Connecting with the Community: One Bug at a Time

Editor's note: Billy Olesen, A.C.E., president of Pest Stop Services, Olympia, Wash., recently partnered with the Hands On Children’s Museum for its annual Boo Bash Halloween event. Olesen shared how families came for the costumes, candy and games, but left fascinated by the insects and arachnids they met along the way.

In the pest management industry, most of our work revolves around solving problems that others would rather not face. We deal with infestations, sanitation challenges and delicate environmental balance every day. Yet some of the most rewarding moments in this field come when we get to share our passion for insects, science and stewardship with the public.

That spirit of outreach came alive this October when Pest Stop Services, Inc. partnered with the Hands On Children’s Museum in Olympia, Wash., for its annual Boo Bash Halloween event. Families came for the costumes, candy and games but left fascinated by the insects and arachnids they met along the way.

Bugs, curiosity and a little courage. Our team brought along a crowd-pleasing lineup: hissing cockroaches, tarantulas, scorpions, a praying mantis and even a colony of dampwood termites. Kids and parents eagerly lined up to hold and observe the creatures, some doing so for the very first time.

At a nearby microscope station, visitors examined preserved specimens of northern giant hornets and the spotted lanternfly, both invasive species that offered teachable moments about biodiversity and environmental protection. Conversations flowed naturally from pest identification to how these invaders spread and what pest management professionals do to help contain them.

And, of course, there was the cricket tasting station. Guests sampled flavored crickets — cotton candy was the clear favorite, with many saying they tasted like sunflower seeds. One parent joked that they were “sunflower seeds with legs.” The activity sparked fun, laughter and new perspectives on entomophagy, the sustainable practice of eating insects.

Inspiring the next generation. Pest Stop maintains a diverse collection of live and preserved specimens that travel with us to trade shows, chamber of commerce meetings and community education events. These displays help bridge the gap between the professional pest control world and the general public.

Our motivation goes beyond brand awareness. If children are introduced to bugs in a positive way, they may develop a lifelong curiosity about science — or even pursue a career in entomology or pest management. Events like Boo Bash help shift attitudes from fear to fascination and build understanding of how professionals protect health, homes, and the environment.

Somewhere in that crowd of wide-eyed kids may be a future entomologist, a researcher or a pest professional who will one day make discoveries that improve how our industry serves people and protects ecosystems. Every time we hand a child a magnifying glass, we may be helping them find a future calling.

Making it work. Many pest companies hesitate to do community events out of concern for safety or insurance coverage. We were pleased to learn that our general liability insurance had no issue with this type of hands-on educational event. The museum’s team said they had wanted to host a program like this for years but had struggled to find anyone qualified and willing to bring in live specimens safely.

For companies seeking ways to connect with their communities, this experience shows it can be done safely, positively, and memorably.

“If you can get kids excited about bugs early, you might just inspire the next entomologist.” — Pest Stop Services, Inc.

A challenge to the industry. Community connection is not limited to service calls or marketing. It can begin with a single moment of curiosity, a child holding a cockroach for the first time, a parent asking questions about pollinators or a classroom full of kids learning that not all bugs are bad.

To our fellow pest professionals: find ways to share your expertise beyond the job site. Visit schools, partner with local museums or host educational booths at fairs. Your knowledge can educate, inspire and recruit the next generation of pest management leaders.

Education and engagement are just as vital as eradication. And who knows, your next technician might be out there right now, staring wide-eyed at a tarantula and thinking, “I want to learn more.”

Pro tip: planning a community bug exhibit: 

• Check your insurance coverage. Confirm that your general liability policy allows for live or preserved insect displays.
• Coordinate with your venue. Museums and schools often have specific rules about live animals or food sampling.
• Add allergy signage. If offering cricket tastings, clearly post a shellfish allergy warning since some individuals may have cross-reactive sensitivities.
• Encourage interaction. Hands-on experiences spark curiosity and create lasting memories. Hissing  cockroaches have been great for this!
• Keep it educational and fun. Positive experiences with insects can build understanding of the pest management profession.