Bug traps will be laid in 50 Oxfordshire schools to find out which insects are lurking in the county's buildings.

The Bug Quest is being launched by Oxford University's Museum of Natural History as part of Science Year.

Experts at the museum have invited schools to take part in the year-long survey. Each school will be issued with bug traps to be placed in headteachers' offices, store rooms and school halls.

At the end of each month, new traps will be sent out and the old traps will be sent to the university for analysis.

Dr George McGavin, assistant curator of the museum's entomological collections department, said the survey would help children learn more about insects that live in buildings.

He said: "When early humans first sheltered in caves, other animals, including insects, lived there too. "Some species left, others moved in to take advantage of new food sources and warmth.

"Over time some have become so used to living with humans, they stayed.

"Many species use our buildings as shelters, others eat fabrics and furniture.

"This project is a great way for Oxford University and schools to join together to survey bug life in the county."

Silverfish, moths and carpet beetles are among the insects that experts hope children will find in their traps.

Monthly Bug Quest updates can be found on the website: www.oum.ox.ac.uk