Mosquitoes, ticks, flies and pollinators drew a crowd at the National Museum of Health and Medicine's Bugapalooza in Silver Spring, Maryland, June 13. Nearly 400 visitors attended the annual event to explore the world of insects through hands-on activities, exhibits, and conversations with military and civilian experts.
Throughout the day, visitors learned how insects affect health, support the environment and affect military readiness. Children explored interactive stations, families met researchers and guests discovered simple ways to stay safe from insect-borne diseases.
While each presenter brought a different area of expertise, one message stood out: education is one of the best tools for prevention.
"The first way that anyone protects themselves is by learning. Education is our number one priority," said Navy Lt. Cmdr. Jodi Fiorenzano, Armed Forces Pest Management Board chief of research.
Experts explained that understanding insects is important, not only for public health but also for military operations. Insects and the diseases they carry have affected military forces throughout history and remain a threat today.
"Historically, infectious diseases have impacted soldiers much more than bullets and shrapnel," said Army Maj. Paul Lenhart, an entomologist assigned to the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. "A huge portion of those infectious diseases are [illnesses caused by parasites, viruses and bacteria]."
Vector-borne diseases, transmitted between people or from animals to people, can have a serious impact on military units, said Army Maj. Obinna Aduba, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases chief of vector threat assessment.
"It can incapacitate a whole unit," Aduba added.
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Presenters also explained how military teams prepare before service members deploy. Experts study local health threats to help protect forces operating around the world.
"We cannot put forces on the ground anywhere without first making sure that they're going to be safe and the environment is going to be safe," said Navy Lt. Jacob Kabbah, Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery comptroller.
The event also focused on steps visitors can take to protect themselves and their families. Experts encouraged the use of insect repellent, protective clothing and routine tick checks after spending time outdoors.
By the end of the day, visitors left with more than fun memories and hands-on experiences. They left with a better understanding of how education, research and prevention help protect service members, families and communities.
From mosquitoes and ticks to pollinators and other helpful insects, Bugapalooza 2026 showed that even the smallest creatures can have a big impact on the world.