Pestology Blog
Pest Control Science, Explained
NPMA’s Pestology blog was created with the pest management professional in mind. The pest control industry is driven by science, but often the newest scientific discoveries are not easily digestible. With that in mind, NPMA's entomologists set off to read all of the latest pest management scientific articles and break them down for you!
Meet the Entomologists: Mike Bentley, Laura Rosenwald, and Ellie Sanders
These posts often accompany episodes of our podcast, NPMA BugBytes. If you would like to hear more live discussions about the articles with our hosts and guest stars, take a listen!
Read the Latest Blog Posts
NPMA BugBytes Live at Pestworld 2024 in Denver, Colorado!
Your NPMA Bugbytes team taped a LIVE podcast episode with attendees at PestWorld 2024 in Denver Colorado! The team covered new research on paper wasps, bed bugs, and Argentine ants. And, a new podcast trophy was unveiled!
Discarded Vehicle Tires and Their Association with Mosquito Vector Abundance across Socioenvironmental Gradients in New Orleans, LA
Source reduction is crucial in controlling adult mosquito populations, especially in New Orleans, where discarded tires serve as breeding grounds. Research shows that these tires are more prevalent in low-income neighborhoods, correlating with higher populations of container mosquitoes like Aedes albopictus, which spread diseases. Targeted removal efforts are essential for public health.
Flight Capacity and Behavior of Ephestia Kuehniella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in Response to Kairomonal and Pheromonal Stimuli
Stored product pests, notably the Mediterranean Flour moth, cause significant economic losses in grain production. Research reveals these moths can fly distances of 24.7 to 34.3 kilometers but are influenced by pheromones and food cues in their flight behavior. Understanding these factors could enhance management strategies for pest control.
Common Consumer Residual Insecticides Lack Efficacy Against Insecticide-Susceptible and Resistant Populations of The German Cockroach (Blattodea: Ectobiidae)
German cockroaches are prevalent pests in affordable housing and pose public health risks. Many residents resort to over-the-counter pesticides, but studies show that these products often fail against resistant strains. Direct exposure is most effective, yet even then, some products do not meet the EPA's effectiveness standards. Professional pest control is recommended.
Toxicity of Isocycloseram, an Isoxazoline Insecticide, Against Laboratory and Field-Collected German Cockroaches (Blattodea: Ectobiidae)
German cockroaches are a common and concerning pest, known for spreading diseases and triggering allergies. A new insecticide, isocycloseram, shows promise in controlling these pests by targeting their nervous system. Research indicates that it is effective and may help combat insecticide resistance. This new development is seen as a significant step in pest control.
Death Zone Minimizes The Impact Of Fipronil-treated Soils On Subterranean Termite Colonies By Negating Transfer Effects
Liquid termiticides traditionally contained repellent insecticides, but non-repellent active ingredients like fipronil have improved treatments by making it harder for termites to detect and avoid treated soil. However, a study by Dr. Thomas Chouvenc reveals that fipronil's faster kill rate may establish a "death zone" that repels termites, potentially affecting treatment efficacy.
