Pest Scene Investigation: "CSI" Program for Youth

Pest Scene Investigation is a youth program designed to teach children about pests and integrated pest management (IPM) by using forensic techniques similar to those seen on popular shows such as "CSI." 

Concepts include:

• How pests are like criminals: they damage homes and schools, bite and sting us, spread disease, etc.
• Evidence pests leave behind: frass, insect parts, hair, gnawing damage on food or objects, odors
• Investigative tools: UV light to detect rat urine, monitoring stations, microscope to identify pests, gloves, tweezers, and baggies or vials for collection
• Capturing or deterring the culprit: traps, exclusion, sanitation, low-toxic pesticides, etc.
  
  
  
  
  

Audience: Includes children primarily in 4th through 6th grades, but the program can be adjusted for younger audiences.

Format: Includes a presentation and hands-on activities using live insects, a pinned insect collection, IPM tools such as traps and flashlights, and evidence such as termite damage in wood.

Learn more about Pest Scene Investigation!!

Attention Educators and Librarians! 
Want a Pest Scene Investigation as part of your library or school program? A Pest Scene Investigator can visit your library summer reading program, summer camp, environmental festival, or after school program!

Please contact Erin Bauer at ebauer2@unl.edu, or 402-472-1632 for more information. The program features insect collections and other displays, hands-on activities, and even live insects! It can be adjusted to suit your class time-period, grade level, and size.

Hey kids and teachers! Click here to find out more details about pests, IPM, and Pest Scene Investigation.