Big Blue Bug facts for kids
The Big Blue Bug, also known as Nibbles Woodaway, is a giant termite statue. It is the mascot for Big Blue Bug Solutions, a company in Providence, Rhode Island. You can spot it right next to I-95. Many people say it's the biggest fake bug in the world! It's super huge, about 928 times longer than a real termite. This amazing bug stands 9 feet (2.7 m) tall and stretches 58 feet (18 m) long. It weighs a massive 4,000 pounds (1,800 kg)! It was built in just four days in late 1980 using wire mesh and fiberglass. The cost was about US$20,000 back then.
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How the Big Blue Bug Was Built
The Avenia Sign Company in North Providence created the Big Blue Bug. A team including Anthony Pescarino, Tom Grenga, and Ronald Levesque put it together. They worked for a few months to assemble the giant bug. Pescarino mentioned that they had to build the wings separately. Then, they took them to Delaine Street to be covered in fiberglass.
Robert Garafano, Sr., from Olneyville, did the fiberglass work. After that, the bug was put together right on site. Finally, it was lifted onto the roof where it still sits today.
Why Is It Blue?
When the Big Blue Bug was first made, it was painted purple. This was because real termites, when seen up close, can look purple. However, the sun and weather quickly faded the purple paint. It turned into a pale blue color. People loved the bug so much in its blue shade that it was never repainted purple. That's how it became known as the "Big Blue Bug"!
How Nibbles Got Its Name
For a while, the giant bug was just called the "Big Blue Bug." A traffic reporter from Providence, Mike Sheridan, gave it that nickname. Then, in 1990, the company held a contest to give the bug a proper name. Geraldine Perry from Tiverton won the contest. Her winning name was "Nibbles Woodaway."
Fun Facts and Events
The Big Blue Bug is quite famous for celebrating holidays! Each year, it gets "dressed up" for special occasions.
- For Independence Day, it wears patriotic decorations.
- At Halloween, it might have a spooky costume.
- It also gets dressed for the start of the baseball season.
- During Christmas, it lights up with festive lights. It even wears reindeer antlers and a blinking red nose, just like Rudolph!
Since 1990, the company has also sold cute stuffed toys that look just like Nibbles.
A Trip and a New Look
On June 20, 2002, Nibbles Woodaway left its home for a short tour. It visited five different places! After its trip, the bug got a makeover. It was cleaned up and painted an even brighter blue. Then, it returned to its spot on the roof of New England Pest Control.
A Company Name Change
On April 9, 2012, the company that owns the bug made a big announcement. New England Pest Control changed its name to "Big Blue Bug Solutions." To celebrate this special event, the giant bug even wore a necktie!
Helping Front-Line Workers
In April 2020, the Big Blue Bug showed its support for "front-line workers." These are people like doctors, nurses, and grocery store staff who worked hard during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nibbles wore a giant surgical mask to thank them for their efforts.
Big Blue Bug Statistics
| Species | Subterranean Termite (Reticulitermes flavipes) |
|---|---|
| Height | 9 feet (2.7 m) |
| Length | 58 feet (18 m) |
| Diameter | 6 feet (1.8 m) |
| Body Length | 32 feet (9.8 m) |
| Four Wings |
40 feet (12 m), folded over in pairs |
| Antennae | 7 feet (2.1 m) |
| Legs | 11 feet (3.4 m) |
| Weight | 4,000 pounds (1,800 kg) |
| Stands | 30 feet (9.1 m) above ground |
