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In ‘Plant Armor’ Crop Cover, Insects Have to Navigate Textile Maze

entomology

a mosquito rests on someone's skin

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

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. 
a ladybug sits on a leaf

Jun 14, 2024

Do Bugs Burp?

It all depends on what we mean when we say “burp.” 
adult corn earworm moth

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. 
close-up photo of a reddish ant's face

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. 
Tobacco budworm on a leaf.

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. 
Fall armyworm moth.

Apr 11, 2023

Perfume Component Helps Lure Male Moth Pests

A small amount of nonanal added to a traditional blend of sex pheromones draws the attention of fall armyworm males looking for a good time. 
Mosquitoes

Dec 16, 2022

Study Examines Bacteria Living In and On Mosquitoes

NC State entomologists find more bacterial diversity internally than externally, a surprising result. 
Chicken used to test drugs' effectiveness in killing bed bugs.

Nov 29, 2022

Common Veterinary Drugs Show Effectiveness Against Bed Bugs

Fluralaner and ivermectin, used widely against pests like fleas and ticks, show varying levels of success in tests conducted on resurgent bed bugs. 
Corn earworm attacking corn plant.

Sep 5, 2022

Soil Temperature Can Predict Pest Spread in Crops

Researchers use historical soil temperature data to learn about - and predict - overwintering success of the nasty corn earworm. 
Tobacco thrips with Plant Armor

Apr 6, 2022

In ‘Plant Armor’ Crop Cover, Insects Have to Navigate Textile Maze

NC State researchers' design for a new crop cover could provide an effective, chemical-free alternative for insect protection.