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MAITLAND, Fla. – “How can you tell the difference between a moth and a butterfly?”
In Bob Belmont’s usual genuine and relaxed manner, he is teaching 2nd graders about insects of the world.
Students shout out answers ranging from “they’re not as pretty” to “they have bigger wings.”
After entertaining their responses, Bob Belmont, technical and training director for Pest Prevention, and in-house entomologist at Massey Services, answers with certainty, “If you look at the antennae on the insect, you will see that moths never have lobes on the end of their antennae, but butterflies do.”
In support of the National Pest Management Association’s mission to educate Americans on pests and the health risks they may pose, Massey Services spent three days recently at Dommerich Elementary School and Maitland Middle School, showing 2nd and 6th graders insect specimens from around the world, and discussing pest behavior and the importance of protecting your home and health from pest-related threats.
For the elementary school students, the teach-in session provided a precursor to a field trip the students will be taking to a local park to search for insects. Massey Services provided the 2nd graders with activity sheets, magnifying glasses and plastic bags for collecting their insects.
“This presentation goes along with the Sunshine State standard benchmarks for science,” said Mrs. Stephanie Sonstroem, a 2nd grade teacher at Dommerich Elementary. “We’re studying plants and animals and it’s wonderful to have someone with expertise work with the children.”
At Maitland Middle School, Belmont presented the various specimens, ranging from beetles to butterflies, and even a bird-eating tarantula, to more than 150 sixth graders. As children walked into the classroom, they immediately asked if the insects were real, to which Mr. Belmont assured them, “They’re real but not alive.”
The 6th graders also viewed Massey Service’s “Pride and Professionalism” video, which emphasizes the major role Massey Services plays in public welfare, and the passion Massey Services’ team members have for their work in helping to improve quality of life through pest prevention. Following the video, Mr. Belmont focused on discussing the various types of insects, as well as the health related issues associated with pests.