“The game that will drive you buggy.”
Released in 1971 by Hasbro, the Don’t Bug Me game challenged players’ coordination, reflexes, and determination to rid themselves of a swarm of bugs before an opponent beat them to it.
GAMEPLAY
The round plastic net was set up between two players. Each player had five red bugs — plastic discs with arms — and a launcher that was used to flip the bugs towards the net.
Players positioned their launchers 12 to 18 inches from the net.
Ready, steady, go! Players simultaneously began flinging their bugs at the net. Bugs could be flipped through the open centre of the net so that they landed on the opponent’s side. Bugs could also get caught in the net thanks to their curved arms that acted as hooks.
Players raced to get rid of all five of their original bugs and any of the opponent’s bugs that landed on their side of the net.
The first player to get rid of all their bugs won the game.
IN THE BOX
A complete Don’t Bug Me game included a plastic net and base, 10 plastic bugs, and two bug launchers. Instructions were printed on the back of the box.
COLLECTOR CONSIDERATIONS
Don’t Bug Me was designed as a fast-paced and straightforward game. Minimal strategic thinking was needed, making it a good option for those who wanted a fun game that moved quickly. Some of the plastic components became brittle over time. Replacement pieces aren’t always easy to come by, and the bugs are hard to replace with commonly found objects. For this reason, it doesn’t hurt to pick up an additional game when one is available.
Watch a classic commercial for Don’t Bug Me on the Toy Tales YouTube channel.
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