Bug Cops Is Heading to the Fall Festival!
The Bug Cops crew is getting ready for the Florahome Fall Heritage Festival, and this year we’re bringing along a few suspects. You can find additional event information through the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce.
Actually, quite a few of them.
We’re turning part of our booth into a hands-on pest investigation. In addition, kids and adults can examine clues, test their identification skills, and get a closer look at some of the pests and evidence we encounter around North Florida.
Whether you have a future entomologist in the family or you’re simply curious about what might be crawling around your own backyard, stop by and put your investigative skills to the test.
Kids Can Become Junior Bug Cops
Young investigators can take on our ID the Intruder challenge.
We’ll have nine pest specimens on display. For example, kids can use clues such as the number of legs, wings, antennae, and body shape to figure out who’s who.
Then, identify at least 5 of the 9 suspects and complete the investigation to earn a Junior Bug Cop button.
In addition, the first 50 investigators who complete the challenge have something extra waiting: a Junior Bug Cop Home Investigation Kit filled with tools and goodies to continue the investigation at home.
Investigator Tips
Don’t just guess—look for clues.
That’s how a Bug Cop investigates.
Kids: Spin the Prize Wheel!
After completing some investigating, our younger visitors can stop by the Bug Cops Prize Wheel for a chance to take home a little something from the precinct.
For example, the wheel will include kid-friendly prizes such as candy, stickers, temporary tattoos, captured intruders (plastic bugs), and other Bug Cops goodies.
Give it a spin and see what you take home!
Ages 3+ • Adult supervision recommended • While supplies last
Adults: We’ve Got a Case for You Too
Pests aren’t always caught standing at the scene of the crime. Instead, the first thing we discover may be the evidence they leave behind.
In addition, adults can get a closer look at several real-world pest clues at the Bug Cops Evidence Table, including:
- Subterranean termite mud tubes
- Wood-destroying beetle damage
- Carpenter ant frass
- Fire ant activity
Finally, take a close look and see how much you can determine from the evidence—even when the pest itself isn’t the first thing you find.
Precinct Note: Look Beyond the Bug. Pest identification isn’t always about finding an insect and matching it to a picture. However, damage, nesting material, mud tubes, frass, droppings, shed skins, and other evidence can provide important clues about what’s happening around a property. That’s why Bug Cops starts by looking, identifying, and investigating the evidence before determining what may need to happen next.
Can You Count the Suspects?
Meanwhile, we’ve got a challenge for the grown-up investigators, too.
Then, take a close look at our Count the Suspects jar and submit your best guess. The two people whose guesses come closest to the correct number will each win a free exterior perimeter pest-control treatment.
How many are inside?
Stop by the Bug Cops booth, examine the evidence, and submit your best estimate. The two closest guesses will each win a free exterior perimeter pest-control treatment.
No measuring. No opening the evidence jar. Instead, study the suspects, make your best estimate, and turn in your guess.
Help Us Find Putnam County’s Most Wanted Pest
We’re also asking festival visitors to help with a little community investigation:
Which pest gives you the most trouble?
Stop by the booth and tell us what’s invading your home, lawn, or backyard. Then, we’ll gather the answers to see which pest earns the title of Putnam County’s Most Wanted Pest.
Ants? Cockroaches? Mosquitoes? Spiders? Termites?
We have a feeling there may be some repeat offenders.
Come See Bug Cops at the Florahome Fall Heritage Festival
Saturday, October 17, 2026 • 9:00 AM–3:00 PM • Palmetto Park, Florahome • Rain or Shine
In addition, we’re looking forward to the Florahome Fall Heritage Festival and the chance to meet local families, answer pest questions, and put everyone’s investigative skills to work.
Finally, come find the Bug Cops Pest Control booth, examine the evidence, identify the intruders, count the suspects, and see whether you have what it takes to become a Junior Bug Cop.
And if you have a pest mystery at home, come talk to us. Bring your questions—or even a clear pest photo—and we’ll help you figure out what you may be seeing.
See it. Identify it. Solve it.™
