Frequent Bug Questions

I am surprised that Orkin takes so much time to educate people about insects when their business is to remove them. Why do you educate people about bugs?

Over the 100 years that we have been in business, we have learned a lot about insects and have developed a strong respect for them. Of the thousands of species in the insect world, our role is actually pretty limited. In fact, less than one percent of all insect species pose a threat to homeowners. We know that they play an important role in our ecosystem, and we are committed to educating others about the benefits, as well as harmful effects of insects. This web site is one way that we educate people. We offer educational materials to homeowners, as well as teachers for their classrooms.

I am a school teacher and always looking for new materials for my class. Does Orkin provide any materials on insects?

Yes. We offer a teachers' handbook on insect zoo keeping for classrooms, for kindergarten through 5th grade. It was developed by the National Museum of Natural History at the Smithsonian Institution with support from Orkin and is available free to teachers by calling 1-800-563-4687.

Does Orkin have any other information on insects?

Yes. Orkin offers informational materials to homeowners including the Pest Identification Guide available for download.

I visited the Smithsonian recently and saw the O. Orkin Insect Zoo at the National Museum of National History. How are you affiliated with them?

The Smithsonian Institute approached Orkin with a sponsorship opportunity in 1993 when they were embarking on a significant upgrade for the Insect Zoo. Orkin enthusiastically became involved and is now the permanent sponsor of the Insect Zoo. The Insect Zoo includes more than 300 live insects and arthropods. It was created to encourage interactive learning and a better understanding of insects from all over the world, as well as those found in the average American backyard.