Articles

Explore the fascinating world of insects and their impact on human health, agriculture, ecosystems and everyday life. Our articles feature insights on topics ranging from mosquitoes and pollinators to pest management, beekeeping and emerging trends in entomology. Whether you’re considering a graduate degree, advancing your career or simply curious about insect science, you’ll find expert perspectives, practical knowledge and the latest discoveries shaping the field.

  • 5 Common Household Pests and Their Life Cycles

    They show up uninvited, multiply faster than you’d expect and are remarkably good at avoiding detection until there’s already a problem. (Honestly, how rude.) In some cases, homeowners may not even notice a household pest infestation until it is too late — and by then, the situation is rarely a quick fix. For us to

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  • 7 Pollinator-Friendly Practices for Fall Gardens 

    Every neighborhood has that one yard: lush lawn, trimmed hedges, wraparound porch. It’s the envy of everyone who drives past, but you know something?  Pollinators hate it.  Bees, butterflies, birds and other pollinators are essential for biodiversity and pollinating the crops that feed us. But to do their job, they need shelter and reliable food sources. Your yard could

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  • How to Protect Yourself From Vector-Borne Diseases While Traveling 

    Traveling exposes you to a lot of new experiences, like stumbling upon the best street food you’ve ever had. That’s part of what makes it worthwhile. But some surprises are worth getting ahead of, and vector-borne diseases are at the top of that list.  Sure, you can’t avoid bugs entirely, but you can make yourself a much harder target. That takes preparation and a

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  • Spotted Lanternfly Treatment and Control: What Works in 2026 

    Spotted lanternflies are destroying crops across the Eastern U.S. These invasive pests have slashed grape harvests by up to 90% and stunted maple tree growth by half. Since arriving in Pennsylvania in 2014, they’ve spread rapidly — and they’re getting harder to kill.  The good news? Scientists are fighting back with promising new weapons: parasitic wasps, bug-killing fungi and strategic habitat removal. These biological control methods could

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  • Why Insects Matter in Modern Agriculture 

    Agriculture has a workforce most people never see (and no, it’s not just agronomists or agricultural engineers).  It’s insects.  Quietly and consistently — without paychecks or benefits — insects pollinate crops, control pest populations and help food systems function.  Understanding their role goes beyond appreciation. It’s a reminder that biodiversity in agriculture depends on more than what we plant in the field. 

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  • Can Insects Be Trained? What Hoverflies Teach Us About Insect Learning 

    Insects can’t be trained — at least not in the way you’re thinking of. No pats on the head for fetching a tiny ball or flying to a certain spot on command.  But research on hoverflies is challenging what entomologists thought they knew about insect learning.   These small, bee-mimicking insects are helping researchers understand how visual information shapes decision-making

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