MAKE YOUR OWN BUG MASK AT HOME (AGES 6+)

David Surrusco
Apr 28, 2022
2 min read

Our friends at DontMoveFirewood.org are on a mission to protect North America from invasive insects! They offer a ton of resources that show adults and children how we can all help slow the spread of tree-killing bugs as a community.

Don't Move Firewood also provides fun DIY activities for kids like these awesome invasive bug masks. I love these kinds of STEAM-learning activities because kids can learn about the world and how they can help our forests thrive, while having fun making art!

Here's my favorite selection of the Don't Move Firewood's art masks: The Emerald Ash Borer Colored-In Mask!

HOW TO MAKE AN EMERALD ASH BORER MASK

Follow these instructions to make your very own far-out bug mask at home. They're also great for teachers looking for a fun STEAM-learning activity to do with their students.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

printer
cardstock or other thick paper
scissors
string or large rubber band
white school glue (optional)
green and gold glitter (optional)

STEP 1: DOWNLOAD A BLANK OR COLORED-IN MASK PDF

If you'd like a mask that's already colored in, download the PDF here: http://tncfirewood.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/EABmask_color2014.pdf

Or you can get creative and color the mask yourself by downloading a blank version here: http://www.dontmovefirewood.org/wp-content/uploads/EABmask_0.pdf

STEP 2: PRINT OUT YOUR MASK

To make sure it's sturdy, print out your PDF on cardstock or other thick paper.

For added affect, apply a thin coat of school glue to your paper, and sprinkle with green and gold glitter while it's wet!

STEP 3: SCISSOR TIME

First, cut out your eyeholes. In the colored version, these are light gray tear-drop shapes towards the bottom of the large black insect eyes.

Next, cut two mouth holes on both sides of the teardrop shape in the center. Don't cut out the middle tear-drop piece - it adds to the freaky insect vibe!

Lastly, cut two small holes next to both eyes. This is where you will thread string through to attach the mask to your head!

STEP 4: JUST ADD STRING

Tie both ends of the string to the small holes, and place around your head. Congratulations, you're a freaky invasive insect from beyond the horizon!

ABOUT THE EMERALD TREE BORER

The emerald ash borer (EAB) is an exotic beetle native to Northeast Asia that feeds on ash trees. Females lay eggs in the bark of ash species, and their young feed underneath the bark of ash trees to emerge as adults in one to two years. This makes ash trees sick, and throws the entire ecosystems they live in off balance!

First discovered in Michigan back in 2002, the species has since spread and multiplied to many neighboring states and territories. Hundreds of millions of ash trees have since disappeared because of this little guy. We have the power to stop them, but only if we all work together!

LOOKING FOR MORE DIY ART PROJECTS?

Our IDEA Corner blog is loaded with educational arts and crafts projects like these! Check out these projects that will have kids laughing and using their imagination as they learn about the natural world: