Pestology Blog

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.

Don't believe everything you see on social media. A viral Reddit post claimed that a Sephora moisturizer attracted wolf spiders. Users speculated on its ingredients, but entomology experts debunked the idea, stating that the lotion does not contain spider pheromones. The increase in spider sightings is likely due to cold weather driving spiders indoors, not the body butter itself.

In the February 2024 episode, Mike shares new breakthroughs in artificial intelligence technology used to locate invasive ants, Laura highlights research looking at how age impacts malaria transmission in mosquitoes, and Ellie reviews a recent study investigating if mosquito repellent devices impact pollinators.

In the January 2025, episode of NPMA BugBytes, the team covered monitoring devices in residential areas, resistance development in house flies, and cicadas.

During the Christmas season, bringing in a tree may introduce mantis egg cases, leading to unexpected guests when they hatch indoors. These mantises, harmless but requiring upkeep, can survive on limited food. To avoid this situation, inspect the tree for egg cases before bringing it inside, removing them if found.

In the December 2023 return of NPMA BugBytes, the NPMA team discusses their own graduate research on tawny crazy ants, spider bacteria, and red headed flea beetles.