entomology

A corn earworm caterpillar on an ear of corn.

Dec 1, 2025

Crop Pests Can Develop ‘Fighter-Jet Wings’ After Eating Specific Mix of Corn

Consuming a blend of toxic Bt corn and non-toxic corn can give corn earworm moths longer, more narrow and more tapered wings that can send them long distances.

A mother applies bug spray to a child's arm.

Jul 31, 2025

Basic Research Leads to Market’s First All-Natural, EPA-Registered Insect Repellent

NC State entomology professor Michael Roe’s early-stage research is behind the groundbreaking new line of DEET-free repellents.

a time-lapse photograph shows fireflies as blurs of light in a meadow surrounded by trees at dusk.

Jun 9, 2025

Podcast: Fireflies

Clyde Sorenson, Alumni Association Distinguished Undergraduate Professor of Entomology, joins us to talk about all things - or as many things as we can fit into this podcast - firefly.

close-up view of several termites in tunnels they've carved into a piece of rotting wood

May 5, 2025

How Do I Protect My Home From Termites? Prevention and Control Tips

Discover effective tips for preventing and controlling termites in your home. Learn how to identify termite infestations early and protect your property.

a lone star tick against a white backdrop

Apr 29, 2025

How Do I Protect Myself Against Ticks? Prevention and Removal Tips

Learn how ticks spread diseases, why tick bites are dangerous, and effective methods to prevent and remove ticks safely.

Apr 21, 2025

How Can I Prevent Mosquito Bites? Effective Prevention Tips

Learn why mosquitoes bite, why mosquito bites itch, and the best methods to prevent mosquito bites and protect yourself outdoors.

Image shows a flatworm, which resembles a shiny, brown piece of stretched taffy

Sep 24, 2024

New Predatory Flatworm Discovered in Southeastern United States

The new species appears to be a predator that feeds on other soft-bodied organisms, such as earthworms and slugs.

Jul 27, 2024

What Colors Do Bees See? And How Do We Know?

I was reading a children’s book about insects to my daughter, and it said that bees see colors differently than humans do. My daughter immediately asked, in short succession: “What colors do they see? Why? How do we know?” I did some homework to find out, and discovered that bees see flowers much differently than…

A bed bug works its way through a bed net.

Jul 23, 2024

The Unintended Consequences of Success Against Malaria

Bed nets and insecticide sprays kept targeted mosquitoes at bay for decades, and those practices also killed household pests. Until they didn't.

Jun 21, 2024

Why Do Fireflies Light Up? And How Can I Bring More Fireflies to My Yard?

Fireflies start out as dragon-like predators before becoming a beautiful feature of summer evenings.

Jun 14, 2024

Do Bugs Burp?

It all depends on what we mean when we say “burp.”

Feb 5, 2024

Beam Me Up: Using Lasers to Detect Moth Migrations

How (and why) researchers are using lasers to detect moth migrations in North Carolina.

Nov 30, 2023

Rare Ant Species Rediscovered in North Carolina Trees

The discovery is the first time scientists have photographed or collected any males from the elusive species.

Aug 1, 2023

Male Moth ‘Aphrodisiac’ Revealed

Study reveals for the first time a powerful pheromone chemical used by males moths to entice females.

Scanning electron microscopy image of a chigger.

Jul 12, 2023

Bacterium Associated With Disease Found in N.C. Chiggers

The disease, scrub typhus, presents symptoms similar to Rocky Mountain spotted fever.