Ep 1. Bug Breeder

Dirty Jobs is a reality television series that looks at the unsung heroes of blue-collar America. The show highlights challenging and unfulfilling jobs that perform a vital service to the community. In Dirty Jobs season 3 episode 1, the crew visits a worm farm in California.

The episode is called "Bug Breeder," and it follows host Mike Rowe as he visits a bug breeder in California. Mike is there to learn about an industry that produces insects for a variety of uses, including animal feed, research, and pet food. The company he visits is one of the largest in the country and produces millions of insects a day.

The episode begins with Rowe driving up to the bug breeder's location and meeting with the owner. The owner walks Rowe through the different insects they're growing and shows him the different stages of their life. Rowe learns about how the insects are bred, fed, and shipped to various customers across the country.

One of the primary insects the company breeds is crickets, which are used as food for other animals, such as reptiles and birds. Rowe sees firsthand how the crickets are fed and the breeding process, which includes removing the dead insects from the crates and separating the breeding females from the males.

Rowe also visits the company's beetle room, where they breed various types of beetles, including mealworms. The process of breeding mealworms is particularly fascinating, as the beetles lay their eggs in a special substrate, and the larvae are then harvested and packaged.

The episode also showcases the packaging process, where Rowe sees how the insects are carefully packaged into containers and prepared for shipment. This is a critical step in ensuring that the insects survive the journey, so the company has to ensure they're packed correctly.

Throughout the episode, Rowe gets a taste of what it's like to work at the bug breeder. He helps with the feedings, sorts the insects into groups, and even assists in the packaging process. As with every episode of Dirty Jobs, Rowe is not afraid to get his hands dirty and try his hand at the job.

One of the most interesting aspects of this episode is learning about all the different uses for the insects. For example, mealworms are used as a protein source in pet food, while crickets and other insects are used in scientific research. It's fascinating to see how an industry that many people might not know exists serves such an essential function in so many different areas.

Overall, Dirty Jobs season 3 episode 1 is an insightful look into the world of bug breeding. The episode is educational, informative, and even a bit entertaining, as we get to see Mike Rowe tackle the job with his trademark humor and wit. Anyone interested in learning about the bizarre and challenging jobs that keep our world running should tune in to Dirty Jobs.