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Updated: Feb 29

It’s common knowledge that insects are attracted to lights, especially at night. As PMPs, you may be even more familiar with this phenomenon, using it against pest insects with technology like insect light traps (ILTs). Whether it's a customer complaining of all the bugs around a porch light or a pile-up of dead insects within a ceiling light, this is a common occurrence. In a recent study, researchers took this behavior and went to figure out exactly what was going on and why this occurred.

Popular theories regarding light attraction included ideas about how the insects were attempting navigation, but this recent study shows otherwise. Researchers took moths and observed their behavior when exposed to light with 3D flight trackers. This technology was able to show how the insect moved through the air. They found that the insects didn’t move directly toward the light, but were angled toward it in such a way that they ended up orbiting the light, stalling, and generally getting mixed up. Their movement pattern is described as orthogonal which means right angles.

What I found most interesting was that the moths oriented themselves so that the light was on their back. The researchers propose that this orientation response to light may be a way to orient themselves vertically based on the fact that for millions of years, the sun and moon were the only light sources the moths had to worry about. The artificial light sources, therefore, make it difficult for these insects to orient themselves vertically. They even observed that when artificial light was below the insect, it would crash.



Why Insects Gather at Artificial Light
Why Insects Gather at Artificial Light

Figure 4. The effect of reflected light was strongly dependent on whether it came from below or above the insect. An example trajectory of insects attempting to fly above a white sheet illuminated by a downward-facing UV light tube. b Example trajectories of insects flying under a white sheet illuminated by an upward-facing UV light tube. c A diagrammatic representation of the hypothesized behavioral effect of ‘light trapping’ (left) vs. flight under a diffuse canopy (right). The strong effect of light directionality was also present in Honeybees and Diptera, both being unable to sustain flight when UV light came from below. 


To take things a step further, this suggests that the navigation hypothesis would not be entirely correct and instead the moth’s confusion is a matter of figuring out which way is up. If moths only flew towards a light, they would all just fly straight up into the sky towards the sun or moon. The moths were not flying towards the light as we may think of them doing, showing that they are not trying to escape by going into the light. Orienting themselves to fly orthogonally, would keep them flying normally.

The study looked at a few species of moth as well as fruit flies and observed the described behaviors among most of them but not all. It’s not clear yet where those differences may lie, but its given us a start in understanding this behavior. So next time you get a curious customer asking why so many bugs end up by their porch lights, you’ll have an explanation.

Article by Ellie Lane

References

Fabian, S.T., Sondhi, Y., Allen, P.E. et al. Why flying insects gather at artificial light. Nat Commun 15, 689 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-44785-3

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Updated: Feb 29




PPE Importance in the Pest Control Industry
PPE Importance in the Pest Control Industry

PPE Importance in the Pest Control Industry

PPE, or Personal Protective Equipment, plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals working in the pest control industry. As a field that involves close contact with harmful chemicals and potentially dangerous animals, it is essential for pest control professionals to have access to and utilize appropriate PPE. This article will discuss the importance of PPE in the pest control industry, highlighting the various types of equipment commonly used and their specific functions. By examining the significance of PPE, this article aims to shed light on the measures taken to protect workers from potential hazards and promote a safe working environment in the pest control industry.

The Importance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the Pest Control Industry

Personal protective equipment (PPE) plays a crucial role in the pest control industry as it helps to protect workers from potential hazards and health risks associated with pesticide exposure. PPE includes items such as gloves, goggles, masks, and coveralls that are specifically designed to provide a barrier between the worker and the potentially harmful chemicals used in pest control. These items of protective gear not only prevent direct contact with pesticides but also help to minimize inhalation and skin absorption, which are common routes of exposure. It is important for workers in the pest control industry to wear appropriate PPE to ensure their safety and well-being while handling potentially toxic substances. In addition, proper training and education on the correct use and maintenance of PPE are essential to maximize its effectiveness and prevent accidents or injuries in the workplace.

Types of PPE Used in the Pest Control Industry

Although there are various types of personal protective equipment (PPE) utilized in the pest control industry to protect workers from potential hazards. One crucial piece of PPE is respiratory protection, which includes respirators or masks designed to filter out airborne particles and reduce the risks of inhalation exposure to pesticides and other harmful substances. Another essential type of PPE is chemical-resistant clothing, such as coveralls and gloves, which are specifically designed to shield workers from contact with pesticides and prevent potential skin absorption. Additionally, protective eyewear, such as goggles or safety glasses, is essential to prevent eye irritation or injuries caused by chemical splashes or debris during pest control operations. These different types of PPE provide comprehensive protection for pest control workers and are crucial in ensuring their safety and well-being.

Training and Compliance with PPE Regulations in the Pest Control Industry

Training and compliance with personal protective equipment (PPE) regulations are crucial in the pest control industry to ensure the safety of workers and the effectiveness of pest control measures. Comprehensive training programs provide workers with the necessary knowledge and skills to use PPE correctly and efficiently. These programs should cover topics such as the types of PPE available, the correct way to wear and remove PPE, the importance of regular inspections and maintenance, and the procedures to follow in case of PPE failure or exposure incidents. Compliance with PPE regulations requires ongoing monitoring and enforcement by employers to ensure that workers consistently use the appropriate PPE for their tasks and that it is in good working condition. Workers who are not adequately trained or fail to comply with PPE regulations are at a higher risk of exposure to hazardous substances and insect bites, which can have serious health implications. Therefore, employers in the pest control industry need to prioritize training and compliance with PPE regulations to protect the well-being of their workers and maintain the highest standards of pest control.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is of utmost importance in the pest control industry. The nature of this industry exposes workers to various hazards, such as exposure to chemicals, physical injuries, and potential diseases. PPE serves as a crucial barrier between workers and these hazards, providing protection and minimizing the risks associated with their jobs. The implementation of a comprehensive PPE program not only safeguards the health and well-being of workers but also ensures compliance with safety regulations and standards. Moreover, it enhances workplace productivity by reducing the number of accidents and illnesses, consequently minimizing downtime and associated costs. Therefore, prioritizing the use of PPE in the pest control industry not only protects workers but also contributes to the overall success and efficiency of pest control operations.

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Updated: Feb 29


SPMAO Conference January 23 – 25, 2024
SPMAO Conference January 23 – 25, 2024

DAY 1 Wednesday, January 24th

  • 7:30am – 5:00pm SPMAO Registration  Conference Bags Sponsored by Gardex

  • 8:00am – 5:00pm Exhibit Hall

  • 8:00am – 9:00am Continental Breakfast

  • 9:00am – 9:15am Welcome / CPMA Update

  • 9:15am – 10:15am Randy Hobbs: Bird Control & Exclusion

  • 10:15am – 10:30am Refreshment Break Sponsored by Neudorff

  • 10:30am – 11:30am Lauren McFarland: Health & Safety Programs – Preparing for Growth Sponsored by Act First Safety

  • 11:30am – 1:00pm Lunch Sponsored by Envu

  • 1:00pm – 1:30pm Health Canada Update

  • 1:30pm – 2:00pm MECP Update

  • 2:00pm – 3:00pm Chelle Hartzer: German Cockroaches…the war continues!

  • 3:00pm – 3:30pm Refreshment Break

  • 3:30pm – 4:30pm Tom Mueller: Practical Uses of Pheromones

  • 5:00pm – 7:00pm Professional Women in Pest Management Reception

DAY 2 Thursday, January 25th

  • 7:30am – 3:30pm SPMAO Registration  Conference Bags Sponsored by Gardex

  • 8:00am – 3:30pm Exhibit Hall

  • 8:00am – 9:00am Continental Breakfast Sponsored by Veseris

  • 9:00am – 9:15am Welcome

  • 9:15am – 10:15am Beverly Beuermann-King: Mental Health & Wellness

  • 10:15am – 10:30am Refreshment Break

  • 10:30am – 11:30am Seth Garber: Nine ways to generate revenue without spending a dime

  • 11:30pm – 12:30pm Sheila Haddad: Rodent Control in 2024 Sponsored by Bell Labs

  • 12:30pm – 2:00pm Lunch

  • 2:00pm – 3:00pm Sean Rollo: Small Flies Sponsored by Veseris

  • 3:00pm – 3:15pm Refreshment Break

  • 3:15pm – 4:15pm Nina Jenkins: Bed Bug Biology Tools & Techniques

  • 4:15pm – 4:30pm Closing Remarks

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SPONSERS

SPONSERS
SPONSERS




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