Cockroaches Still Rule at the Houston Museum of Natural Science

The cockroach collection at the Houston Museum of Natural Science fell a little short of their goal. I first reported on this strange quest for bugs in the Houston area on May 4th, 2007. The Houston Museum of Natural Science sent out a call for anyone that could catch and bring in a cockroach they would be paid a quarter per bug. These bugs were needed to supply there "new cockroach dome at the Cockrell Butterfly Center".

I truly expected many more "budding entomologists" to appear out of the wood work, so to speak. This is Texas! According to the Houston Museum of Natural Science, only 568 roaches have been turned in. Erin Mills, which is an entomologist at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, was quoted saying "One little boy brought in a single cockroach and said, "Oh this is so-and-so'...I wish I could remember what he called him." I am sure that little so-and-so will be in good company.

With my truly squeamish friends, I discovered that the way I suggested catching the nasty little (or not so little) bugs was not the only way to do it. One clever guy created a paper funnel so they would slide down into a bucket and could not get out. Another had a big aquarium which she said she covered in with cooking oil. Erin Mills states that baby powder serves the same purpose and that is what they do at the museum.

At the same time if you have to keep these nasty buggers alive you must feed them. Hey, it is not always a quick dash to the museum and back. Dry dog and cat food is always a big "seller", in addition to, fruit and vegetables. I am going to be guarding my produce more closely. On the other hand, I had heard more than one person say they have been to the Emergency Room to have cockroaches removed from their ears or even worse, ones that have laid eggs.

This wonderfully strange collection of bugs is being held in the basement of the Houston Museum of Natural Science. The museums' goal, with a few days of collection, was 1000 cockroaches. That was not achieved but they are holding the bugs in the basement at this point. When it becomes show time visitors can watch all the bugs that are being held scramble for cover when the "lights come on". This is a wonderful "gross" exhibit will have an amazing turnout. The Houston Museum of Natural Science is scheduled to open on May 25, 2007. They are located at One Hermann Circle Drive, Houston, TX 77030.