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Long Island resident Michael Larkin found two lone star ticks on his leg after landscaping. He became ill days later, and it was confirmed in April that he had contracted Bourbon virus. Bourbon virus remains rare, but the expanding range of lone star ticks—the likely primary transmitter—could increase exposure to the virus and other tick-related concerns, including alpha-gal syndrome. According to the CDC, Bourbon virus was first identified in 2014 in Kansas and is thought to

Rodent fluorescent tracking powder is a non-toxic diagnostic tool used by pest professionals to trace the exact travel paths, runways, and entry points of mice and rats. When a rodent walks through the applied dust, the powder clings to its fur and paws, leaving a luminous trail that is easily visible under an ultraviolet (UV) blacklight. How It Works Application: A very light dusting of the fluorescent powder is applied in areas where rodent activity is suspected—such as alo

Pesticides fit specific receptors in insects. The "open and closed doors" analogy shows how they disrupt vital functions in pests. Fortunately mammals have receptors that are different than insects. As an example, the active ingredient in flea dust is safe for the dog. How the "Open/Closed Doors" Concept Works In healthy insects, receptors and ion channels open and close to carry signals for movement, heartbeat, and other vital functions. The pesticide jams the door open

Flamethrower drone to mitigate a yellow jacket nest? Well, no, as far as states and the Feds are concerned. But here’s the next best thing. To treat stinging insects more safely, pest control operators use precision-spraying drones with articulating arms or pressurized nozzles. These systems allow operators to treat elevated wasp and hornet nests from a distance, reducing reliance on ladders and heavy protective gear. Pest control operators (PCOs) may use drones for liqu

Laser deterrents are rapidly becoming a standard tool in modern pest management. They offer an automated, chemical-free solution for both farms and buildings. How They Work Visual Threat: Birds perceive the moving laser beam as a physical object or approaching predator. No Habituation: Constant changes in beam speed, angle, and path prevent birds from getting used to it. Automation: Systems operate 24/7 using pre-programmed patterns to sweep vulnerable areas automatically. Ke

Google wants to release 32 million mosquitoes in the US In the "Debug" program, male mosquitoes are infused with a natural bacteria and released into the wild. Google wants to release more than 30 million mosquitoes in the United States. But don't worry, there is such a thing as a good mosquito, and Google has an army of them. The tech giant wants to “stop bad bugs with good bugs” with its cleverly named “Debug” program. It's asking the U.S. government for permission to relea

CRISPR-based gene editing (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) transforms pest management by disrupting target genes to induce sterility or eliminate female offspring, bypassing chemical pesticides. This biotechnology alters specific DNA sequences to engineer self-limiting pest populations that naturally decline over time, reducing the environmental footprint of global agriculture. How CRISPR Pest Control Works Targeted Mutagenesis: Researchers deploy

Autonomous robots equipped with thermal cameras represent the next generation of commercial pest management and building inspection. By leveraging heat signatures and automated navigation, these machines eliminate the guesswork of tracking hidden threats. Core Capabilities Sub-Wall Mapping: Thermal sensors detect heat signatures from rodent nests or insect clusters inside drywall. Autonomous Navigation: Lidars and depth cameras guide robots through complex, changing commercia

Currently and in the past, pest control operators have positioned glue boards strategically to monitor for pests. Glue boards are great monitors for some pests but not all. Soon, fully digital AI monitors will be discreetly gracing your property. Internet of Things (IoT) sensors are constantly evolving. Devices equipped with 4G/5G connectivity now use optical recognition, heat, and sound to identify specific pest species, alerting technicians before an infestation even takes

BugMD’s Clothes & Pantry Moth Traps detect and capture clothes and pantry moths using pheromone-infused adhesive boards, without harsh chemicals, sprays, or mothball ingredients.The discreet white traps fit in closets, wardrobes, drawers, cabinets, pantries, and food storage areas to help protect fabrics, grains, cereals, pet food, and other vulnerable items.Pre-baited and active for weeks, each trap provides low-maintenance monitoring and combines closet and pantry protectio

Researchers from AIST, UEC, and Akita Prefectural University discovered a new insect pathogen that mimics bug symbionts to invade their gut symbiotic organ and kill the host. Many pests depend on internal symbiotic microorganisms for vital functions, including nutrients missing from their diets. The pathogen enters from soil, uses the same “wrapping motility” as symbionts to reach the symbiotic organ, then proliferates, breaches the organ, spreads into the hemolymph, causes s

The approach to managing stink bug infestations has evolved significantly, shifting away from standard interior chemical sprays—which are largely ineffective once the bugs enter a structure—toward advanced biological controls and targeted perimeter treatments. Modern Monitoring and Trap Technology Rather than relying solely on visual inspection, tracking pest density has become highly digitized and precise: Dual-Component Pheromone Lures: Recent field studies demonstrate that

Large cities have long struggled with rodent activity due to density, infrastructure, and aging buildings. Beyond contamination and property damage, rodents can spread serious diseases, including Hantavirus. Homeowners, business owners and property managers should understand the risks of infestations and the importance of professional pest control in preventing outbreaks and maintaining safe environments. Hantavirus spreads mainly through exposure to rodent urine, droppings,

Research from Victoria University shows using gene silencing as a biopesticide can effectively control Varroa destructor in bees. Rather than killing insects directly, the new technology interferes with their ability to reproduce, effectively leaving them sterile. It is so highly targeted that it could be the “holy grail” of pest control, because it reduces pest numbers while minimally impacting bees, humans and the wider environment. Research into gene silencing has gone o

A study suggests mice are rapidly evolving resistance to common rodenticides. Researchers tested rodent samples from New York City, Washington, D.C., New Jersey and the Philadelphia region and found many mice carry mutations that help them survive poison. They show a much higher mutation frequency than we thought before. The study found about 70% of sampled mouse populations had mutations tied to rodenticide resistance. The findings come as sanitation, inspections and extermi

SPIDER CONTROL Modern spider control balances advanced biotechnology with specialized Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. Because spiders have long legs and minimal body contact with surfaces, traditional broad-spectrum residual sprays are often ineffective. The latest methods and technological innovations used by modern pest management professionals target spider biology and behavior directly: 1. Advanced Chemical Formulation & Microencapsulation The biggest break