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
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.
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.
