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
Determining the Best Placement for Rodent Devices at Commercial Food Buildings
Research on rodent trap placement in food facilities reveals that conventional spacing, based on outdated standards, lacks sufficient scientific backing. A study assessing building characteristics showed that warmer, sheltered areas attract more rodent activity. This suggests that inspections should inform trap placement to enhance effectiveness and reduce unnecessary bait waste.
Non-Chemical Bed Bug Management
Bed bugs are difficult pests requiring labor-intensive management. Research evaluated non-chemical control strategies in New Jersey apartments with histories of infestation. Non-chemical methods alone eliminated bed bugs in 36% of units, while adding silica dust increased effectiveness to 40%. Successful management relies on effective client communication and cooperation.
How Humidity Levels Impact the Most Common Pest No One Knows They Have
Psocids, or booklice, are small insects that can infest homes and stored grains, causing contamination and damage. Recent research shows that lowering humidity below 50% effectively kills psocids within 16 days, supporting pest management strategies. Psocids are often overlooked, yet nearly all homes inspected in North Carolina had them present.
Susceptibility of Midge and Mosquito Vectors to SARS-CoV-2
SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, primarily spreads through respiratory droplets. Research indicates that it does not replicate in common mosquitoes or other biting flies. Although the possibility of arthropod transmission isn't fully ruled out, current evidence suggests these insects do not significantly contribute to spreading SARS-CoV-2.
Finding Ways to Reduce the Risk of Non-Target Rodenticide Exposure in Roof Rat Control
A study published in Pest Management Science explores the use of rodenticide bait stations by commensal rodents at the urban-wildland interface. Funded by the Pest Management Foundation, the research indicates that native rodents rarely access bait stations, primarily used by roof rats. Management recommendations are provided to minimize non-target exposures while controlling pest populations.
Dung Beetles as Vertebrate Samplers
Biodiversity surveys are crucial for understanding ecosystem organisms, recording species abundance and diversity to guide conservation efforts. Traditional visual methods can be biased, leading to the development of environmental DNA (eDNA) surveillance. Recent research highlights dung beetles as effective invertebrate DNA (iDNA) samplers, offering improved monitoring of terrestrial fauna.
