The dispersal behavior and aggregation habits of bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) at harborage sites are poorly understood, despite the importance of such information for control strategies targeting these pests. Dr. Susan Jones of Ohio State University will use an innovative marking technique to track and quantify bed bug behavior at various stages to determine harborage preference as it relates to fecal contamination. This information is important both to guide more precise application of bed bug treatments and to inform the development of future products and techniques for bed bug integrated pest management.

Rats use scents found in urine, feces and sebum to communicate information and interact with other rats in their community.  In the past, very little controlled research has been performed on how scents influence rat behaviors in their natural environment.  Dr. Parsons and his research team have developed a biological assay that enables them to follow individual rats within a colony and track their movements over time, providing a window into an otherwise anonymous population of rats.  

Peridomestic cockroaches are primarily controlled through insecticide treatments around a structure’s foundation.  In California, as well as other parts of the country, pyrethroid insecticides are under scrutiny, so alternatives are needed to supplement the pest management professional’s tool box.  This project, spearheaded by Dr. Andrew Sutherland, takes a close look at cockroach baits intended to control peridomestic roaches on the exterior of structures.

Drs. Appel and Hu have developed a statistical model that can predict smokybrown cockroach abundance based on 11 landscape characteristics. In addition to predicting cockroach abundance, the model also suggests habitat modifications that may reduce pest abundance in coordination with control tactics. 

Non-target exposure to rodenticide baits is a high-profile issue throughout the country. This study led by Dr. Niamh Quinn seeks to investigate the role that anticoagulant rodenticides may play in the plight of some wildlife by employing remote cameras to document what animals enter bait stations deployed in residential backyards.  The research will also evaluate if fewer non- target animals enter experimental bait stations positioned 2-3 meters off the ground.  

Read through dozens of final research reports and published findings from past projects funded by the Pest Management Foundation.