Raid Bugs Are Museum Worthy

The Raid bugs have always been the characters people love to hate. The Museum of Broadcast Communications is honoring SC Johnson’s well known Raid bugs as one of “Advertising's 10 Greatest Icons.”

In addition to the recognition, the Raid bugs will be included in a multimedia exhibition showcasing the top global consumer brand symbols and their creators, running at the Museum from May 9 through Oct. 31, 2015.

“We're proud that Raid's beloved bugs will be sitting alongside other global icons,” said Fisk Johnson, SC Johnson chairman and CEO. “My father helped create the first Raid products nearly 60 years ago, and no icon has been more closely identified with the brand than these bugs.”

In 1956, Sam Johnson, the company's fourth generation leader, led the team that developed the first water-based aerosol insecticide that could be used inside as well as outside the home. To help launch Raid House & Garden Bug Killer advertising agency Foote, Cone & Belding created the bugs. Illustrator Don Pegler joined the firm in 1962 and for 40 years was instrumental in bringing the bugs to life and giving them unique personalities. Over the last six decades, the Raid bugs have evolved in look and style, but their connectivity to the brand has remained constant, according to SCJ.

The Museum of Broadcast Communications “A Salute to Advertising's Greatest Icons” exhibit will examine the creation and evolution of company mascots from their inception to contemporary use, through commercials, vintage print ads and packaging as well as character memorabilia.