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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
We are three board-certified entomologists who work at the National Pest Management Association with a passion for urban entomology and a healthy dose of humor. Mike holds a PhD from the University of Florida, studying ants. Ellie has a master's from Virginia Tech with a background in ornamental pest management, and Laura has a master's from the University of Kentucky specializing in spiders.
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
Take a Quiz to see if you Fear Spiders Like Some Entomologists!
The Ig Nobel Prize awards, particularly Dr. Richard Vetter's recognition for studying arachnophobia among entomologists, reveal that even experts can fear spiders. A survey of 41 entomologists showed varying degrees of fear and negative experiences with spiders, highlighting the paradox of their phobia towards eight-legged creatures despite their expertise with six-legged insects.
Undertakers and Corpse Disposal In The Termite Colony
Eastern Subterranean termites, significant pests in North America, exhibit behaviors to manage dead nestmates, crucial for colony health. They utilize cannibalism and burial to recycle nutrients and prevent disease. Research shows workers respond to chemical cues upon death, indicating the importance of understanding these behaviors for potential pest control strategies.
3 Tips to Take Bug Photos That Entomologists Can Actually Identify
Effective pest management begins with proper insect identification, often requiring the expertise of entomologists. To assist these specialists, it's crucial to take clear photographs by getting close, maintaining focus, and capturing multiple angles of the insect. Poor quality images hinder identification efforts and should be avoided.