Why Integrated Pest Management is Due for a Reset
In a new paper in American Entomologist, three experts suggest a modified focus for integrated pest management that better accounts for evolution and tolerance to pest injury and shifts from control toward management.
After 17 Years and 1,800 Tests, Researchers Find Cat Flea Pesticide Remains Effective
A 17-year study that monitored for resistance among cat fleas to the insecticide imidacloprid finds no evidence of decreased susceptibility. The study involved researchers in 10 countries, who tested more than 1,800 cat flea egg samples.
Gut Microbes Can Help Insects Beat Pesticides
Insects have evolved a variety of mechanisms to try to overcome the effects of insecticides—including, in some cases, help from the bacteria and other microbes living in insects' guts. A growing number of studies indicate a link between symbiotic microbes and insecticide resistance in a diverse range of insects.
Fertilizer Runoff is a Boon to Mosquito Growth
A new study shows that fertilizer present in water where mosquitoes breed can boost growth of bacteria, algae, and fungi, which mosquito larvae feed on, resulting in accelerated larval development and greater survival rates to adulthood.
Common Corn Pest Presents Major Challenge to Bt Crops
By Andrew Porterfield The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is a major corn pest in South America, known to devour corn crops from Argentina to the Southeastern United States. Farmers have […]
How Climate Change May Accelerate Corn Earworm’s Resistance to Bt Crops
Add “crop pests developing resistance to control methods faster” to the list concerning potential effects of global warming. Entomologists at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the University of Maryland […]
Bed Bugs Show Early Signs of Resistance to Chlorfenapyr and Bifenthrin
Pest management professionals battling the ongoing resurgence of bed bugs are wise to employ a well-rounded set of measures that reduces reliance on chemical control, as new research shows the […]
Setting a Baseline: A Clearer View of Mosquito Resistance to Insecticides
By Andrew Porterfield Mosquito control professionals have made significant gains toward managing malaria worldwide, as well as defending against West Nile virus, chikungunya, dengue, St. Louis encephalitis, and, more recently, […]
Pests Can Evolve Resistance to Many Types of Control Methods, Not Just Chemicals
By Richard Levine Agricultural pests, such as insects and weeds, can be incredibly adept at developing resistance to control methods. When you mention the word “resistance,” most people probably think […]