Bugs can be a serious bother; fighting them off as we attempt enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors without bites, stings, allergic reactions and the like can be a pain! Bugs also, however, are very interesting, entertaining, intriguing and extremely available! An enormous variety can be discovered in every outdoor nook and cranny! So while we (me included!) spend most of our time avoiding those various insects, every once in a while we can seek out and explore the massive variety of insects in their natural environment, make observations about them, draw them, watch them, and if you and/or your little ones are brave, catch them 
These spring and summer days are perfect for going on a bug hunt for several reasons:
1. Bugs are free!
2. Active and fun with little prep!
3. Decreases fear of insects… We all know knowledge of anything decreases fear!
4. Teaches observation and exploration skills.
5. Encourages increased respect and appreciation for the insects in their own environment, and the roles they play in life.
6. You can do the same activity several times, in several locations, and produce different findings each time.
7. You can heighten the bug hunt experience by introducing the concept along with a family read-aloud of the classic book, Charlotte’s Web, or Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach!
Now that you are convinced that going on a bug hunt is a good idea, here are a few practical tips for your adventure:
*These can be adjusted to the ages and stages of your little explorers!
1. Bring a note pad/drawing book and a pen.
2. Carry a jar in case one of your explorers gets extra brave or extra attached to a newly discovered friend!
3. If you vacation, try to go on a bug hunt at home before you go as well as in the different environment, to make comparisons… We love the Florida bugs, which to us seem exotic!!
4. Apply insect protection to your skin… If you are hunting under rocks, in bushes, fields, gardens, creek beds and the numerous other crevices your explorers will discover, you will undoubtedly encounter mosquitoes and other bugs that have no business on your skin along the way!
5. If you’ve explored any wooded areas, always check for tics, just to be safe!
Look at the intricate patterns of spider’s webs, the complexity of ant hills, grasshoppers munching the leaves of plants, tunnels of worms, the shells of snails, and the shapes of beetles. Listen to the buzzing, chirping, rustling and sometimes silence of these interesting (and kinda icky!) creatures. See how many different types you can find in one outing, and note insects that are easily found as compared to ones who are more sparsely populated. Even something as simple as watching insects do what they do can be a major win for a free and easy family activity!
We’re going on a bug hunt, we’re gonna see some bugs!!
