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
Wound-dependent Leg Amputations To Combat Infections in an Ant Society
Florida Carpenter Ants have evolved to perform amputations to treat infected leg injuries, as they lack antimicrobial glands. Research shows that amputations depend on injury location, with femur injuries receiving prompt amputations, enhancing survival rates. Tibial injuries, however, are better managed with care from nestmates, illustrating the ants' adaptability in colony health management.
Red Imported Fire Ants Cover the Insecticide-Treated Surfaces with Particles to Reduce Contact Toxicity
The red imported fire ant (RIFA) is a destructive species with a global presence. Researchers studied its response to insecticides to improve control methods. They found that RIFA workers covered surfaces with soil particles to reduce contact with certain insecticides, impacting their effectiveness. This behavior was concentration-dependent, emphasizing the importance of product selection and application methods in ant control.
Termite IPM in Historic Sites
Termites threaten historic buildings worldwide, making effective pest control crucial. This article reviews termite treatment at iconic sites like the Statue of Liberty and the Tzu-Su temple. Using bait stations proved successful, with significant reductions in termite activity achieved within months. The study highlights the challenges and successes of managing these infestations.
Evaluating the carnivorous efficacy of Utricularia aurea (Lamiales: Lentibulariaceae) on the larval stages of Anopheles stephensi, Culex quinquefasciatus, and Aedes aegypti (Diptera:Culicidae)
Utricularia aurea, a carnivorous aquatic plant, is being studied for its potential in managing mosquito populations, specifically targeting Aedes aegypti and Anopheles stephensi larvae. Research demonstrates it can eliminate up to 95% of larvae in lab conditions and reduce populations by 76% in simulated breeding sites within sixteen days, showcasing promising results.
Identification of the Pan-allergen Tropomyosin from the Common Bed Bug (Cimex lectularius)
Researchers from the University of Kentucky have highlighted the potential health risks associated with bed bugs due to their tropomyosin protein, similar to allergens from cockroaches and shellfish. Their study suggests that allergenic responses and cross-reactivity could occur from bed bug exposure, necessitating improved removal methods after pest treatments to mitigate health risks.
The Lethal and Sterile Doses of Gamma Radiation on the Museums Pest, Varied Carpet Beetle, Anthrenus verbasci (Coleoptera: Dermestidae)
The article discusses the potential use of gamma radiation to control carpet beetles, notorious pests in museums. Researchers tested different radiation doses on various life stages of the beetle, finding higher doses effectively killed larvae while sterilizing adults. This approach presents a safe pest management method for fragile museum artifacts.
