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
A Strange New Christmas Ornament?
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.
New Co-Hosts, New Science, Same Shenanigans
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.
The Return of BugBytes
After a long hiatus, NPMA Bugbytes returns with new co-hosts!
Laboratory and Field Evaluations of Food Based Attractants for Monitoring German Cockroaches
At Rutgers University, researchers evaluated various attractants for German cockroaches to enhance sticky trap effectiveness. They tested 18 substances, finding that combinations of apple and blueberry oils, along with commercial roach lure tablets, significantly improved catch rates by over 100%. More research is needed for reliable delivery methods.
Test Your Identification Skills With the Termite Teeth Challenge!
Allison Johnson, a Ph.D. candidate at UGA, seeks assistance in comparing expert termite teeth identifications with personal guesses, engaging participants in an advanced matching game.
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Research on rodent trap placement in food facilities reveals that conventional spacing, based on outdated standards, lacks sufficient scientific backing.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.
