Pest Fest: Urban Pest Field Day
Children and parents are invited to swarm through NC State’s Structural Pest Extension, Research and Training (SPERT) facility on Lake Wheeler Road in Raleigh in early June, getting hands-on with pests, hunting for insects at a scavenger hunt, learning about harmful and beneficial bugs, and even enjoying some Howling Cow ice cream.
The free event will introduce families to common structural pests such as cockroaches, ants and bedbugs, while also highlighting the professionals who protect health and safety in homes and facilities across North Carolina.
Activities include a discovery room with live insects and identification quizzes; a critter craft room with pest-themed crafts and coloring sheets; and a pest pavilion scavenger hunt where kids can search for plastic cockroaches, ants, flies and rats.
Another outdoor area will give attendees the chance to check out a pest control truck and equipment including a mosquito blower.
The field day is organized by Chris Hayes, NC State Extension structural pest management specialist, who hopes to grow the event into an annual cornerstone outreach program called Pest Fest, reaching up to 1,000 people within five years.
N.C. Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and veteran status. Individuals with disabilities are invited to request reasonable accommodations to participate in Extension sponsored programs and events. Please contact the county Extension office or campus department offering the program at least 14 days prior to the event to make arrangements.