proactive wood and moisture control

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.

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.

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.

Your NPMA Bugbytes team taped a LIVE podcast episode with attendees at PestWorld 2024 in Denver Colorado! The team covered new research on paper wasps, bed bugs, and Argentine ants. And, a new podcast trophy was unveiled! 

In the January 2025 episode of NPMA BugBytes, the team covered termite tunneling, horse flies, and salmonella in cockroaches.

In the February 2025, episode of NPMA BugBytes, the team covered Joro spider heartrates, rancid fats as pest repellents, and pheromone control of Indian meal moths.