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Killing JarA killing jar is an instrument of entomologists to kill caught insects quickly, humanely and without damaging them. The jar must be able to be hermetically sealed and usually has a 0.5-1.5 inch layer of hardened plaster of paris on the bottom to absorb the killing agent. Previously potassium cyanide was used as an active ingredient; because of the obvious risks this is now usually considered obsolete. The potassium cyanide was put under the plaster of paris and slowly decomposed, giving off hydrogen cyanide fumes. Ethyl acetate, sprinkled on the bottom of a tightly sealing jar into which some plaster of paris has been poured and has hardened will provide effective results. If the jar is no longer effective it can be replenished with another few drops. It is important not to have fluid sloshing around in the jar or the insects will get sticky and hairy insects will get matted fur or lose hairs or wing scales (butterflies).
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