit container  450  through funnel  402  is substantially increased. 
   Referring back to  FIG. 4 , the funnel  402  may further comprise a flange  404  attached at the first end  410  of the device  400 . The flange  404  is preferably configured to engage a wall of the container  450 . In one embodiment, the flange  404  is wide and circumscribes the opening  412  of the funnel  402 . In a further embodiment, the flange  404  may seal the portion of the opening in the wall of the container  450  defined by the open passage between the bottle wall and funnel  402  outer surface that would otherwise not be sealed. Alternatively, the flange  404  may simply block the opening of the container such that insects do not escape from the container  450 . Accordingly, the flange  404  may have various sizes, thicknesses, and profiles to accommodate different containers and openings. In one embodiment, the flange  404  is curved to further enhance the ability of the device  400  to close off gaps in the wall of the container  450 . Alternatively, the flange  404  may be flat. In a further embodiment, multiple flanges  404  may extend from the funnel  402 . 
   In one embodiment, the flange  404  may include one or more grooves (not shown) across the face. The grooves may be configured to receive a rubber band or strap. Consequently, a rubber band may be used to help secure the insertable device  400  to the container  450 . A rubber band, in one embodiment, is extended around the container  450  and is placed on top of a device  400  inserted into a container  450 . Preferably, one rubber band is placed in a groove of the flange  404  above the opening  412 , and another rubber band is placed in a groove below the opening  412 . The retracted rubber bands firmly retain the insertable device  400  in an opening in the wall of the container  450 . The grooves in the flange  404  preferably prevent the rubber bands from falling off of the device  400 . 
   In an alternative embodiment, an adhesive or fastener may be used to attach the insertable device  400  to a container  450 . For example, tape, double-sided tape, Velcro®, glue, or the like may be used to fasten the back surface of the flange  404  to the wall of a container  450 . In one embodiment, thick glue may be applied to the flange  404  to attach the device  400  to the container  450  such that the opening in the wall of the container  450  may be sealed. In certain instances, the insertable device  450  may be discarded with the container  450 . Alternatively, an adhesive may be reapplied to an insertable device  400 , and the device  400  may thus be reusable. In yet an additional attachment method, device  400  is assembled to container  450  by inserting screws through flange  404  and through a wall in container  450 . 
   In certain embodiments, the face of the flange  404  may contain one or more recognizable symbols  418 . In one embodiment, the symbol  418  may comprise words or a trademark. Alternatively or in addition, the symbol  418  may be a shape of a particular insect, such as a fly, wasp, bee, or the like. The symbol  418  may correspond to the type of insect the device  400  is designed to help capture. Alternatively, the symbol  418  may simply be a decorative design. In a further embodiment, the flange  404  may also be shaped to resemble a recognizable object. For example, the flange  404  may be shaped as flower petals. 
   As mentioned previously, the flange  404  preferably engages the wall of the container  450  to hold the device  400  in place. In addition, protruding members  406  may also be configured to secure the device  400  to the container  450 . 
     FIG. 6  further illustrates a side view of the insertable device  400 . The protruding members  406  in the depicted embodiment resemble additional flanges circumscribing the funnel  402 . The protruding members  406  may also engage the wall of the container  450 . How the flange  404  and the protruding members  406  engage the wall of the container  450  depend on the type of container  450  as well as the kind of opening in the container  450 . 
   For example, the device  400  may engage a circular hole in a container  450  differently than a slit in the wall of the container  450 . In the case of a circular hole, the wall of the container  450  may rest between the flange  404  and a first protruding member  406   a . Alternatively, a container wall that is slit may contact the flange  404  and slope to contact a third protruding member  406   c . Consequently, the flange  404  and protruding members  406  are preferably designed to function with a variety of openings and types of containers  450 . 
   The insertable device  400  may comprise one or more protruding members  406 . A plurality of protruding members  406  may be provided to allow the device  400  to be adaptable. However, in select embodiments, the insertable device  400  may not include protruding members  406 . As discussed previously, the insertable device  400  may be fastened to a container  450  with an adhesive or a fastener. Thus, the insertable device  400  may rely on the adhesive to secure the device  400  to the container  450 . 
   Also mentioned, the funnel  402  may additionally include apertures  408 . The apertures  408  preferably permit the odor of an attractant  452  within the container  450  to permeate the funnel  402 . In one embodiment, the apertures  408  are holes. 
     FIG. 7  illustrates a front view of one embodiment of an insertable device  400 . The symbols  418  are depicted on the surface of the flange  404 . Additionally, apertures  408  are shown from within the funnel  402 . In one embodiment, the apertures  408  are positioned near the second end of the insertable device  400 . Consequently, insects are lured toward the narrow opening  416  of the funnel  402 . Preferably, the apertures  408  are sized to correspond to a particular type of insect, so the insects cannot escape through the apertures  408 . 
   In one embodiment, a screen, mesh, or net (not shown) may cover or replace the apertures  408  such that insects cannot crawl through the holes  408 . The screen may cover the apertures  408  from the inside of the funnel  402  or from the outside of the funnel  402 . Thus, the aroma of the attractant may escape the container  450  through the apertures  408  in the device  400 . In a further embodiment, a removable apparatus or covering with a screen may be adaptable to a particular device  400  to cover the apertures  408 . Consequently, the user may choose to apply a screen to the apertures  408  to capture smaller insects. 
     FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an insertable device  400  further illustrating the apertures  408 . Also illustrated are the flange  404  and protruding members  406 . In the depicted embodiment, the flange  404  and protruding members  406  are made from the same material as the funnel  402  and have been molded at the time of manufacture. In an alternative embodiment, the flange  404  and/or protruding members  406  may be welded to the funnel  402 . Furthermore, the protruding members  404 ,  406  may be attached with an adhesive or other form of fastener. 
     FIG. 9  illustrates in greater detail a protruding member  406 . The angle of the funnel  402  tapers toward the second end. The protruding members  406  may be located in a plane parallel to a face defined by the wide opening of the funnel  402 . 
     FIGS. 10–12  illustrate an alternative embodiment of an insertable device  500 . The device  500  comprises a funnel  502 , a flange  504 , protruding members  506 , and apertures  508 . The device  500  further includes a first end  510 , an opening  512 , a second end  514 , and a narrow opening  516 . In the depicted embodiment, the apertures  508  are slots that extend partially along the length of funnel  502 . Located near the second end  514  at one end of the slots  508  are protruding members  506 . The protruding members  506  may resemble barbs. In one embodiment, one or more protruding members  506  may include a sharpened edge or blade to cut an opening into a container  450 . 
   As discussed, the protruding members  506  preferably secure the insertable device  500  to a container. In one embodiment, the protruding members  506  are formed from the material removed from the slots  508  during manufacture. The slots  508  may encourage the insects to advance from the wider opening  512  to the narrower opening  516  and into the container. 
   The funnel  502  is preferably sized relative to the type or size of pest that is to be trapped. For example, the funnel  500  may be smaller to catch white flies, or larger to catch moths. In a contemplated embodiment, the funnel  502  may even be large enough to capture mice, other small rodents, and other pests. 
     FIG. 13  illustrates yet another embodiment of an insertable device  600  in accordance with the present invention. The device  600  may include a funnel  602 , a flange  604 , protruding members  606 , and a screen  608 . The device  600  may further include a first end  610 , a larger opening  612 , a second end  614 , a narrow opening  616 , and a container piercing blade-like member  618 . In one embodiment, the protruding members  606  are positioned near the first end  610  and are attached to the flange  604 . The protruding members  606  may be sloped to engage the wall of a container when the device  600  is inserted into the container. Device  600  further includes an attractant support device  620 , for supporting meat or other attractants, protruding from device  600 . Flange  604  of device  600  further includes retention grooves  622  which provide for the mounting of device  600  to a container by placing an elastic band in a compressively retaining relationship to grooves  622  of device  600  and a container. 
   In one embodiment, the device  600  may include only two protruding members  606 . Accordingly, the protruding members  606  are configured to slide into a slit formed in the wall of a container such as the slit initiated by blade-like member  618 . The protruding members  606  consequently engage the wall of the container in the slit. As a result, the device  600  may be sufficiently secured to the container, while still permitting the device  600  to be easily removed. 
   As discussed, in certain embodiments, a screen  608  allows an attractant aroma to escape the funnel  602 , while preventing small insects from crawling in and out of the slots. In the depicted embodiment, the screen  608  replaces the apertures to enhance dissemination of the attractant aroma. 
   To help capture flying insects, a container with one or more insertable devices may be hung in an open area to attract the insects. In one embodiment, a cap with an eyelet for hanging a container may be provided. The cap may further include a strap or a string or the like for hanging the container. In a contemplated embodiment, the cap may comprise a light source to attract insects. 
     FIG. 14  illustrates yet another embodiment of an insertable device  900  in accordance with the present invention. The device  900  may include a funnel  902 , a flange  904 , at least one protruding member  906  having at least one barb  907 , and a screen  908 . The device  900  may further include a first end  910 , a larger opening  912 , a second end  914 , a narrow opening  916 , and a container piercing blade-like member  918 . The at least one protruding member  906  extends in substantially a single plane which is parallel with a longitudinal axis of the insertable device  900 . The at least one protruding member  906  has a first end  920  which is located between the flange  904  and the at least one protruding member second end  921  along a longitudinal axis of the insertable device  900 . The at least one protruding member second end  921  is located between the at least one protruding member first end  920  and the funnel second end  914 . The at least one protruding member  906  having first  922  and second  923  edges and a corner  924  defined by an intersection of said first  922  and second  923  edges. The first edge  922  extending from the at least one protruding member first end  920  toward the corner  924 . The second edge  923  extending from the external surface of the funnel perpendicularly away from the longitudinal axis of the insertable device  900  to intersect the first edge  922  at the corner  924 , and the first edge  922  having the at least one barb  907  thereon which projects transversely from the substantially single plane in which at least one protruding member extends Device  900  is adapted such that when device  900  is pressed against a container side wall, blade-like member  918  pierces a hole the container side wall. Device  900  is further adapted such that when device  900  is pressed into a container side wall hole, at least one barb  907  engages the container side wall to retain device  900  in an inserted position in the container. 
   As discussed, in certain embodiments, a screen  908  allows an attractant to escape the funnel  902 , while preventing small insects from crawling in and out of the slots. In the depicted embodiment, the screen  908  replaces the apertures to enhance dissemination of the attractant. 
     FIG. 16  illustrates one embodiment of a cap  700  with a light source  702  in accordance with the present invention. The cap  700  may be extended to include pertinent functioning components. A light bulb  704  may be located within a threaded cap  706 . Consequently, the light source  702  lights up the inside of a container, such as a two liter plastic bottle. 
     FIG. 17  illustrates insect catching apparatus  650  comprising a plastic bottle  675  with insertable devices  400  and  600  and a lighted cap  700 . Bottle  675  may be an empty two-liter volume soda pop bottle. When the cap  700  is screwed onto a bottle  675 , an activated light source  702  attracts insects to the bottle  675 . Such an embodiment may be useful to capture flies, fireflies, moths, mosquitoes, and the like. Enclosed areas, such as tents, greenhouses, storage areas, and the like, may especially benefit from a lighted insect trap. Further,  FIG. 17  illustrates additional means of securing device  600  to bottle  675 . A first additional means of securing device  600  to bottle  675  is the placement of elastic band  685  in compressive retention relationship to grooves  622  of device  600 . A second additional means of securing device  600  to bottle  675  is by placing an adhesive between flange  604  and bottle  675  such that device  600  is adhered to bottle  675 . 
   Referring back to  FIG. 16 , the light bulb  704  may be powered by a battery  708 , such as a nine-volt battery. As depicted, the cap  700  may be extended to house the battery  708 . The housing  710  may resemble various shapes and may be made from plastic or other suitable material. The cap  700  may further include an eyelet  712  to hang the container if desired. 
   The light source  702  within the cap  700  may have various characteristics. In one embodiment, the light source  702  may have multiple modes, such as blinking, sustained, bright, photo switch, timed lighting, and the like. In addition, the light source  702  may be waterproof. In one embodiment, the light source  702  is a Light-Emitting Diode (LED) light powered by a battery  708 . In a further embodiment, the light source  702  may be embodied in an adaptable device that may be placed in various locations throughout the container, such as the bottom of the container or on the side of the container. 
   The present invention may be adaptable to function in multiple situations. For example, the insertable device may be used to capture crawling pests as well. A container, such as a bottle  450 , with an insertable device may be placed on the ground. In one embodiment, the trap may include a ramp to lead slugs, roaches and other crawling insects, and/or rodents into the trap. 
     FIG. 18  illustrates one embodiment of an insertable device  800  with a ramp  820 . The device  800  is inserted into a two liter plastic bottle  850 . The device  800  may include a funnel  802 , a flange  804 , protruding members (not shown), and apertures  808 . The device  800  may further include a first end having a wider opening  812  and a second end having a narrower opening  816 . Consequently, the device  800  may be inserted into the side of a container  850 . An attractant or bait may be placed within the container  850 . Crawling insects or rodents may then crawl up the ramp  820  to enter the funnel  802 . Once inside of the container  850 , the insects or rodents are not able to exit through the narrow opening  816  of funnel  802 . 
   In certain instances, narrow opening  816  of the second end may include a one-way flap or covering that functions as a swinging door. The flap may permit a creature to enter the container  850  through the funnel  802 , but preferably prevents passage out of the container  850 . 
   In yet another embodiment, the container may include a decorative covering (not shown) to hide the captured insects from view. Alternatively or in addition, the container may also be decorated to appeal to the user and/or to hide the insects. In certain embodiments, the insertable device may include additional apparatus to close the opening of the funnel. For example, a flat circular member may be pivotally attached to the flange such that the circular member may be rotated to block the wide opening. Apparatus to close the wide opening of the funnel may be useful when discarding a container full of insects or other pests if the user does not intend to reuse the insertable device. 
   The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
The insertable pest catching device is an invention that because of its unique geometry and design provides for the simple and cost effective catching of pests such as hornets and yellow jackets. The device is principally intended for use in combination with an empty plastic two-liter volume soda pop bottle or the like. In practice, an attractant such as a predetermined amount of sugar water is placed into a capped plastic bottle and the funnel shaped device is retentatively pressed into the side of the bottle. The device in combination with the bottle creates an attraction to pests. The pests are guided into the bottle through the funnel and subsequently die within the bottle. After a predetermined quantity of pests are trapped within the bottle, the bottle, with the device still inserted may be discarded as an entire assembly. Thus the disassembly, mess, and washing common with prior art pest catching devices is avoided. In certain embodiments, multiple devices may be inserted into a single bottle.