We keep costs as low as possible

The BUGmobile’s mission is to help the next generation understand the world of bugs and spark curiosity about entomology. We do not operate for profit. Fees help cover the direct costs of bringing the BUGmobile, live arthropods and hands-on learning materials to your school, organization or event.

Minimum visit length: 2 hours
Starting cost: $290
Additional time: $35 per hour after the first 2 hours

Request a BUGmobile visit in 2027

What your fee covers

The starting fee helps cover the full visit process, not just the time the BUGmobile is open to visitors. This includes:

  • Planning and preliminary arrangements
  • Animal preparation
  • Gathering and packing educational materials
  • Travel time to and from your location
  • Mileage reimbursement
  • Trailer setup and teardown
  • Generator costs
  • Staff time for planning, travel, setup and the first 2 hours of the event
  • Post-visit animal care, supply cleanup and trailer cleaning

Adding time to your visit

All BUGmobile events must be at least 2 hours long. After the first 2 hours, additional event time is $35 per hour. This added cost helps cover staff time for longer programs.

Visit length and staff safety

For the health and safety of our staff and animals, the total work time for a BUGmobile event cannot exceed 10 hours. This includes preparation, travel, setup, event time, teardown, cleanup and post-visit animal care.

Our manager of community outreach or the chair of the Department of Entomology may approve exceptions when needed.

Financial support

We have limited ability to provide reduced-cost visits for schools and organizations with financial need. Please let us know when you request your visit if cost may be a barrier.