Entomologists use Smart Tactics for Sustainable Bug Control 🐜🏡 🔍
In spring 2024, we offered the Scientist Online electronic field trip to connect middle and high school youth with insect investigators at Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU)!
Our lineup included FAMU entomologists who discussed honeybees and eco-friendly methods to control parasites, mosquito-borne illness control methods, and effective at-home traps (light, heat, insect strips) for common household pests.
The program was streamed live on Zoom on Thursday, April 11th at 4:30 p.m. from Quincy, FL.
Watch the recording to learn how to protect yourself, your home, and the environment with simple yet effective pest control techniques!
Learning Objectives
After participating in this electronic field trip, youth will be able to:
- Describe integrated pest management.
- Recognize common pests species in different environments.
- Discuss insect-plant interactions and the effects of pest management on nature.
- Define mosquito-borne illnesses.
- Describe the roles of beneficial insects in controlling pest populations and maintaining ecosystem balance.
- Discuss factors to consider when choosing the most appropriate biological control agent for a specific pest.
- Explain how beneficial organisms can enhance natural pest control.
Dr. Worrell Diedrick monitors the FAMU research beehives on the Quincy, FL campus.
Meet the Entomologists
Dr. Kanga Lambert
Dr. Lambert H. B. Kanga is a Professor of Entomology in the College of Agricultural and Food Sciences at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, where he joined the faculty in 2003. He is also Chair of the Entomology Program and Director of the Center for Biological Control at Florida A&M University. He received his M.S. from North Dakota State University and his Ph.D. from Texas A&M University. Dr. Kanga specializes in research on Integrated Pest Management, Biological Control, Insecticide Resistance, Conservation Biology, and Insect Pathology.
Dr. Worrel Diedrick
Dr. Worrel Diedrick is a Postdoctoral Research Assistant in the College of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Center for Biological Control at FAMU.
Dr. Whitley Stewart
Dr. Stewart is a Postdoctoral Research Assistant at FAMU.
Dr. Animka Sharma
Dr. Anamika Sharma is an Assistant Professor in the Center for Biological Control at Florida A&M University. She received her M.S. from Jai Narain Vyas University and her Ph.D. from Charles Sturt University. Dr. Anamika Sharma is also an entomologist/insect ecologist with a focus on biological control and integrated pest management. She is extensively trained in insect ecology and various facets of insect-plant interaction. At the Center for Biological Control, her focus is on urban and agricultural insects.
Watch the Recording
Behind the Scenes
Thanks for joining us!
Live streamed in April 2024 from Florida A&M University.
Funded by USDA-NIFA Work Ready Florida. (PI – Dr. Chris Decubellis; PI – Dr. Katie Stofer)
Produced by: Dr. Jamie Loizzo & graduate students Caroline Barnett, Annabel Henson, and Maggie Murphy – University of Florida Department of Agricultural Education and Communication.
