Troy, MI -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/27/2010 -- From October 27 through November 7, Rose Pest Solutions will celebrate its 150th anniversary by hosting national-renowned bug collector Dan Capps and his world-class display of exotic insects at the Detroit Science Center. The Creepy Crawly Bug Exhibit will commemorate Rose Pest Solutions’ roots as the nation’s oldest pest management company, Rose Exterminator Co.

“Rose Pest Solutions is proud to acknowledge our company’s 150th milestone anniversary by hosting Dan Capps and his collection,” said Russ Ives, president of Rose Pest Solutions. “The exhibit, as well as our interactive presentations, will entertain and educate children and their families during this traditional spooky time of year. We could think of no other partner more appropriate for this celebration than the Detroit Science Center.”

The collection includes a wide variety of specimens from the insect world, including everything from butterflies with wingspans the size of a dinner plate to walking sticks as long as a man’s forearm. At one time, it was the largest insect collection in the world before Capps began donating portions of it to museums and schools. It also has been on display at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago and Disney World’s Epcot Center, along with hundreds of schools and museums nationwide.

“The Detroit Science Center has a wonderful history of providing innovative and exciting programs that encourage children and families to explore the world of science,” said Marlene Baranda, senior manager of Education Programs at the Detroit Science Center. “We are thrilled to acknowledge the tremendous accomplishments of Rose Pest Solutions and Dan Capps by sharing this exhibit with our visitors.”

The line-up of special programs and activities includes:

Wednesday, October 27

Exhibit Opening/Media Opportunity – 11 a.m. – Children from Pace Academy in Southfield are among specially invited guests who will help open the exhibit. The event is open to the public and includes: formal remarks by Rose Pest Solutions and the Detroit Science Center; a presentation by Dan Capps; Show & Tell with live insects; and tasty treats and activities from Incredible Edible Insects. In celebration of Rose’s 150th anniversary, a birthday cake will be offered to guests while supplies last.

Saturday, October 30

Spooky Science Day Presentations – 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. – From Madagascar cockroaches to emperor scorpions, children and families will enjoy these interactive presentations with live insects. Learn the basics of insect identification, how to create an insect collection and much more. Children in costume are free with paid adult admission (one child per adult).

Sunday, November 7

Incredible Edible Insects – 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. – Incredible Edible Insects centers on Entomaphagy (the eating of insects). Visitors will learn about the overall health value of eating insects and sample tasty treats such as Chocolate Chirp Cookies, Bug-A-Boo Brownies, Jell-O-Shots called “Wigglers,” chocolate covered crickets and mealworms, and “Buglava.”

Founded by Solomon Rose in 1860 in Cincinnati, Ohio, the company began by selling large quantities of a natural insecticide (pyrethrum) to the Union Army during the Civil War to kill cooties (body lice). In 1867, Rose formulated a phosphorous paste for cockroach and rodent control. He also developed a spray gun, a powder duster and formulated Rose's Rat Embalmer, a colored arsenate trioxide. These products were retailed, sold by mail order and peddled door-to-door from a cart.

The business' first expansion came in 1955 when an office opened in Grand Rapids. Offices in Toledo, Ohio and Saginaw, Michigan followed in 1959. In the 70s and 80s, the company acquired a number of pest control companies throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and West Virginia. Today, the Troy-based company provides comprehensive pest control services for homes and businesses in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and parts of Kentucky, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

Tickets to the Detroit Science Center include this exhibit and are $13.95 for adults (13 and over); $11.95 for seniors (60 and over); $11.95 for children (12 and under); and FREE for children 2 and under. Members are free. Hours of operation are Wednesday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 12 – 6 p.m.

About the Detroit Science Center
The Detroit Science Center is a hands-on museum that inspires its visitors to pursue and support careers in engineering, technology and science. The Science Center features five theaters, including Michigan’s only Chrysler IMAX® Dome Theatre, the Dassault Systèmes Planetarium, the Toyota Engineering Theater, the DTE Energy Sparks Theater and the Chrysler Science Stage; a 9,000 square-foot Science Hall for traveling exhibits; hands-on exhibit galleries focusing on space, life and physical science; an exhibit gallery just for pint-size scientists; and a Special Events Lobby. The Science Center is the official home of the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America and FIRST in Michigan, and it operates the Detroit Children’s Museum. For more information, please call 313.577.8400 or visit the website, http://www.detroitsciencecenter.org.

About Rose Pest Solutions
Founded in 1860, Rose Pest Solutions provides comprehensive pest control services for commercial and residential clients from its 15 branch offices in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. With three board certified entomologists and other credentialed individuals on staff, Rose is renowned for its technical expertise and use of integrated pest management practices designed to protect the homes, health and property of its clients. Rose has received numerous honors for its commitment to excellence, including QualityPro and QualityPro Schools designations from the National Pest Management Association. For more information about Rose Pest Solutions, contact the company at (800) 966-ROSE or on the Web at http://www.RosePestSolutions.com.