Franklin Pest Solutions sponsors intern for Purdue Bug Bowl

Franklin Pest Solutions recently announced it is sponsoring an intern at the 2026 Purdue University Bug Bowl taking place on April 18. The student intern attending the Bug Bowl will be 21-year-old Aster Barajas.

Barajas takes on first Bug Bowl

Barajas is from Hammond, Ind., where their love of bugs started early. Having grown up with computers, they started looking on the internet for information about bugs, where they realized that not only did so many people love bugs, but that they could pursue a career in entomology.

“A lot of things happened when I was young that were challenging, but insects have always been around,” Barajas said in a news release. “They brought me comfort in tumultuous times.”

Barajas is a senior majoring in entomology with a minor in natural resources and environmental sciences, making them a natural for the Bug Bowl internship prior to applying to graduate school for entomology or agroecology.

“My plan includes insects and a future decorated with things in the world that are often too small to notice,” they said. “My favorite bug right now is the Blue Orchard bee. It’s so cute and comes in such fun iridescent blue and olive colors. Bugs are really beautiful creatures if you take the time to look at them.”

Barajas’s interests include soil sciences, which they say will make them a better scientist and help in understanding the environment. “At Bug Bowl, I’m most excited about seeing the people and helping to educate everyone about the wonders of the world just under our feet.”

After Bug Bowl, Barajas will return to work at the insect biodiversity and diagnostics lab where they have been working.

Inside Franklin Pest’s sponsorship

This is the fifth year Franklin has sponsored Bug Bowl interns.

“Being in pest control is all about balance and Bug Bowl is a great way to learn about that. Humans and nature will always have to be in harmony,” Janelle Iaccino, known as ‘The Bug Girl,’ said in a news release. “Finding the right balance so you’re not disturbing the ecosystem is critical and we can have a lot of fun seeing natural wonder along the way.”

Bug Bowl started as a cockroach race more than 30 years ago by a Purdue entomology professor. The event is part of the Purdue College of Agriculture Spring Fest each year. It offers an array of vibrant, interactive activities for the entire family, including petting bugs at a live bug zoo, visiting the Cockroach Colosseum and becoming familiar with favorite insects.  The Bug Bowl art show is always a favorite and is expected to generate more than 1,200 original drawings of bugs from kids from around the area.

About Franklin Pest Solutions, LLC

Since 1929, Franklin Pest Solutions and sister company Rose Pest Solutions have been trusted in the Midwest to keep homes and businesses free from insects, rodents and more.  Using cutting-edge technology, environmentally friendly methods and personalized unique solutions, Franklin and Rose are dedicated to creating and maintaining healthier living environments.  Owned by the Dold Family, Franklin Pest Solutions proudly serves communities in Indiana and Kentucky.