NPMA BUGBYTES

Valkyries, Vermin, and Pest Research with Special Guest Suzy Rayner of Valkyrie Pest Solutions

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 10:24:04 -0400

In this month's episode, the team breaks down recent research on best methods for tick surveillance, how invasive spotted lanternfly honeydew influences native food webs, and new evidence showing how wild house mice are incredible problem-solvers. We're joined by special guest Suzy Rayner with Valkyrie Pest Solutions based in Gimli, Manitoba who shares her journey running a women-led pest control business, the challenges of operating in extreme climates, and her empathetic approach to serving vulnerable clients.

New Updates on Tick-Borne Diseases, Microwaving Stored Product Pests, and Mosquito Attractants with Special Guest Mike Bullert

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 09:13:16 -0400

In this month's episode, the crew sheds new light on tick-borne disease transmission, we discuss how microwaving pests may be the cool new pest control hack (or maybe not), and we cover new data on what skin emissions make us more or less attractive to malaria-transmitting mosquitoes. We're joined by special guest, Mike Bullert with Big Time Pest Control!

Be sure to check out NPMA's Pestology blog for more information on the research covered in this episode!
Have questions or feedback for the BugBytes team? Email us at training@pestworld.org, we'd love to hear from you!

H5N1 Virus Transmission, German Cockroach Control Tools, and Bed Bugs with Faye Golden

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 12:54:56 -0400

The team kicks off the new year covering new research on the role pests play in spreading H5N1 virus, how German cockroaches respond to commercial essential oils, and new data on thermal thresholds for the common bed bug. We're joined by special guest Faye Golden of Cook's Pest Control!

Be sure to check out NPMA's Pestology blog for more information on the research covered in this episode!
Have questions or feedback for the BugBytes team? Email us at training@pestworld.org, we'd love to hear from you!

2025 Year in Review Episode!

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0400

In the final episode of 2025, the team reviews the impressive number of publications, journal articles, and science news headlines we've covered over the past year. We pick our favorite articles and end with a special game to decide who will be crowned the BugBytes champion for 2025!

Be sure to check out NPMA's Pestology blog for more information on the research covered in this episode!
Have questions or feedback for the BugBytes team? Email us at training@pestworld.org, we'd love to hear from you!

BugBytes LIVE Episode At PestWorld 2025 Orlando!

Sat, 01 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -0300

BugBytes recorded our third LIVE episode at PestWorld 2025! In this live episode, the team covered new research on mosquito host-seeking behavior, the latest advances in termite baiting, and novel stored product pest management techniques! We're joined by a live audience as our guest judges this episode!

Be sure to check out NPMA's Pestology blog for more information on the research covered in this episode!
Have questions or feedback for the BugBytes team? Email us at training@pestworld.org, we'd love to hear from you!

Mosquito Repellents and All Things Pharaoh Ants with Special Guest Bobby Jenkins

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0300

This month we catch up with Bobby Jenkins of ABC Pest Control & Commercial Services fresh off his 5,000 mile bike ride with brother Raleigh Jenkins to raise money . Our team also reviews new research exploring fruit cocktails as potential mosquito repellents, and we cover two different papers exploring repellency and active ingredient translocation with Pharaoh ants!

Visit www.BrothersBike.org to learn more about Bobby's epic 5,000 mile bike ride, what the were riding for, and how to donate to support Mission Lazarus & the Moss Pieratt Foundation.
Be sure to check out NPMA's Pestology blog for more information on the research covered in this episode!
Have questions or feedback for the BugBytes team? Email us at training@pestworld.org, we'd love to hear from you!

Kissing Bug Control, Spotted Lantern Fly Surveillance , and German Cockroach Bait Contamination with Special Guest Bert Dodson Jr.

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 08:50:34 -0300

In this month's episode, the team covers new tools for controlling kissing bugs, using ants to detect Spotted Lantern Flys, and new insights into cockroach gel bait contamination (or lack there of). We're joined by special guest Bert Dodson Jr. of Dodson Pest Control!

To learn more about the Pest Management Foundation, Foundation supported research, and scholarship opportunities, visit www.npmafoundation.org
Be sure to check out NPMA's Pestology blog for more information on the research covered in this episode!
Have questions or feedback for the BugBytes team? Email us at training@pestworld.org, we'd love to hear from you!

Bed Bug Fumigation, Spider Moms, and Fire Ant Viruses with Special Guest Kathy Corradi!

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0300

In this month's episode, the team reviews new research on bed bug fumigation options, why spider moms are awesome, and how viruses infecting fire ants may impact colony collapse disorder. We're joined by a very special guest Kathy Corradi, the Citywide Director of Rodent Mitigation for New York City. You may also know her as NYC's Rodent Czar!

To learn more about New York's Rat Pack program, click HERE
Be sure to check out NPMA's Pestology blog for more information on the research covered in this episode!
Have questions or feedback for the BugBytes team? Email us at training@pestworld.org, we'd love to hear from you!

Tick Checks, Classifying Mites, and Mosquito Feeding Preferences with Guest Judy Dold

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 09:18:42 -0300

In this month's special episode, the team sits down with industry icon Judy Dold with Rose Pest Solutions to discuss the origins of the National Pest Control Association, her path to becoming NPMA President, and the history of Rose Pest Solutions. Oh yeah, we also covered some science. The team shared new research on tick checks, changes in mite taxonomy, and mosquito feeding preferences.

Be sure to check out NPMA's Pestology blog for more information on the research covered in this episode!
Have questions or feedback for the BugBytes team? Email us at training@pestworld.org, we'd love to hear from you!

Mosquito Fungus Amongus, Novel Trapping Devices for Bed Bug Surveilance, and Bed Bug Histamines with Guests Courtney and Adam Carace of Pest-End

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0300

This month, NPMA's Technical Team presents on new research highlighting transgenic mosquito fungi, how some plants can be used to monitor for bed bugs, and the stability of bed bug excreted histamines. We're joined by special guests Courtney and Adam Carace with Pest-End.

Be sure to check out NPMA's Pestology blog for more information on the research covered in this episode!
Have questions or feedback for the BugBytes team? Email us at training@pestworld.org, we'd love to hear from you!

Cockroach Gel Baits, Termite Corpses, and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza with Guests Adam Brashier and Del Lawson with Modern Pest Control

Thu, 01 May 2025 10:47:16 -0300

In this month's episode, NPMA's technical team presented new research on consumer and professional grade cockroach baits, what termite corpse management means for termiticide performance, and insights into the USDA's dataset on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. We're joined by two special guests, Adam Brashier and Del Lawson of Modern Pest Control!

Be sure to check out NPMA's Pestology blog for more information on the research covered in this episode!
Have questions or feedback for the BugBytes team? Email us at training@pestworld.org, we'd love to hear from you!

Crime Solving Bed Bugs, Resilient Roof Rats, and Ai Cockroaches with Special Guest Erin Richardson!

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 09:15:29 -0300

In this episode, the NPMA team discusses new research on how bed bugs could solve crimes, ways to improve bed bug control, and the use of artificial intelligence to track cockroaches. We're joined by special guest Erin Richardson of All-American Pest Control!

To learn more about the All-American Pest Control STEAM Trailblazer Scholarship and other scholarship opportunities through NPMA's Pest Management Foundation, CLICK HERE
Be sure to check out NPMA's Pestology blog for more information on the research covered in this episode!
Have questions or feedback for the BugBytes team? Email us at training@pestworld.org, we'd love to hear from you!

Controlling House Flies, Insecticide Resistant Mosquitoes, and Tracking Red Imported Fire Ants with Special Guest Megan Moloney of NPMA

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 13:12:06 -0400

In this month's episode, Laura covers new research on housefly control, Mike talks about new research tracking changes in insecticide resistance in mosquitoes, and Ellie covers a publication focused on tracking the red imported fire ant. We're joined by special guest, Megan Moloney with NPMA!

If you have questions or feedback for the BugBytes team, email us at training@pestworld.org, we'd love to hear from you!
And, be sure to check out NPMA's Pestology blog (npmapestology.com/)for more information on the research covered in this episode!

Spider Heartrates, Rancid Fats, and Love Pheromones with Special Guests Noelle and Rian Goins!

Sat, 01 Feb 2025 07:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we introduce a new segment called "What's the Buzz" (name still pending) where we quiz our guests on recent industry news headlines! We also cover new research on Joro spider (Trichonephila clavata) heartrates, the use of rancid fat to repel mosquitoes, and new pheromone-based control options for the Indianmeal moth (Plodia interpunctella). And, for the first time ever, we're joined by TWO special guests, Noelle and Rian Goins with Get Goins Pest Control!

For more information on the Keep It Goins Foundation, visit https://keepitgoins.org/
If you have questions or feedback for the BugBytes team, email us at training@pestworld.org, we'd love to hear from you!
And, be sure to check out NPMA's Pestology blog (npmapestology.com/)for more information on the research covered in this episode!

Termite Baiting, Horse Fly Trapping, and Cockroach Pathogen Tracking with Special Guest Aly Sylva Mulgrew

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 07:00:00 -0400

In this episode, the team discusses new research in termite baiting, ways to make a better horse fly trap, and the genetics behind why some cockroaches may be better vectors of salmonella. We're joined in this episode by special guest, Aly Silva Mulgrew with Plunkett's Pest Control! If you have questions or feedback for the BugBytes team, email us at training@pestworld.org, we'd love to hear from you! And, be sure to check out NPMA's Pestology blog (npmapestology.com/)for more information on the research covered in this episode!

Mosquito Swarms, Blacklegged Tick Management, and Silver Bullets for Pest Control with Special Guest Court Parker of Bug Busters!

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 07:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Laura covers new information on mosquito swarms and location cues used during mating, Mike discusses new research on seasonal management efforts for blacklegged ticks, and Ellie gives us an update on the silver bullet for battling biting midges! We're joined by special guest, Court Parker of Bug Busters!

Be sure to check out NPMA's Pestology blog for more information on the research covered in this episode! https://npmapestology.com/
Have questions or feedback for the BugBytes team? Email us at training@pestworld.org, we'd love to hear from you!

NPMA BugBytes LIVE at PestWorld 2024 in Denver Colorado!

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 07:00:00 -0300

Your NPMA Bugbytes team taped a LIVE podcast episode with attendees at PestWorld 2024 in Denver Colorado! The team covered new research on paper wasps, bed bugs, and Argentine ants. And, a new podcast trophy was unveiled!

Be sure to check out NPMA's Pestology blog for more information on the research covered in this episode! https://npmapestology.com/
Have questions or feedback for the BugBytes team? Email us at training@pestworld.org, we'd love to hear from you!

Mosquitoes, German Cockroaches, and Mediterranean Flour Moths with Guest Bill Cowley!

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0300

In this episode, we cover new research on links between tires and mosquito populations, the efficacy of consumer control products against German cockroaches, and the impacts of pheromones on flight behavior of the Mediterranean flour moth. We're joined by special guest Bill Cowley of Cowley's Pest Services!

Be sure to check out NPMA's Pestology blog for more information on the research covered in this episode! https://npmapestology.com/
Have questions or feedback for the BugBytes team? Email us at training@pestworld.org, we'd love to hear from you!

Ant Amputations, Termite Death Zones, and New Cockroach Control Tools with Special Guest Sara Cromwell

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 07:00:00 -0300

In this episode, NPMA's technical team discusses the benefits of ant amputations, we dive into the phenomena of termite death zones, and we share new research on novel active ingredients used to control cockroaches. We're joined in this episode by special guest Sara Cromwell of Abell Pest Control!

Be sure to check out NPMA's Pestology blog for more information on the research covered in this episode! https://npmapestology.com/
Have questions or feedback for the BugBytes team? Email us at training@pestworld.org, we'd love to hear from you!

Crafty Ants, Tackling Termites, and Mosquito Control with Special Guest Jamie Ogle

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 07:00:00 -0300

In this episode, the team shares new research on ways fire ants can avoid exposure to pesticide treatments, methods of protecting historic structures from subterranean termites, and carnivorous organisms that eat mosquito larvae. We're joined by special guest Jamie Ogle of Lloyd Pest Control!

Follow this link learn more about the Jim Ogle Scholarship and other scholarship opportunities through NPMA's Pest Management Foundation: https://www.npmapestworld.org/foundation
Be sure to check out NPMA's Pestology blog for more information on the research covered in this episode! https://npmapestology.com/
Have questions or feedback for the BugBytes team? Email us at training@pestworld.org, we'd love to hear from you!

Gamma Rays, Pan Allergens, and Scuttle Flies with Special Guest Jillian Gardner of NPMA

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 07:00:00 -0300

In this episode we cover gamma rays, pan allergens, and scuttle flies. We're joined by special guest Jillian Gardner of NPMA!

Follow this link learn more about NPMA's Executive Leadership Program: https://www.npmapestworld.org/engage/leadership-programs/executive-leadership-program/
Be sure to check out NPMA's Pestology blog for more information on the research covered in this episode! https://npmapestology.com/
Have questions or feedback for the BugBytes team? Email us at training@pestworld.org, we'd love to hear from you!

Brown Widow Spiders, Zombie Ants, and Spotted Lantern Flies with Special Guest Dauphin Ewart

Sat, 01 Jun 2024 07:00:00 -0300

In this episode we cover new research on brown widow spiders, zombie ants, and how artificial intelligence could be used to control spotted lantern flies. We're joined by special guest Dauphin Ewart with The Bug Master of Austin, Texas.

Be sure to check out NPMA's Pestology blog for more information on the research covered in this episode! https://npmapestology.com/
Have questions or feedback for the BugBytes team? Email us at training@pestworld.org, we'd love to hear from you!

Cyborg Cockroaches, Winter Survival Strategies, and Ant Bait Abandonment with Special Guest Jen McCauley

Thu, 02 May 2024 10:21:36 -0300

In this episode, Laura gives us a glimpse into the future with an update on cyborg cockroaches, Mike explores how arthropods survive the winter cold, and Ellie reviews new research investigating bait abandonment by ants. We're joined by special guest Jen McCauley with McCauley Pest Services out of Bryant, Arkansas!

Be sure to check out NPMA's Pestology blog for more information on the research covered in this episode! https://npmapestology.com/

Have questions or feedback for the BugBytes team? Email us at training@pestworld.org, we'd love to hear from you!

Ticks, Insecticides, and Urban Entomology Review with Special Guest King Jones!

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 07:00:00 -0300

In this episode, Laura returns as the back-to-back BugBytes champion to cover a new paper on tick research, Mike talks about microwaving insecticides, and Ellie shares a review paper on the history and trajectory of Urban Entomology. We're joined by special guest King Jones, owner of CT Pest Solutions!

Be sure to check out NPMA's Pestology blog for more information on the research covered in this episode! https://npmapestology.com/
Have questions or feedback for the BugBytes team? Email us at training@pestworld.org, we'd love to hear from you!

Artificial Sweeteners, Histamines, and Ticks with Special Guest Emily Thomas Kendrick

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 07:00:00 -0400

The nerd herd is back with another informative episode! This month Mike covers research on the impact of artificial sweeteners on German cockroaches, Ellie covers a study on histamines produced by blood-feeding insects, and Laura talks ticks! We're joined in this episode by special guest Emily Thomas Kendrick, CEO of Arrow Exterminators.

Be sure to check out NPMA's Pestology blog for more information on the research covered in this episode! https://npmapestology.com/

Have questions or feedback for the BugBytes team? Email us at training@pestworld.org, we'd love to hear from you!

Ant-Detecting Robots, Malaria Transmission, and Mosquito Repellent Devices with Special Guest William Hoffman of Hoffman Exterminating

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 07:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Mike shares new breakthroughs in artificial intelligence technology used to locate invasive ants, Laura highlights research looking at how age impacts malaria transmission in mosquitoes, and Ellie reviews a recent study investigating if mosquito repellent devices impact pollinators. We're joined by special guest, William Hoffman of Hoffman Exterminators.

Be sure to check out NPMA's Pestology blog for more information on the research covered in this episode! https://npmapestology.com/

Monitoring devices, resistance development, and cicadas with guest Julie Tesh-Clark of Pest Management Systems

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 07:00:00 -0400

We return to our usual format where three bug nerds compete to see who can impress our guest judge with the best research summary in 5 minutes or less. We're joined by special guest Julie Tesh-Clark with Pest Management Systems.

Be sure to check out NPMA's Pestology Blog (https://npmapestology.com/) for a deeper dive into the research we highlight on each episode!

New Co-Hosts, New Science, Same Old Shenanigans

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 07:00:00 -0400

NPMA BUGBYTES is back! We return with two new co-hosts and NPMA Technical Team members Laura Rosenwald and Ellie Lane to share some highlights from our own graduate research.

Be sure to check out NPMA's Pestology blog for more information on the research covered in this episode! https://npmapestology.com/

We Cover Ticks, Termites, and Mosquitoes With Special Guest AJ Alonso of Columbus Pest Control

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 08:00:00 -0300

In this episode, Brittany talks ticks, Jim covers new research on termites and spray foam insulation, and Mike shares new information on mosquitoes. We're joined by special guest AJ Alonso of Columbus Pest Control.

We Cover New Research On Red Imported Fire Ants, Arboviruses, and Bat Ticks with Special Guest Nicholas Holland

Fri, 18 Feb 2022 09:58:43 -0400

In this episode, Mike covers red imported fire ant research, Brittany discusses new details on arbovirus transmission, and Jim talks about bat ticks. We're joined by special guest Nicholas Holland of Peregrine General Pest Control.

We Discuss The Latest Bedbug and Mosquito Research With Guest Joel Nolasco

Thu, 20 Jan 2022 14:42:22 -0400

In this episode, Brittany and Jim covered the latest in bed bug research and Mike outlined new advances in mosquito control. Our special guest this episode is Joel Nolasco with NuBorn Pest Control.

Follow these links for more information on the Pest Management Foundation and the NPMA Diversity Council mentioned in this episode.

Be sure to check out NPMA's Pestology Blog (https://npmapestology.com/) for a deeper dive into the research we highlight on each episode!

Live at PestWorld 2021 In Las Vegas Covering The Latest Research On Termites, Spiders, and Beetles!

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 07:00:00 -0400

This episode was recorded live at PestWorld 2021 where we invited the audience to participate as our special guests! Jim talked termites, Mike covered spider research, and Brittany recapped research on beetle traps.

Be sure to check out NPMA's Pestology Blog (https://npmapestology.com/) for a deeper dive into the research we highlight on each episode!

We Talk Ticks, Mosquito Fish, and the Asian Giant Hornet with Special Guest Timothy Wong of M&M Environmental

Tue, 05 Oct 2021 09:00:00 -0300

In this episode Brittany talks about ticks, Jim covers mosquito fish odors, and Mike highlights the latest info on the Asian Giant Hornet distribution in the US. We are joined by special guest, Timothy Wong of M&M Environmental Services!

Hear what's new with cockroach baits and food odors, itch mites, and salty mosquitoes with guest Galvin Murphy Sr

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 07:00:00 -0300

In this episode Mike babbles on about food odors, Jim discusses mysterious itch mites, and Brittany busts a myth about mosquitoes with special guest Galvin Murphy Sr. with Yankee Pest Control.

We Cover German Cockroaches, Rodents, and Ticks with Special Guest Samantha Forrest

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 09:00:00 -0300

In this episode, we cover the latest research on German cockroach food preferences, rodent baiting, and ticks with special guest Samantha Forrest of Brothers Pest Control. And, be sure to catch the end of the episode to hear some bonus outtakes from the episode!

Eastern Equine Encephalitis, German Cockroach Bait, and Genetically Modified Mosquitoes with Special Guest AJ Treleven!

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 08:00:00 -0300

In this episode we dive into new research on mosquitoes that spread eastern equine encephalitis, we find out if essential oils can make a good German cockroach bait, and we cover the science behind genetically modified mosquitoes with special guest AJ Treleven of Sprague Pest Solutions.

We Talk Food Infesting Beetles, the True Costs of Invasive Pests, and Book Lice with Special Guest Cleveland Dixon!

Thu, 20 May 2021 09:00:00 -0300

In this episode we cover new research on an interesting approach to controlling a food-infesting beetle, we breakdown the true costs of invasive pests around the globe, and how to stop book lice with special guest Cleveland Dixon of Holiday Termite & Pest Control.

Special Release Episode Exploring Cutting Edge Rodenticide Research with Guest Dr. Niamh Quinn

Fri, 07 May 2021 07:58:01 -0300

Mapping out the rodenticide exposure pathway is a critical step in the prevention of non-target exposure. Hear what exciting research is taking us one step closer to solving this mystery with Dr. Niamh Quinn, Human-Wildlife Interactions Advisor for the University of California South Coast Research and Extension Center.

A Recap Of New Research On Rodenticides, SARS-CoV-2 and Biting Flies, and Bed Bug Control with Special Guest Marillian Missiti

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 12:00:00 -0300

We highlight the latest findings on rodenticides, biting flies and SARS-CoV-2, and bed bug control with special guest Marillian Missiti. For more info on the research covered in this episode, check out the NPMA PESTOLOGY blog!

Special Release Episode Uncovering the World of Counterfeit Pest Control Products with Guest Michael Weyman

Mon, 05 Apr 2021 11:46:19 -0300

Discover the world of counterfeit pest control products in this interview with Michael Weyman, Deputy Director for Clemson’s Regulatory Services.

New Research On Dung Beetles, Fruit Flies, and Termites with Special Guest Dennis Jenkins!

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 15:37:03 -0400

Special guest Dennis Jenkins of ABC Home and Commercial Services joins us this episode to cover the latest research on dung beetles, fruit fly pheromones, termite cannibalism!

New Co-hosts, New Format, and Special Guest Judge Jill-Morgan Aubert with NPMA

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 11:24:01 -0400

Three entomologists, five minutes, and one guest judge. Check out the latest episode as we introduce new co-hosts and a new format with our first guest judge Jill-Morgan Aubert, Education Coordinator for NPMA. This may be the most competitive and entertaining science-news program of 2021!

The Asian Giant Hornet: Spoiler Alert, It's Not Called A Murder Hornet!

Tue, 28 Jul 2020 09:25:38 -0300

Where did the Asian giant hornet come from, has it become established in North America, and what threat could it pose to the US? Get answers to these and many more questions in this episode featuring famed hymenopterist, Dr. Lynn Kimsey, as she dispels myths and rumors about this interesting insect.

Directing Pest Control Operations from the Front Lines to Your Front Door

Mon, 04 May 2020 12:05:12 -0300

What if I told you that battling arthropod-borne disease is typically the first conflict soldiers face overseas? Learn how pest management has shaped military history and how critical pest control operations are coordinated globally across the armed forces in this episode with guest CAPT Eric Hoffman, Director of the Armed Forces Pest Management Board.

Welcome to the Future: How Genetic Research is Reshaping Pest Control

Wed, 04 Mar 2020 10:26:36 -0400

Discover how scientists are using breakthroughs in genetic research to control some of the most challenging urban pests in this episode with guest Ed Vargo, Professor and Endowed Chair in Urban and Structural Entomology at Texas A&M University.

Episode 2: Zach Devries Highlights Exciting Bed Bug and Cockroach Research

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 17:02:22 -0300

Discover the latest in bed bug and cockroach research by one of the industries newest and brightest urban entomologists.

Episode 1: Bobby Corrigan, Rodents, and New York City

Tue, 16 Oct 2018 14:18:54 -0300

Catch up with Bobby Corrigan in Central Park as he sets the record straight about rats and offers insight into the exciting future of rodent control.