Clark Pest Control’s Speer Keeps Bug Zoo Alive During COVID-19 Pandemic

LODI, Calif. - For the last 10 years, Clark Pest Control, Lodi, Calif., has been connecting with the communities it serves through its popular traveling Bug Zoo. Under the leadership of Fred Speer, digital community manager and bug zookeeper for Clark Pest Control, the program has visited more than 300 schools, educating about 26,000 students, who get an up-close look at insects. “The goal is teaching about beneficial bugs and also to help kids get over the fear of insects (e.g., spiders),” Speer said.

Additionally, Clark provides each student with a backpack filled with insect coloring books, stickers, tattoos, etc., all of which help spread the Clark brand. The program has grown by word of mouth and Speer said he puts on 1-3 programs per month. That was, until March, when the COVID-19 pandemic changed life as we know it, including the closure of schools in California. But thanks to the efforts of Speer, the program is being kept alive through a virtual version of the Bug Zoo (watch an intro video about the virtual zoo).

“My wife (Jennifer) and I sat down and said, ‘You know, kids are at home working on lesson plans, is there something we can do for them?’ and that’s how we came with up with the virtual Bug Zoo – to bring the experience to students’ homes,” said Speer, who then began contacting schools to let them know that although he would miss them this year, here was something teachers could add to their lesson plans to hold them over.

Speer describes the videos as “junior entomologist”-themed and they feature him and his son Dylan, 7, who is tasked with handling the insects, such as roaches and spiders. Wife Jennifer is behind the camera as the videographer.

Thus far, the Speers have created four videos featuring the following insects:

• Chilean Rose hair tarantula (coming soon)

Speer said he’s been pleased with the way he’s been able transfer the program from in-person to video, although he said it’s been challenging not being able to feed off audience reaction. “I like to look at the expressions on students’ faces, especially in the up-front talks” when he points out interesting facts/behaviors and then provides explanations.