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
Scuttle Fly Megaselia scalaris (Loew) (Diptera: Phoridae) Endoparasitoid as a Novel Biocontrol Agent Against Adult American Cockroaches (Periplaneta americana)
The article discusses how Scuttle Flies show potential for biocontrol against American Cockroaches. These endoparasitoids are still a while away from practical implementation, but pose a potential control solution for the future.
ArTreeficial: An AI-tree Controlling Spotted Lanternfly Populations Using Computer Vision and Dynamic Response
The spotted lanternfly, an invasive species from China, has spread across the eastern U.S. and threatens plants, especially grapevines. Traditional control methods are largely ineffective. Researcher Selina Zhang developed ArTreeFicial, an AI-driven trap that uses attractive incense and electric nets to selectively eliminate SLFs, promising a cost-effective pest control solution.
Endosymbiont Diversity Across Native and Invasive Brown Widow Spider Populations
Invasive species like the Brown Widow spider, originating from Africa, are expanding globally, competing with local species. Their success is attributed to high reproductive potential and the presence of endosymbionts, such as Wolbachia and Rhabdochlamydia, which may influence their adaptability. Understanding these factors aids in managing invasive populations effectively.
Effect of Entomopathogenic Fungi on Behavior and Physiology of Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)
This research by Hassan et al. investigates the potential of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae (MA) as a biological control agent against the invasive red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta). Results indicate MA significantly impacts the ants' foraging behavior, movement, and biochemical responses, warranting further exploration of its ecological application.
Distinct Communities under the Snow Describing Characteristics of Subnivium Arthropod Communities
Arthropods survive cold months through anti-freezing strategies and cold avoidance. Research at the University of New Hampshire surveyed arthropods in the subnivium, revealing a wide variety of life under the snow. Winter populations showed lower diversity, yet some species thrived under snowpack. Overall, heavy snowfall may protect arthropod communities and prevent population declines.
Ants Evade Harmful Food by Active Abandonment
The study investigated the behavior of Argentine ants towards toxic bait using boric acid combined with sugar. Experiments showed ants quickly abandoned the toxic bait within 18 hours, with a significant decrease in foraging observed after just three hours. This suggests critical timing for bait placement to enhance ant control effectiveness.
