No More Squashing: Hands-Free Solution To Remove Bugs Using A Shark Tank Find

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According to a 2023 survey from Zevo, a whopping 71% of Americans have a fear of bugs. We get it — these little creepy crawlies might not present much of a risk to our well-being in most situations, but there's something almost instinctual that makes us want to tuck tail and run the second we unexpectedly stumble across one. This fear is only heightened when you suddenly start seeing more bugs at home, and no matter how thoroughly you clean or seal your entrances, crafty critters always seem to identify an entry point. Smushing them with a shoe is always an option, but it's not always the best approach. For a more hands-free and humane method to send bugs on their way, consider picking up a Cup-a-Bug! Bug Catcher Tool. 

Originally pitched on "Shark Tank" in 2024 by Justin Huang, this catcher features a long arm with a trigger attached to a cup. When the cup is placed over the critter and the trigger is pulled, it becomes trapped in a sealed, portable vestibule. You can then take the entire tool outside and release the trigger, dropping out the floor of the cup and returning the insect to where it belongs. This entire process won't require you to get more than a few feet away from the insect, and it won't hurt the bug, either. Huang earned a $75,000 investment from Mark Cuban for 20% of the company after his "Shark Tank" pitch, and it's safe to say this was a good call. Cup-a-Bug! has blossomed into a successful business, and after learning how useful this tool can be and how satisfied most customers have been with the product, it's clear to see why.

Cup-a-Bug! isn't just a great tool to have on hand for those who want to put more distance between themselves and critters; it's also a fantastic alternative if you're looking to take a more conscious approach to pest control. Pyrethroids, a common class of active ingredients in bug killer sprays, allow you to kill bugs without having to touch them directly. But they also come along with a laundry list of negative side effects for pets that can quickly snowball into full-blown poisoning. They're not safe for use around young children, either, and have been shown to contribute to the problem of more resistant mosquitoes. Over-reliance on these chemicals has created pest populations that are harder to kill.

There's also the idea that not all critters need to be killed. While having to squish an invading insect might break the heart of more tender homeowners, wider environmental implications can provide additional support for a more humane approach. Many people hold the perspective that you shouldn't kill spiders in your home, for example, because they eat bugs like flies and mosquitos and keep the food chain balanced. This catcher can even be used for small lizards and frogs, which are also beneficial bug-eaters.

Finally, there's the simple fact that catching bugs can be difficult. Cup-a-Bug! can make this task much easier, giving you the chance to sneak up on critters. You won't even have to bend over — a pro for those with mobility issues — and cleanup is virtually non-existent. Catching and releasing is convenient, and once you return the bug to its home, you can feel good about your approach.

Customers generally seem to be happy with their Cup-a-Bug! purchases, giving the product a fairly impressive 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon across 71 ratings. Positive reviewers praise the bug catcher as a lifesaver for those with a more severe phobia or who find squishing bugs inhumane. "As someone who has always been deathly afraid of bugs, with roaches [being] at the top, this is such a life saver for me! When I say I have a phobia, I mean it, I can't even stand to be near them, dead or alive, and this little tool is so amazing," one satisfied Amazon reviewer shared. "[T]he fact that I can do critter clean up while being able to [keep] them literally at arms length is beyond amazing for me."

While most were fans of this tool to get rid of bugs in your house without killing them, a few felt that the $39.99 price tag was too high for the quality of product you receive. The main sticking point was the string mechanism that runs through the handle to open and close the vestibule. "This product is literally held together by what looks to be dental floss. Product is in infancy on Shark Tank so I figured hopefully that this product will be better made. The one that I received is worthless," another Amazon customer stated. These unhappy customers were in the minority, but if you're considering purchasing the product yourself, it's worth factoring in their perspectives.