A bug attack usually calls for a pest-control intervention.

But the Manteca Unified School District office will not go to that extreme Thursday when the tarantulas, scorpions, cockroaches and other bugs take over the grounds around the parking lot. These creatures, which include exotic varieties, will be part of the third annual Planet Party which is designed to be an educational field trip for sixth-grade students to teach them about environmental conservation and how they can become responsible citizens. They will be part of the Bug Zoo of Clark Pest Control which is joining the Planet Party event for the second year in a row. The company is one of many representatives from various fields of expertise on the subject of environmental conservation which will have exhibits for the students to visit and learn.

Carrie Hagen of Clark Pest Control said the Bug Zoo is an interactive display wherein students, teachers, parents and school administrators will have an opportunity to get involved in identifying some of the bugs. Students, likewise, will be able to hold the Whip Scorpion and Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches that will be part of the display. Other exotic creatures in the Bug Zoo will include Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula, Goliath Bird-eating Tarantula, Brazilian Black and Pink Toe Arboreal tarantula, Emperor Scorpion, Tailless Whip Scorpion, and Indian Walking Sticks.

Approximately 2,000 sixth-grade students as well as teachers, parents and district officials will attend the daylong Planet Party which will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. To accommodate all of the students, groups from the different schools in the district will be arriving on a rotating basis.