PCT Announces Winner, Finalists of 5th Annual Photo Contest

Ed Freytag took top honors in this year’s PCT Best Pest Photo Contest with this photo of a black widow spider descending using a strand of silk.

CLEVELAND — PCT proudly announces that Ed Freytag, research entomologist, New Orleans Mosquito & Termite Control Board, wins the 5th annual Best Pest Photo Contest with his black widow spider photo. (Click here to view the 10 finalist photos.)

Freytag described how he was able to capture this amazing action shot. “While photographing this large New Orleans black widow, I bumped the table and it suddenly descended using a strand of silk,” he said.

Freytag added that black widow spiders may be more prevalent in his area post-Hurricane Katrina “possibly due to more undisturbed habitat around abandoned buildings,” he said.

Here’s what our judges had to say about this year’s winning photo:

“…interesting perspective of these always picture-worthy spiders.”

“…photographer captures just enough light to accentuate this pest’s unique features.”

“…a winning combination of artistry and action.”

PCT Online received more than 50 entries in this year’s contest. Our judges reviewed all of these photos, narrowed the entries to 11 and then determined that Freytag’s photo was No.1. Freytag receives a $500 prize for his winning photo.