New ACEs and BCEs

Congratulations to our newest ACEs and BCEs. Since our last post, 25 people have earned their ACE and two people have earned their BCE, including:

• Our fifth ACE-International
• Four people who successfully passed their ACE exam during PestWorld 2015
• Our only BCE in the Phillipines

The full list is below. ESA congratulates all who earned their ACE or BCE credential during 2015 and celebrates all who attempted but did not yet pass their exams. Keep studying!

• Mr. Ian Ross Williams, BCE, (TruTech, LLC), Marietta, GA  USA.  Certified on 10/29/2015
• Ms. Ann Margaret Cruzado Lico, BCE, (Rentokil Initial Philippines, Inc.), Pasig,   Philippines.  Certified on 11/11/2015
• Mr. Hendrik Roelf Pottas, ACE-I, (Pest Management Academy), Menlyn Central, GA,   South Africa.  Certified on 10/21/2015
• Mr. Leandro Barbosa, ACE, (Orkin Pest Control), West Palm Beach, FL  USA.  Certified on 10/19/2015
• Mr. Brian J. Beining, ACE, (Buckeye Exterminating), Ottoville, OH  USA.  Certified on 10/21/2015
• Mr. John D. Stellberger, ACE, (Environmental Health Services Inc), Norwood, MA  USA.  Certified on 10/21/2015
• Mr. Paul Marshall Scott, ACE, (Griffin Pest Solutions), South Lyon, MI  USA.  Certified on 10/21/2015
• Mr. Travis Jacob White, ACE, (Specialized Pest Control and Lawn Care), Hyde Park, UT  USA.  Certified on 10/21/2015
• Mr. David Parkhurst, ACE, (Orkin Pest Control), Castleton on Hudson, NY  USA.  Certified on 10/22/2015
• Mr. Rogelio Gonzalez, Jr., ACE, (Orkin ), Anaheim, CA  USA.  Certified on 10/27/2015
• Mr. Gordon William  Nasser, ACE, (Orkin), Poway, CA  USA.  Certified on 10/27/2015
• Mr. Mark Kinsman, ACE, (Rollins Incorporated), Brookfield, CT  USA.  Certified on 10/29/2015
• Mr. Derek Allen Mesenbring, ACE, (Industrial Fumigant Company), Chicago Ridge, IL  USA.  Certified on 11/5/2015
• Mr. Dave Richard Patterson, ACE, (Target Specialty Products), West Sacramento, CA  USA.  Certified on 11/5/2015
• Mr. Craig William Bethune, ACE, (Advanced Integrated Pest Management), Rancho Cordova, CA  USA.  Certified on 11/5/2015
• Mr. Heath W Kern, ACE, (Rottler Pest & Lawn Solutions), Saint Louis, MO  USA.  Certified on 11/11/2015
• Mr. Miguel Diaz, ACE, (Orkin Pest Control), Commerce, CA  USA.  Certified on 11/11/2015
• Mr. Steven Thomas Sides, Jr., ACE, (Rottler Pest and Lawn Solutions), Saint Louis, MO  USA.  Certified on 11/20/2015
• Mr. Jeffrey Mark Van Diepen, ACE, (Pestmaster Services, Inc.), Reno, NV  USA.  Certified on 12/2/2015
• Mr. Paul E Alley, ACE, (PestMaster Services), Kingston, NY  USA.  Certified on 12/2/2015
• Mr. Brett Bohannon Craig, ACE, (Arrow Exterminators), Woodstock, GA  USA.  Certified on 12/3/2015
• Mr. Fernando Barrera, ACE, (Barrera's Pest and Bee Control), Lakewood, CA  USA.  Certified on 12/3/2015
• Mr. Chibenaici P White, ACE, (Arrow Exterminators), Conyers, GA  USA.  Certified on 12/3/2015
• Mr. Samuel Jason Fears, ACE, (Presto-X), Springfield, MO  USA.  Certified on 12/4/2015
• Mr. Richard G Sparling, ACE, (Suburban Pest Management, LLC), Smithtown, NY  USA.  Certified on 12/5/2015
• Mr. John Fletcher Singletary, ACE, (Univar USA), Manassas, VA  USA.  Certified on 12/8/2015
• Mr. Benjamin John Hix, ACE, (Dewey Pest & Wildlife ), Hopedale, MA  USA.  Certified on 12/14/2015

2015 ESACC Business Meeting

On Wednesday, December 9, 2015 the ESA Certification Corporation held its first ever virtual business meeting. The meeting is normally held during the ESA Annual Meeting, but low attendance caused the Certification Board and business meeting attendees to question if this was the best format and timing. There have been as few as 7 people in the room for the business meeting in recent years.  Over 60 attendees registered to attend and 37 logged in during the presentation and watched it until the end. This is well over twice the number that normally show for a business meeting and nearly a 3-fold increase over last year's attendance.

The meeting was presented by Dr. Laura Higgins, BCE (2015 Chair of the ESA Certification Board). Forrest St. Aubin, BCE-Emeritus (2016 Chair of the Certification Board) was expected to co-present, but he was attending a conference and technical difficulties (i.e., a low-bandwidth connection) at his hotel prevented his being able to log in.

The Bylaws of the corporation call for an annual meeting of the governing board, but do not require a business meeting (though it does make good communication sense to have a regular method where a "state of the program" message may be delivered to all stakeholders).  We will look to refine this process in the coming year and would encourage your comments as to whether or not this is a suitable format for the business meeting in the future. If you have suggestions, we'd love to hear them!

The webinar can be seen below and on the ESA YouTube channel.



It is worth pointing out that the video of the webinar is slightly edited from how it occurred in real-time. The ACE Study Guide video did not play initially when Dr. Higgins tried to launch that via her Powerpoint slides. That technical problem was corrected via the magic of video editing in this version. The net effect is the same, however.

• Link to the 2015 Director's Report
• Link to the 2014 Director's Report

Please send any comments directly to ESA or in the comments section below.  Thanks for watching.

Certified Science (2015 - #3)

This issue of Certified Science was emailed to all current ACEs and BCEs on Sept. 21, 2015. A current issue will email this week and will post to the blog in about 8-12 weeks. To receive the current issue as it publishes, please consider becoming ACE or BCE certified. 

A Periodic E-mail Service to ACEs and Urban-Industrial BCEs

The Entomological Society of America is the #1 source of scientific information for the entomologically-focused urban professional. This email is a service of the ESA for all ACEs and any BCEs who specialize in urban and industrial entomology.

Certified Science is a summary of some recent articles in the ESA journals that relate to structural pest management and urban arthropod pests. The abstracts are freely available online for all articles, though access to the full text will generally require membership in the ESA.

• Annals of the Entomological Society of America, Volume 108, Issue #5
• Environmental Entomology, Volume 44 #4 
• Journal of Economic Entomology, Volume 108 #4
• Journal of Medical Entomology, Volume 52 #4 and Volume 52 #5
• Journal of Insect Science, Volume 15 (June 23 – September 20, 2015)
• EntomologyToday blog (posts between June 25 and September 20, 2015)

The abstracts are freely available online for all articles, though access to the full text will generally require membership in ESA, in addition to your certification. Every time a new issue of Certified Science is emailed the prior edition posts to Certified!, ESA's certification blog.

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An Adhesive Collophore May Help Direct the Springtail Jump
Authors:   Colin Favret, Matthieu Tzaud, Eric F. Erbe, Gary R. Bauchan, Ron Ochoa
Source: Annals of the Entomological Society of America, Vol. 108, #5
Abstract: The collophore of Entomobrya multifasciata (Tullberg) (Collembola: Entomobryidae) is composed of four segments. The third segment telescopes in and out of the second and the fourth is an eversible vesicle that is entirely enclosed in the third when not deployed. Low temperature scanning electron micrographs document that the collophore may remain adhered to the substrate even as the springtail initiates its jump... (Full abstract) 

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Population Dynamics of Culex restuans and Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae) Related to Climatic Factors in Northwest Ohio
Authors:  C. M. Helbing, D. L. Moorhead, L. Mitchell
Source: Environmental Entomology, Volume 44 #4
Abstract: Two species of Culex mosquitoes are common throughout much of North America. Culex restuans Theobold is a native species, whereas Culex pipiens L. is a European immigrant that has been in North America since the 1600s. Larvae of Cx. restuans are numerically dominant in spring and early summer but Cx. pipiens dominates by mid-summer. This transition is termed the “Culex crossover” and has been previously explored in larval populations, largely because Cx. pipiens is more likely to transfer West Nile virus to humans... (Full abstract) 

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Local and Landscape Correlates of Spider Activity Density and Species Richness in Urban Gardens
Authors:  Michelle D. Otoshi, Peter Bichier, Stacy M. Philpott
Source: Environmental Entomology, Volume 44 #4
Abstract: Urbanization is a major threat to arthropod biodiversity and abundance due to reduction and loss of suitable natural habitat. Green spaces and small-scale agricultural areas may provide habitat and resources for arthropods within densely developed cities. We studied spider activity density (a measure of both abundance and degree of movement) and diversity in urban gardens in Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, and Monterey counties in central California, USA. We sampled for spiders with pitfall traps and sampled 38 local site characteristics for 5 mo in 19 garden sites to determine the relative importance of individual local factors... (Full abstract) 

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Drilling-in and Chewing-out of Hosts by the Parasitoid Wasp Spalangia endius (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) When Parasitizing Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae)
Authors:  Scott A. Broski, B. H. King
Source: Environmental Entomology, Volume 44 #4
Abstract: Many organisms are protected from natural enemies by a tough exterior. Such protection is particularly important for immobile stages, such as pupae. The pupa of some insects is protected by a puparium, which is a shell formed from the exoskeleton of the last larval instar. However, the puparium of certain fly species is drilled through by adult females of the wasp Spalangia endius Walker. The female wasp then deposits an egg on the fly pupa within the puparium... (Full abstract) 

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An Extraordinary Host-Specific Sex Ratio in an Avian Louse (Phthiraptera: Insecta)—Chemical Distortion?
Authors:  H. D. Douglas III, J. R. Malenke
Source: Environmental Entomology, Volume 44 #4
Abstract: Distortions of sex ratios and sexual traits from synthetic chemicals have been well documented; however, there is little evidence for such phenomena associated with naturally occurring chemical exposures. We reasoned that chemical secretions of vertebrates could contribute to skewed sex ratios in ectoparasitic insects due to differences in susceptibility among the sexes. For example, among ectoparasitic lice the female is generally the larger sex. Smaller males may be more susceptible to chemical effects... (Full abstract) 

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Electroantennogram Responses and Field Trapping of Asian Cockroach (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae) with Blattellaquinone, Sex Pheromone of the German Cockroach (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae)
Authors: Yvonne K. Matos, Coby Schal
Source: Environmental Entomology, Volume 44 #4
Abstract: The Asian cockroach, Blattella asahinai Mizukubo, first introduced to Florida in 1986, has been spreading throughout the southeastern United States. Populations can reach extremely high densities and cause damage to crops as well as become a nuisance in residential settings. Because the German cockroach, Blattella germanica L., is its closest extant relative, we characterized the B. asahinai male response to blattellaquinone, the sex pheromone of the German cockroach... (Full abstract) 

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Temperature Characterization of Different Urban Microhabitats of Aedes albopictus (Diptera Culicidae) in Central–Northern Italy
Authors:  Roberto Vallorani, Paola Angelini, Romeo Bellini, Marco Carrieri, Alfonso Crisci, Silvia Mascali Zeo, Gianni Messeri, Claudio Venturelli
Source: Environmental Entomology, Volume 44 #4
Abstract: Aedes albopictus (Skuse) is an invasive mosquito species that has spread to many countries in temperate regions bordering the Mediterranean basin, where it is becoming a major public health concern. A good knowledge of the thermal features of the most productive breeding sites for Ae. albopictus is crucial for a better estimation of the mosquitoes’ life cycle and developmental rates. In this article, we address the problem of predicting air temperature in three microhabitats common in urban and suburban areas and the air... (Full abstract) 

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Programmed Cell Death in the Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Worker Brain Induced by Imidacloprid
Authors:  Yan-Yan Wu, Ting Zhou, Qiang Wang, Ping-Li Dai, Shu-Fa Xu, Hui-Ru Jia, Xing Wang
Source:  Journal of Economic Entomology, Volume 108 #4
Abstract: Honey bees are at an unavoidable risk of exposure to neonicotinoid pesticides, which are used worldwide. Compared with the well-studied roles of these pesticides in nontarget site (including midgut, ovary, or salivary glands), little has been reported in the target sites, the brain. In the current study, laboratory-reared adult worker honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) were treated with sublethal doses of imidacloprid. Neuronal apoptosis was detected using the TUNEL technique for DNA labeling. We observed significantly increased apoptotic markers in... (Full abstract) 

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Influence of Honey Bee Genotype and Wintering Method on Wintering Performance of Varroa destructor (Parasitiformes: Varroidae)-Infected Honey Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Colonies in a Northern Climate
Authors:  Rassol Bahreini, Robert W. Currie
Source:  Journal of Economic Entomology, Volume 108 #4
Abstract: The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a cooperative breeding program designed to enhance winter survival of honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) when exposed to high levels of varroa (Varroa destructor Anderson and Trueman) in outdoor-wintered and indoor-wintered colonies. Half of the colonies from selected and unselected stocks were randomly assigned to be treated with late autumn oxalic acid treatment or to be left untreated. Colonies were then randomly assigned to be wintered either indoors... (Full abstract) 

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Mutualism Between Fire Ants and Mealybugs Reduces Lady Beetle Predation
Authors:  Shoujie Cheng, Ling Zeng, Yijuan Xu
Source:  Journal of Economic Entomology, Volume 108 #4
Abstract: Solenopsis invicta Buren is an important invasive pest that has a negative impact on biodiversity. However, current knowledge regarding the ecological effects of its interaction with honeydew-producing hemipteran insects is inadequate. To partially address this problem, we assessed whether the interaction between the two invasive species S. invicta and Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley mediated predation of P. solenopsis by Propylaea japonica Thunbery lady beetles using field investigations and indoor experiments... (Full abstract) 

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Horizontal Transmission of Beauveria bassiana (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) and Metarhizium anisopliae (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) in Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae)
Authors:  M. C. Cárcamo, F. Felchicher, J. P. Duarte, E. Bernardi, P. B. Ribeiro
Source:  Journal of Economic Entomology, Volume 108 #4
Abstract: Beauveria bassiana Vuillemin and Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff) Sorokin are fungi with potential for controlling Musca domestica L. However, the impact on this dipteral may vary depending on the fungal isolates and the methodology used. This study evaluated the pathogenicity of direct application and horizontal transmission of B. bassiana (CG240) and M. anisopliae (CG34) on adult M. domestica individuals.... (Full abstract) 

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Feasibility of Mating Disruption for Agricultural Pest Eradication in an Urban Environment: Light Brown Apple Moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in Perth
Authors:  Rajendra Soopaya, Bill Woods, Ian Lacey, Amandip Virdi, Agenor Mafra-Neto, David Maxwell Suckling
Source:  Journal of Economic Entomology, Volume 108 #4
Abstract: Eradication technologies are needed for urban and suburban situations, but may require different technologies from pest management in agriculture. We investigated mating disruption of a model moth species recently targeted for eradication in Californian cities, by applying dollops of SPLAT releasing a two-component sex pheromone of the light brown apple moth in 2-ha plots in low-density residential Perth, Australia. The pheromone technology was applied manually... (Full abstract) 

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Using the DAS-ELISA Test to Establish an Effective Distance Between Bait Stations for Control of Linepithema humile (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Natural Areas
Authors:  Jinbo Song, Eric P. Benson, Patricia A. Zungoli, Patrick Gerard, Simon W. Scott
Source:  Journal of Economic Entomology, Volume 108 #4
Abstract: Linepithema humile (Mayr), the Argentine ant, is an invasive pest that has spread throughout the United States and is a problem in natural and managed habitats in South Carolina. Foraging patterns and the effectiveness of liquid baits for control of this pest have been studied in urban areas. However, similar studies have not been conducted in natural areas such as parks, picnic grounds, or campsites. L. humile populations can be large and widespread, making them a major nuisance pest for visitors to these natural areas.... (Full abstract) 

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Point of No Return From Water Loss in Coptotermes formosanus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)
Authors:  Bal K. Gautam, Gregg Henderson
Source:  Journal of Economic Entomology, Volume 108 #4
Abstract: Describing desiccation stages based on the physical appearance of termites has not been evaluated previously. Formosan subterranean termites were studied to determine the rate of water loss, singly and in groups, in the laboratory. The stages of water loss are described based on changes in physical appearance and percent total body water loss evaluated at 2- to 8-h time intervals up to 32 h. Workers in groups lost water slower than individual worker trials. Weight loss was linear over time for worker groups and individuals... (Full abstract) 

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Sodium Fluoride for Protection of Wood Against Field Populations of Subterranean Termites
Authors:  Chengyuan Pan, Chenzhi Wang
Source:  Journal of Economic Entomology, Volume 108 #4
Abstract: Sodium fluoride (NaF) is a wood preservative with fungicidal activity and antifeedant activity against termites. In this study, wood blocks of Pinus massoniana were treated with a 0.5% (wt/wt) aqueous solution of NaF, and placed in soil contact under field conditions to evaluate leachability of NaF and resistance to Reticulitermes flaviceps (Oshima). Fluoride leachate levels in soil from wood-soil locations were also determined. After 12-mo outdoor exposure, 91.54% of fluoride was leached... (Full abstract) 

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Genetic Variability and Geographic Diversity of the Common Bed Bug (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) Populations from the Midwest Using Microsatellite Markers
Authors:  Ralph B. Narain, Sreedevi Lalithambika, Shripat T. Kamble
Source: Journal of Medical Entomology, Volume 52 #4
Abstract: With the recent global resurgence of the bed bugs (Cimex lectularius L.), there is a need to better understand its biology, ecology, and ability to establish populations. Bed bugs are domestic pests that feed mainly on mammalian blood. Although bed bugs have not been implicated as vectors of pathogens, their biting activity inflicts severe insomnia and allergic reactions. Moreover, they have recently developed resistance to various insecticides, which requires further molecular research... (Full abstract) 

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West Nile Virus Activity in a Winter Roost of American Crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos): Is Bird-To-Bird Transmission Important in Persistence and Amplification?
Authors:  M. G. Hinton, W. K. Reisen, S. S. Wheeler, A. K. Townsend
Source: Journal of Medical Entomology, Volume 52 #4
Abstract: Since its emergence in North America, West Nile virus (WNV) has had a large impact on equines, humans, and wild bird communities, yet gaps remain in our understanding of how the virus persists at temperate latitudes when winter temperatures preclude virus replication and host-seeking activity by mosquito vectors. Bird-to-bird transmission at large communal American Crow roosts could provide one mechanism for WNV persistence... (Full abstract) 

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Prevalence Rates of Borrelia burgdorferi (Spirochaetales: Spirochaetaceae), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae), and Babesia microti (Piroplasmida: Babesiidae) in Host-Seeking Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) from Pennsylvania
Authors:  M. L. Hutchinson, M. D. Strohecker, T. W. Simmons, A. D. Kyle, M. W. Helwig
Source: Journal of Medical Entomology, Volume 52 #4
Abstract: The etiological agents responsible for Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi), human granulocytic anaplasmosis (Anaplasma phagocytophilum), and babesiosis (Babesia microti) are primarily transmitted by the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis Say. Despite Pennsylvania having in recent years reported the highest number of Lyme disease cases in the United States, relatively little is known regarding the geographic distribution of the vector and its pathogens in the state... (Full abstract) 

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Density-Dependent Oviposition by Female Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) Spreads Eggs Among Containers During the Summer but Accumulates Them in the Fall
Authors:  D. M. Fonseca, L. R. Kaplan, R. A. Heiry, D. Strickman
Source: Journal of Medical Entomology, Volume 52 #4
Abstract: When possible, oviparous females should deposit eggs in sites that maximize the future performance of their offspring. Therefore, studies of oviposition behavior may uncover parameters important to offspring fitness. Gravid female Aedes albopictus (Skuse) were given a choice of containers with leaf infusion or plain water, either open or with a cover with a small opening, and their behavior was compared under summer (long day, higher temperature) or fall (short day, lower temperature) regimes. Open containers with leaf infusion were always preferred, but over time, summer females expanded their choices... (Full abstract) 

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Effectiveness of Garlic for the Control of Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) on Residential Properties in Western Connecticut
Authors:  Anuja Bharadwaj, Laura E. Hayes, Kirby C. Stafford III
Source: Journal of Medical Entomology, Volume 52 #4
Abstract: We conducted field trials to evaluate the ability of a garlic juice-based product to control or suppress nymphal activity of the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis Say, at residential properties in Connecticut in 2009, 2010, and 2011. The product was applied at a rate of 0.2 g AI/m2. Percent control of nymphal densities achieved by the spray treatment at 6, 11, and 18 d postspray for the 3 yr was 37.0, 59.0, and 47.4%, respectively. Differences between nymphal densities were greatest during the first post-spray sampling period... (Full abstract) 

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Extensive Mitochondrial Heteroplasmy in Natural Populations of a Resurging Human Pest, the Bed Bug (Hemiptera: Cimicidae)
Authors:  G. A. Robison, O. Balvin, C. Schal, E. L. Vargo, W. Booth
Source: Journal of Medical Entomology, Volume 52 #4
Abstract: Homoplasmy, the occurrence of a single mitochondrial DNA haplotype within an individual, has been the accepted condition across most organisms in the animal kingdom. In recent years, a number of exceptions to this rule have been reported, largely due to the ease with which single nucleotide polymorphisms can be detected. Evidence of heteroplasmy—two or more mitochondrial variants within a single individual—has now been documented in a number of invertebrates... (Full abstract) 

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Factors That Influence the Transmission of West Nile Virus in Florida
Authors:  Jonathan F. Day, Walter J. Tabachnick, Chelsea T. Smartt
Source: Journal of Medical Entomology, Volume 52 #5
Abstract: West Nile virus (WNV) was first detected in North America in New York City during the late summer of 1999 and was first detected in Florida in 2001. Although WNV has been responsible for widespread and extensive epidemics in human populations and epizootics in domestic animals and wildlife throughout North America, comparable epidemics have never materialized in Florida. Here, we review some of the reasons why WNV has yet to cause an extensive outbreak in Florida... (Full abstract) 

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Cytogenetic Features of Human Head and Body Lice (Phthiraptera: Pediculidae)
Authors:  María José Bressa, Alba Graciela Papeschi, Ariel Ceferino Toloza
Source: Journal of Medical Entomology, Volume 52 #5
Abstract: The genus Pediculus L. that parasitize humans comprise two subspecies: the head lice Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer and the body lice Pediculus humanus humanus De Geer. Despite the 200 yr of the first description of these two species, there is still a long debate about their taxonomic status. Some authors proposed that these organisms are separate species, conspecifics, or grouped in clades... (Full abstract) 

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In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of Infestation Deterrents Against Lice
Authors:  Kyong Sup Yoon, Jennifer K. Ketzis, Samuel W. Andrewes, Christopher S. Wu, Kris Honraet, Dorien Staljanssens, Bart Rossel, J. Marshall Clark
Source: Journal of Medical Entomology, Volume 52 #5
Abstract: The human head louse is a cosmopolitan ectoparasite and frequently infests many people, particularly school-age children. Due to widespread pyrethroid resistance and the lack of efficient resistance management, there has been a considerable interest in the protection of uninfested people and prevention of reinfestation by disrupting lice transfer. In this study, two nonclinical model systems (in vitro and in vivo) were used to determine the efficacy of the infestation deterrents, Elimax lotion and Elimax shampoo, against human head lice or poultry chewing lice, respectively... (Full abstract) 

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Ectoparasites of Microtus californicus and Possible Emergence of an Exotic Ixodes Species Tick in California
Authors:  Amanda Poulsen, Chris Conroy, Patrick Foley, Caitlin Ott-Conn, Austin Roy, Richard Brown, Janet Foley
Source: Journal of Medical Entomology, Volume 52 #5
Abstract: California voles (Microtus californicus Peale) harbor fleas and ticks, may be infected with vector-borne pathogens, and could themselves suffer from disease and serve as a source of infection for people and other animals. Here we summarize publications, museum archives, and recent records of ticks and fleas from California voles... (Full abstract) 

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Dynamics of Ctenocephalides felis felis (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) Infestations on Urban Dogs in Southeastern Brazil
Authors:  Gustavo F. Paz, Daniel M. Avelar, Ilka A. Reis, Pedro M. Linardi
Source: Journal of Medical Entomology, Volume 52 #5
Abstract: The cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis felis (Bouché, 1835), is an important ectoparasite of dogs and cats throughout the world, causing annoyance to the animals and acting as a vector of infections and a cause of allergic dermatitis in dogs and cats. Although climatic variability and seasonality are known to influence the diversity and abundance of fleas, few investigations of seasonal prevalence of cat flea infestation have involved the same group of dogs being examined regularly over an extended period... (Full abstract) 

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Seasonal Changes in the Caste Distribution of Foraging Populations of Formosan Subterranean Termite in New Orleans, Louisiana
Authors:  Mary L. Cornelius, Weste L. A. Osbrink, Erin M. Gallatin
Source: Journal of Insect Science, Volume 15
Abstract: This study examined the relationship between temperature, precipitation, soil composition, levels of feeding damage, and the caste distribution (workers, soldiers, nymphs) of the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, collected in underground monitoring stations over a 12 mo period. Because nymphs are the caste that develops into alates, the seasonal abundance of nymphs was examined over a 5 yr period... (Full abstract) 

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Variation in Baiting Intensity Among CO2-Baited Traps Used to Collect Hematophagous Arthropods
Authors:  Yuri P. Springer, Jeffrey R. Taylor, Patrick D. Travers
Source: Journal of Insect Science, Volume 15
Abstract: Hematophagous arthropods transmit the etiological agents of numerous diseases and as a result are frequently the targets of sampling to characterize vector and pathogen populations. Arguably, the most commonly used sampling approach involves traps baited with carbon dioxide. We report results of a laboratory study in which the performance of carbon dioxide-baited traps was evaluated using measures of baiting intensity, the amount of carbon dioxide released per unit time during trap deployment. We evaluated the effects of... (Full abstract ) 

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The plight of the Monarch butterflies has captured the American public’s attention in ways that few other insects do. Knowing that your customers may be curious about the monarchs as well, we highlight here a special collection of articles in Annals of the Entomological Society of America, Volume 108, Issue 5. See this link to an overview of the collection, discussed in EntomologyToday.  The titles of articles in this collection are:

• Long-Term Trends in Eastern North American Monarch Butterflies: A Collection of Studies Focusing on Spring, Summer, and Fall Dynamics (link to abstract)
• Investigating Long-Term Changes in the Spring Migration of Monarch Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) Using 18 Years of Data From Journey North, a Citizen Science Program (link to abstract)
• Habitat Productivity and Temporal Patterns of Monarch Butterfly Egg Densities in the Eastern United States (link to abstract)
• Immature Monarch Survival: Effects of Site Characteristics, Density, and Time (link to abstract)
• The Disconnect Between Summer and Winter Monarch Trends for the Eastern Migratory Population: Possible Links to Differing Drivers (link to abstract)
• Population Trends of Monarchs at a Northern Monitoring Site: Analyses of 19 Years of Fall Migration Counts at Peninsula Point, MI (link to abstract)
• Long-term Trends in the Number of Monarch Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) Counted on Fall Migration at Long Point, Ontario, Canada (1995–2014) (link to abstract)
• Trends Observed in Fall Migrant Monarch Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) East of the Appalachian Mountains at an Inland Stopover in Southern Pennsylvania over an Eighteen Year Period (link to abstract)

And, finally, some recent posts from ESA’s popular site, Entomology Today:

• Wildlife Photographer Finds Termites Nesting in His Camera (link)
• Africanized Honey Bees Continue to Spread in California (link)
• New Flea Genus and Species Found in 20-million-year-old Amber (link)
• Risk of Chagas Disease in Texas May Be Higher than Previously Thought (link)
• Irradiation Can Be an Alternative to Fumigation (link)
• Brown Widow Spider Reported for the First Time in Tahiti (link)
• Mosquito Hawk? Skeeter Eater? Giant Mosquito? No, No, and No (link)
• Entomological Society of America Issues Statement on Tick-borne Diseases (link)
• Stink Bugs Lay Dark or Light Eggs, Depending on Amount of Light (link)
• Male Black Widow Spiders Destroy Females’ Webs to Deter Rivals (link)
• For Kudzu Bugs, a Single Pesticide Application Targeting Nymphs is Most Cost-Effective (link)
• Pests Can Evolve Resistance to Many Types of Control Methods, Not Just Chemicals (link)

PestWorld 2015 recap

I'm still digging out from my great week in Nashville at PestWorld 2015. Here are a few highlights from my week. How about yours?  From the perspective of ACE, here are my top three highlights:

1. Presenting the ACE Professional Award to Mr Michael Goldman, President of Purity Pest Control in Canada. Michael became at ACE at a time when ESA still did not have a way for PMPs to become ACE-certified if they were not based in the United States. His only option was to seek a cross-border license. Which is exactly what he did. Michael has been very active in Canada, Ontario, and Toronto with his community, working hard to make it a healthier world. This prestigious award includes free registration to PestWorld. To apply for the 2016 ACE Professional award, keep an eye on the ESA Awards site.

2. Proctoring an exam session for those taking the ACE exam. I always love doing this. For those that get through the exam successfully, there is nothing better than being able to hand them their new ACE pin and tell them congratulations in person. And for those that don't get through, it is a good opportunity to talk about the program in specific detail and offer encouragement for their next attempt. Overall we were pretty successful in Nashville. We had four people earn their ACE during PestWorld, including one new ACE-International. Congratulations to Henk Pottas (ACE-I), Brian Beining (ACE), John Stellberger (ACE), and Paul Scott (ACE).

3. Debuting the new ACE Study Guide. We had a hard time keeping the books stocked in our booth. Maybe it was the introductory discounted pricing (through Dec 31, 2015 -- hurry and you can get it too!) or maybe it was the general industry buzz, but this is a good book that is finding a home in the structural pest control education market.  We were (and still are, while supplies last) giving away a free copy of the Handbook of Household and Structural Insect Pests with every copy sold. ACE applicants get the book for about 1/2 of the cover price and we have a file folder of  new applications received from people who stopped by our booth. One of the authors, Richard Levine, was working with us in the booth for part of the meeting. I hope you got a chance to meet him.

Newest ACEs and BCEs

Please help us congratulate the newest PMPs to proudly wear the BCE and ACE designation, including a class of 15 people from Clark Pest Control who all passed on the same day.

New BCE:

• Mr. Marc C. Potzler, BCE, ACE , (Buffalo Exterminating), Orchard Park, NY  USA.  Certified on 10/1/2015. 

New ACEs:

• Mr. Eddie E Mulkey, ACE, (Rottler Pest & Lawn Solutions), Fenton, MO  USA.  Certified on 9/21/2015. 
• Mr. Richard Michael Norcross, ACE, (Terminix International), Gulfport, MS  USA.  Certified on 9/22/2015. 
• Mr. Michael Steven Williams, ACE, (Rottler Pest & Lawn Solutions), Saint Louis, MO  USA.  Certified on 9/25/2015. 
• Mr. John L. Wells, ACE, (Atlanta Pest Control), Woodstock, GA  USA.  Certified on 10/1/2015. 
• Mr. Mohammed Nadeem, ACE, (HomeTeam Pest Defense), Antioch, CA  USA.  Certified on 10/7/2015. 
• Mr. Richard Keene, ACE, (Clark Pest Control), Lodi, CA  USA.  Certified on 10/9/2015. 
• Mr. Leonard Travis Curtis, ACE, (Clark Pest Control), Lodi, CA  USA.  Certified on 10/9/2015. 
• Mr. Erik Alvarez, ACE, (Clark Pest Control), Lodi, CA  USA.  Certified on 10/9/2015. 
• Mr. Robert Golubski, ACE, (Clark Pest Control), Lodi, CA  USA.  Certified on 10/9/2015. 
• Mr. Carl Justice, ACE, (Clark Pest Control), Lodi, CA  USA.  Certified on 10/9/2015. 
• Mr. Jim Phillpott, ACE, (Clark Pest Control), Lodi, CA  USA.  Certified on 10/9/2015. 
• Mr. Phil Layfield, ACE, (Clark Pest Control), Lodi, CA  USA.  Certified on 10/9/2015. 
• Mr. Aaron Bird, ACE, (Clark Pest Control), Lodi, CA  USA.  Certified on 10/9/2015. 
• Mr. Chance Howell, ACE, (Clark Pest Control), Lodi, CA  USA.  Certified on 10/9/2015. 
• Mr. Chris Atchison, ACE, (Clark Pest Control), Lodi, CA  USA.  Certified on 10/9/2015. 
• Mr. Kevin Chapdelaine, ACE, (Clark Pest Control), Lodi, CA  USA.  Certified on 10/9/2015. 
• Mr. Nicholas Chase, ACE, (Clark Pest Control), Lodi, CA  USA.  Certified on 10/9/2015. 
• Mr. David Valdez, ACE, (Clark Pest Control), Lodi, CA  USA.  Certified on 10/9/2015. 
• Mr. Matthew Lester, ACE, (Clark Pest Control), Lodi, CA  USA.  Certified on 10/9/2015. 
• Mr. Jose Rueben Pabon, ACE, (Clark Pest Control), Lodi, CA  USA.  Certified on 10/9/2015. 
• Mr. Howard Andrew Cohn, ACE, (Orkin), Tampa, FL  USA.  Certified on 10/14/2015. 

Video marketing - 6 tips for pest control marketing

YouTube started in February of 2005 and -- like so many other stories from the early days of the net -- rose meteorically to become one of the most dominant forces on the web. The site, which is now owned by Google, receives more than a billion unique visitors every month. According to Cisco, by 2017 video will account for 69% of all consumer internet traffic. And that's just YouTube (though admittedly they are by far the most dominant player with over 71% market share in the US, according to Statista) . Don't forget Facebook videos, Netflix, Vimeo, Hulu, Vine, and dozens of other providers.

Aside from you getting your daily kitten video fix, what does this mean for you as a business owner and marketer? 64% of marketers expect video to be a part of their strategies in the near future. If you are not contemplating how to use video in your marketing, you are already falling behind.

Here are a few quick tips for how you can get started, or get ahead, in your video marketing.

1. Develop a unique voice
Just like in traditional marketing, you should have a standard look, feel, and sound in your video marketing. If you have not yet created your own YouTube channel, that is step #1. This is your "store front" for all of your videos and is an easy way for you to showcase your stuff.  One of the cardinal rules of traditional print marketing was always to have your print ads look similar, or at least have a unifying theme, so that your customer could know at an instant what your product or service is. (Think of the brilliant Absolut vodka ads as an example).

Jeff White of BedBug Central does a great job of this on BedBug TV. In his YouTube channel, he delivers instructions in everyday language in a calm, properly-cadenced approach. Jeff has become the "face" of BedBugTV and is featured in every video (at least all the ones I've seen). Plus, their YouTube channel is featured heavily on the BedBugCentral home page, allowing for good cross-promotion. Which gets us to point #2....

2. Link to your videos from your sites
Sounds obvious, right?  And yet some video providers do only that: They create a YouTube video or channel and don't tell anyone it is there. This is akin to shouting in a closed room with only yourself to hear.

YouTube has a simple way for you to embed a video into your website. Don't just add links, it is far better to embed the video as a way to build your traffic and exposure. To embed a video from your channel, click Share, then embed. You'll see an html tag box open up that should look something like this:

Work with your web host to add this to your web site on the appropriate page and your video will be embedded on your site (the video below is embedded). Be sure to include links to your content on all social media platforms as well.

3. Don't be afraid to have fun

ESA is actually pretty good at this. Our video team has filmed a lot of fun videos that -- while conveying a serious message -- do it in a fun way. Our YouTube channel includes parodies of the Dos Equis "world's most interesting man" ads, the TV show Portlandia, and others. Our newest video, just released today, promotes our new ACE Study Guide and the fact that you no longer need to carry around 10+ books to study for your ACE.

4. It doesn't have to be flashy to work
You'll notice a lot of varying quality in the videos online. Take some standard care with your equipment, such as using a tripod, adequate lighting, avoiding ambient/nearby sounds, and ensuring that the subject is in focus, but you don't need to have a $10,000 camera to record effective videos. Many of the ESA videos were recorded on either iPhones or Flip cameras.

5. Consider your audience. And consider their audience
When you record your video, think about for whom you are preparing the files? Is it for restaurant managers who have insect problems? Homeowners who just found bed bugs in their house? Or someone else?  Make sure that your approach is appropriate for the audience. And be mindful that it is incredibly simple for your video to move beyond your intended audience.

6. Think about VSEO

VSEO is video search engine optimization. (If you don't know what SEO is, click here before reading further).  But the basic idea is that you can improve your overall search engine ranking by producing videos and adding the proper tags. It has been reported for years that videos are 50 times more likely than text to get on the first page of a google search.  There are a lot of links to "bed bug removal" on the web. For your page to rise above and get increased traffic, look at VSEO as a way to increase your hits.

7. Edit, edit, edit
Script your video before you start, but don't think that you have to do this all in one take. You can edit the video with some pretty inexpensive software until you're happy with it.

Helping you promote your ACE

Your ACE is an investment. You paid an application fee. You bought study books. You took time away from your business and family to study for your exam.

You earned this.

But how do you communicate this to your customer?  How can you sum up simply what it means to be an Associate Certified Entomologist (or ACE-International)?  We've written before on this blog about the reasons to choose an ACE (or BCE), ways that you can promote your certification, and how earning your ACE can even sometimes help you to get a better rate on your business insurance.

It is the customer you really need to convince though. The restaurant owner who is putting your bid up against other bids. Or the homeowner who has a pest problem and needs to find someone they can trust. And it can be nearly impossible to keep up with the places you "NEED" to be ably represented, including Angie's List, Craigslist, the yellow pages, newspaper ads, radio, TV, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, Yelp ... the list is seemingly endless.

Managing your reputation starts with your ACE. It can be a huge asset when you are competing with other businesses for accounts. Less than 1% of PMPs nationwide (and significantly fewer globally) have earned their ACE. Be proud of what you've done and let your customers know what it means to be ACE certified.

Stop by our booth (#717) at PestWorld 2015 in Nashville and pick up a few free copies of our new brochure, "Why Hire an ACE". These flyers are designed as a tool that you can give to a client to explain why they should hire you. We even left space on the back for you to add your own marketing message.

Buying the new ACE Study Guide

If you've already ordered your copy of IPM for the Urban Professional: A Study Guide for the Associate Certified Entomologist, then those orders should ship from our warehouse on Tuesday, the 6th of October. Depending on where you are located, you should expect to see them start to arrive by sometime the following week.

If you have an interest in acquiring the study guide, I'd consider buying it soon as the title is priced at a discount through the 31st of December, 2015. Prices are not yet for next year, but I expect them to rise.

Click here to learn more about the guide and purchase it online. You can also buy the ACE Study Guide at any show where ESA is exhibiting and save the shipping fee.

2015 Introductory pricing:

• List price - $85 USD (+ shipping)
• Discounted price for current ACEs, ESA members, or BCEs:  $69 (+ shipping)
• Discounted price for current (and new) ACE applicants:  $49  (+ shipping).  Current applicants should contact ace@entsoc.org to get a discount code if you did not receive one already via email.
• For a limited time and while supplies last, all orders also include a free copy of the Handbook of Household and Structural Insect Pests

You may consider collaborating with some colleagues and start a study group and purchase your books in bulk. If you purchase 10-50 copies your price drops to $55.25/book. If you purchase 51-99 copies your price drops to $46.75/book. If you want more than 100 copies, contact ace@entsoc.org and we'll price that for you. In all cases shipping will be extra.

US Shipping:

• 1-2 books = $10
• 3-5 books = $15
• 6-9 books = $20
• 10+ books = contact ESA

Canadian Shipping:

• 1-2 books = $15
• 3-5 books = $20
• 6-9 books = $25
• 10+ books = contact ESA

Other International Shipping:

• 1-2 books = $35
• 3-5 books = $40
• 6-9 books = $45
• 10+ books = contact ESA

Excerpts from the new ACE Study Guide

We're pretty excited about the new book, IPM for the Urban Professional: A Study Guide for the Associate Certified Entomologist.  I mentioned in a recent post that the book had gone to the printer. They are currently printing the cover and then will bind the pages together. We're expecting to get our copies into the ESA offices by the first week of October, 2015.

As we were reviewing the proofs I thought it may be good to highlight a couple of sections of the book to help people understand just what it is they would be buying. The tone of the book is what I really love. It is written in a conversational tone designed to appeal to a wide variety of learners.

In the book you'll find text that covers a wide variety of topics, including insect biology, behavior, control, IPM, chemical classifications, etc. Excerpted below you will find a few short text samples and screen shots of pages from the new guide (all text and images copyrighted to the Entomological Society of America, 2015, not to be used or reproduced without expressed written permission).

(from page 37)

"Integrated Pest Management is sometimes defined as the use of two or more control tactics. Based on this idea, some may think that using two or more pesticides qualifies as IPM. However, IPM is of course much more than that. In addition to proper pest identification, knowledge of pest biology, monitoring, and action thresholds, IPM relies on integratings tactics from the following methods:
1) Quarantine and exclusion to prevent pests from beginning an infestation.
2) Making the environment less suitable for pests through improved sanitation and/or changes in building design or construction.
3) The use of cultural control methods to ensure that habitats (especially outdoors) are less susceptible or attractive to pests.
4) Physical controls involving electricity, heat, cold, humidity, light, or sound ..."

(from pages 96-97)
"One of the prominent features of the insect head is the mouth. Along with the number and arrangement of eyes, the form of the antennae, and the shape and texture of the head, the ability to recognize different types of insect mouthparts can help to identify them.

Insects have four basic kinds of mouthparts:
1) chewing, 2) piercing-sucking, 3) sponging, and 4) siphoning. These are not the only types–there are actually several more classes of mouthparts. In fact, some insects have no functional mouthparts at all as adults (as you might guess, they don't live very long). However, these are the major types that are found in most structural insect pests."

(from page 113)

"One useful way of identifying ant species is to look at the thorax. In some ant species, the thorax is smooth and hairless, while others have ornamentation or setae (hairs). Some species bear spines in different numbers and configurations. And some ant species have a thorax that is smooth and round when viewed from the side, while others look uneven with distinctive shapes.

The gaster can also be used to identify ants. For example, most individuals in the subfamily Formicinae have an acidopor, a circular cone-like anal orifice at the tip of the gaster that is surrounded by a ring of hairs. However, most members of the subfamily Dolichoderinae have a slit-shpaed orifice with no ring of fairs. None of the ants in either of these two subfamilies have stingers on their gasters, but ants in the subfamily Myrmicinae do (see following section on Ant Classification)."

Read more on these and hundreds of other topics in the new study guide for the Associate Certified Entomologist program. It is on sale now at a discounted price until the end of 2015. Click here to reserve your copy.