What is the Big Bug Hunt?
The Big Bug Hunt is an international research project run by Growing Interactive, the provider of the world's leading apps for gardeners. We're working in association with the University of York with funding provided by Innovate UK and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).
Why?
As gardeners ourselves, we know just how useful it would be to receive alerts about which pests are heading our way. Many organic control methods need to be put in place before the pests strike - it's often too late to save a crop once the bad bugs have arrived. That's why we are creating the most advanced predictive system available by combining the latest developments in computer statistical analysis with reports from gardeners around the world.
Big Agriculture already has proprietary systems for pests on crops such as corn, soy and wheat. So, why shouldn't gardeners have access to state-of-the-art warning systems too?
How?
The Big Bug Hunt is possibly the largest citizen science project of its kind, ever! Working with leading gardening companies and publications around the world, we're reaching out to millions of gardeners, asking them to let us know when and where they spotted a bug. We're tracking everything, including beneficial insects, and we'll be making the results available as the data is analysed.
Reporting your pest sightings couldn't be easier. Just click here to enter the details of any pests you have seen in your garden. Plus, soon we'll have a handy app available to make reporting even easier while out in the garden.
With input from gardeners like you and our growing online community, the data we collect from The Big Bug Hunt has the potential to make a lasting impact.
It's time to launch the fight back against the bugs that would eat our crops before we can!
If you have further questions, please feel free to Contact Us.