Last updated: August 24, 2026
Bug Off ("we", "our", or "the app") is an iOS app that identifies insects from photos and suggests eco-friendly prevention steps. This policy explains what we collect, where it is sent, and how long it is kept.
Photos you provide: When you identify an insect, the photo is sent to our API and then to Kindwise (insect.kindwise.com) so the species can be recognized. We do not keep the original photo on our servers after the request finishes. A small thumbnail may be stored on your device in the app's local history.
If you tap to request additional AI opinions, that same photo is sent to OpenRouter vision models (currently Qwen and Grok / xAI) for a second look. This does not happen automatically.
Location: If you allow location, or if a photo contains GPS EXIF data, approximate coordinates and a place label may be sent with identification and prevention requests. Prevention tips use those coordinates with Open-Meteo to look up local climate and short-range rain. You can clear or change location in Settings.
Device identifier: The app generates a random on-device ID (not an Apple advertising ID) so prevention completions can sync if that feature is enabled. Completions are stored in our database with that ID.
On-device data: Scan history, scan counts, reminder schedules, location preference, and display settings are stored in iOS UserDefaults on your device. They are not a user account.
Purchases: Bug Off Pro in-app purchase is not live in this version. We do not collect payment details.
Bug Off uses:
Each of these services has its own privacy policy.
Identification photos are processed in transit and are not stored as a photo library on our servers. Species metadata (scientific name, cartoon file, reference image URLs from Kindwise) may be cached so cartoons can be reused. Prevention completions include a device ID.
Uninstalling the app removes on-device history, reminders, and settings. It does not automatically delete server-side species cache or completion rows.
Bug Off is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, contact us so we can take appropriate action.
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be reflected by the "Last updated" date at the top. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at: