In the June 2024 episode of NPMA BugBytes, the team discusses new research on brown widow spiders, zombie ants, and how artificial intelligence could be used to control spotted lantern flies. Read more about the research here.

In the May 2024 episode of NPMA BugBytes, the team discusses cyborg cockroaches, how arthropods survive the winter cold, and bait abandonment by ants. Read more about the research here.

2024 marks a significant year for periodical cicadas, with both 13-year (Brood XIX) and 17-year (Brood XIII) broods emerging across Illinois and the Midwest. While they may cause temporary annoyance, cicadas are harmless to trees and humans, providing an essential food source for predators and presenting a unique opportunity for pest control professionals to engage with customers.

The mass emergence of Magicicadas alters ecosystems by providing a nutrient-rich biomass pulse, influencing bird foraging behaviors and increasing caterpillar populations. This shift results in higher tree damage due to reduced bird predation. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for pest management and highlights the cicadas' ecological significance beyond mere annoyance.

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.

This course covers general insect classification, biology, and important pest groups. Identification, and general control concepts are described for each pest group. Price: $20/$40