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
Blacklegged Ticks, Ixodes scapularis, Reduce Predation Risk by Eavesdropping on Communication Signals of Formica oreas, Thatching Ants
The study explores how Ixodes scapularis, the black-legged tick, avoids predation by eavesdropping on semiochemicals from Formica oreas ants. Ticks demonstrated avoidance behavior to a combination of ant-produced formic acid and hydrocarbons. This finding suggests potential for developing tick repellents derived from ant semiochemicals, enhancing tick management strategies.
Bed Bugs: The Resurgence of an Old Paris Sight?
Bed bugs have become a widespread nuisance, exacerbated by global events like Paris Fashion Week and the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics. Increased public awareness through viral stories has prompted individuals to learn how to check for and prevent infestations. Educating customers about bed bugs and their prevention is crucial amid rising concerns.
Oral Toxicity of an Artificial Sweetener Sucralose on the German Cockroach (Blattodea: Ectobiidae) and its Impact on Water Balance and Gut Microbiome
Researchers have studied the oral toxicity of the artificial sweetener sucralose on German cockroaches, finding that a 20% sucralose solution significantly increased mortality rates, dehydration, and reduced gut bacterial diversity. This suggests sucralose might enhance existing pest control methods. Further research is needed to evaluate its efficacy in real scenarios.
mRNA Vaccination of Rabbits Alters the Fecundity, but Not the Attachment, of Adult Ixodes scapularis
The deer tick, Ixodes scapularis, is a significant vector for Lyme Disease and other illnesses, impacting public health due to its widespread distribution. Recent research on an mRNA vaccine tested in rabbits showed promise by hindering tick reproduction, suggesting potential for controlling tick populations through vaccination in various animals.
Histamine Excretion in Common Indoor and Hematophagous Arthropods
Histamine, a biogenic amine linked to allergic reactions, was studied in bed bugs and other arthropods. Researchers found histamine excretion in 5 out of 22 species, specifically in blood-feeding hemipterans like bed bugs. They established a correlation between blood consumption and histamine production, identifying bed bugs as significant indoor histamine sources.
Why Insects Gather at Artificial Light
It's common knowledge that insects are attracted to lights, especially at night. As PMPs, you may be even more familiar with this phenomena, using it against pest insects with technology like insect light traps (ILTs). In a recent study, researchers took this behavior and went to figure out exactly what was going on and why this occurs.
