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Insects
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A Review of Household and Structural Pest Management with an...
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A Review of Household and Structural Pest Management with an Emphasis on Alternative Control Methods

A special issue of Insects (ISSN 2075-4450). This special issue belongs to the section "Insect Pest and Vector Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2021) | Viewed by 52971

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Karen M. Vail

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
Interests: bed bugs; odorous house ants
Prof. Dr. Daniel R. Suiter

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Entomology, University of Georgia Griffin Camus, Griffin, GA 30223, USA
Interests: ants; beetles; management; control; training

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Concerns about potential contamination of water sources and insecticide resistance have led researchers to evaluate alternative pest control strategies, such as essential oils and other biorationals, that are less persistent in the environment and provide different modes of action to overcome resistance. In this special edition of Insects alternative pest management strategies and innovative inspection/detection techniques for household and structural pests (cockroaches, pest ants, termites, flies, pantry pests, fleas, and brown marmorated stink bug) are reviewed.

Prof. Dr. Karen M. Vail
Prof. Dr. Daniel R. Suiter
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Insects is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • cockroach
  • ant
  • flies
  • termite
  • pantry pest
  • flea
  • brown marmorated stink bug

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Review

28 pages, 413 KiB  
Review
A Review of the Evolution of Termite Control: A Continuum of Alternatives to Termiticides in the United States with Emphasis on Efficacy Testing Requirements for Product Registration
by Faith Oi
Insects 2022, 13(1), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13010050 - 1 Jan 2022
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 9137
Abstract
The global economic impact of termites is estimated to be approximately USD 40 billion annually, and subterranean termites are responsible for about 80% of the total impact. Twenty-eight species of termites have been described as invasive, and these termites are spreading, partially due [...] Read more.
The global economic impact of termites is estimated to be approximately USD 40 billion annually, and subterranean termites are responsible for about 80% of the total impact. Twenty-eight species of termites have been described as invasive, and these termites are spreading, partially due to global trade, making effective control methods essential. Termite control is complex, as is the biology and behavior of this social insect group. In the U.S., termite prevention and control (with claims of structural protection) is regulated by more than one industry (pest control and building construction), and at the federal and state levels. Termite prevention has historically relied on building construction practices that do not create conducive conditions for termite infestations, but as soil termiticides developed, heavy reliance on pesticides became the standard for termite control. The concern for human and environmental health has driven the development of termite control alternatives and regulation for products claiming structural protection. Product development has also provided unprecedented opportunities to study the biology and behavior of cryptobiotic termites. Technological advances have allowed for the re-examination of questions about termite behavior. Advances in communications via social media provide unrestricted access to information, creating a conundrum for consumers and science educators alike. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Review of Household and Structural Pest Management with an Emphasis on Alternative Control Methods)
18 pages, 14009 KiB  
Review
A Review of Alternative Controls for House Flies
by Nancy C. Hinkle and Jerome A. Hogsette
Insects 2021, 12(11), 1042; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12111042 - 20 Nov 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 11586
Abstract
House flies are the most prevalent synanthropic pest worldwide. Although they seldom reproduce in homes, they invade buildings, cause annoyance, and carry pathogens. Urban pest management personnel are limited in their ability to locate and manage larval habitats, so most house fly management [...] Read more.
House flies are the most prevalent synanthropic pest worldwide. Although they seldom reproduce in homes, they invade buildings, cause annoyance, and carry pathogens. Urban pest management personnel are limited in their ability to locate and manage larval habitats, so most house fly management in urban settings focuses on adult fly suppression. Sanitation is probably the most critical component, eliminating odors that attract flies. Source reduction applies where larval habitats can be identified and eliminated. Exclusion involves keeping flies out of structures. Despite all efforts, flies will manage to enter the human environment, so exclusion includes air curtains, fans, screened windows, and doors. Ultraviolet light traps attract and immobilize, while window traps entice flies into devices that entrap them. Sticky tubes and ribbons rely on flies’ inclination to land on vertical lines to entangle them in glue. Even low-tech fly swatters can play significant roles in eliminating individual flies. Timed-release aerosol pyrethrin dispensers can be effective against flies confined in enclosed spaces. Toxic baits have limited use in urban settings. Chemical suppression remains a critical component of fly IPM, essential in situations requiring immediate fly elimination. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Review of Household and Structural Pest Management with an Emphasis on Alternative Control Methods)
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20 pages, 369 KiB  
Review
A Review of Alternative Management Tactics Employed for the Control of Various Cockroach Species (Order: Blattodea) in the USA
by Ameya D. Gondhalekar, Arthur G. Appel, Gretchen M. Thomas and Alvaro Romero
Insects 2021, 12(6), 550; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12060550 - 12 Jun 2021
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 6377
Abstract
Effective control of domestic and peridomestic cockroaches requires integrated approaches that emphasize concurrent use of chemicals with alternative control tactics. An integrated pest management (IPM) approach is particularly justified in environments where satisfactory cockroach control cannot be achieved due to multiple factors including [...] Read more.
Effective control of domestic and peridomestic cockroaches requires integrated approaches that emphasize concurrent use of chemicals with alternative control tactics. An integrated pest management (IPM) approach is particularly justified in environments where satisfactory cockroach control cannot be achieved due to multiple factors including development of insecticide aversion and resistance in some cockroach species, and poor sanitation or structural issues that foster infestations. While a flurry of research effort has been devoted to study alternative tactics for cockroach control, only a few of them have been evaluated in the context of IPM programs. This review focuses on examining studies on alternative tactics that are proven efficacious, economical, and logistically feasible for their inclusion in IPM programs for important domestic and peridomestic cockroaches in the USA. Management programs that educate the public on cockroach biology, behavior, and the importance of sanitation; use of traps to monitor infestation levels; apply targeted low impact insecticides such as baits, have demonstrated a greater success for effective and sustainable control of cockroaches when compared to an insecticide-only approach. Incorporation of other alternative control methods to IPM programs will require more applied research that validates their use in real-world scenarios and demonstrates their cost-effectiveness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Review of Household and Structural Pest Management with an Emphasis on Alternative Control Methods)
13 pages, 940 KiB  
Review
Alternative Methods of Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Control with Emphasis on the Argentine Ant, Linepithema humile
by Daniel R. Suiter, Benjamin M. Gochnour, Jacob B. Holloway and Karen M. Vail
Insects 2021, 12(6), 487; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12060487 - 24 May 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 8882
Abstract
Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), especially the Argentine ant, Linepithema humile (Mayr), can be significant nuisance pests in urban and suburban environments. Conventional interventions have primarily relied on the use of chemical insecticides, namely fipronil and bifenthrin, applied as residual, contact treatments around the outside [...] Read more.
Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), especially the Argentine ant, Linepithema humile (Mayr), can be significant nuisance pests in urban and suburban environments. Conventional interventions have primarily relied on the use of chemical insecticides, namely fipronil and bifenthrin, applied as residual, contact treatments around the outside perimeter of infested structures. Despite tightening regulation limiting the scope of insecticide applications in urban settings, dependence on these products to manage ants continues, resulting in significant water contamination. The U.S. EPA, in response, has further restricted the use patterns of many insecticides used for ant control in professional and over-the-counter markets. The purpose of this review is to summarize the relevant literature associated with controlling nuisance pest ants, with emphasis on L. humile, without the use of liquid broadcast applications of EPA-registered insecticides while focusing on low-impact, alternative (to broadcast applications) pest control methods. Specific subsections include Trail Pheromone; Use of Behavior-Modifying Chemicals; Mass Trapping; Hydrogels, “Virtual” Baiting, and Exceedingly-Low Bait Concentrations; Food Source Reduction; Deterrents; and RNA Interference (RNAi). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Review of Household and Structural Pest Management with an Emphasis on Alternative Control Methods)
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18 pages, 260 KiB  
Review
Naturally Occurring Compounds/Materials as Alternatives to Synthetic Chemical Insecticides for Use in Fire Ant Management
by Jian Chen and David H. Oi
Insects 2020, 11(11), 758; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11110758 - 4 Nov 2020
Cited by 35 | Viewed by 6700
Abstract
The invasive red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren (hereafter, fire ants), is a significant threat to public health and a danger to livestock, pets and wildlife due to their venomous stings. The fire ant has invaded many countries and regions and has [...] Read more.
The invasive red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren (hereafter, fire ants), is a significant threat to public health and a danger to livestock, pets and wildlife due to their venomous stings. The fire ant has invaded many countries and regions and has become a globally significant pest. The current major tool to manage fire ants are synthetic insecticides that are used largely as stomach poisons in bait products or contact insecticides in spray, broadcast, drench, and dust products for area and nest treatments. In addition to these insecticide products, repellants and fumigants can also be useful in some unique scenarios. The ever-increasing public concern about the potential adverse effects of synthetic insecticides on health and the environment has been a driving force for searching for safer alternatives to control fire ants. Tremendous effort has been made in developing biologically-based control for managing fire ants; however, natural products continue to be one of the most attractive sources of safe alternatives to synthetic insecticides. Here, we summarized the synthetic insecticides that are currently used in managing fire ants, available alternative products in the current market, and academic efforts in searching for fire ant natural toxins, repellants and fumigants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Review of Household and Structural Pest Management with an Emphasis on Alternative Control Methods)
17 pages, 272 KiB  
Review
Recent Advancements in the Control of Cat Fleas
by Michael K. Rust
Insects 2020, 11(10), 668; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11100668 - 29 Sep 2020
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 8440
Abstract
With the advent of imidacloprid and fipronil spot-on treatments and the oral ingestion of lufenuron, the strategies and methods to control cat fleas dramatically changed during the last 25 years. New innovations and new chemistries have highlighted this progress. Control strategies are no [...] Read more.
With the advent of imidacloprid and fipronil spot-on treatments and the oral ingestion of lufenuron, the strategies and methods to control cat fleas dramatically changed during the last 25 years. New innovations and new chemistries have highlighted this progress. Control strategies are no longer based on the tripartite approach of treating the pet, the indoor environment, and outdoors. The ability of modern therapies to break the cat flea life cycle and prevent reproduction has allowed for the stand-alone treatments that are applied or given to the pet. In doing so, we have not only controlled the cat flea, but we have prevented or reduced the impact of many of the diseases associated with ectoparasites and endoparasites of cats and dogs. This review provides an update of newer and non-conventional approaches to control cat fleas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Review of Household and Structural Pest Management with an Emphasis on Alternative Control Methods)
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