Abstract: A method and system of improving efficacy of an insecticide, which includes attracting a target species to a treatment area using a synthetic trail pheromone, and exposing the target species to an insecticide at the treatment area.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for characterizing the age of an insect fecal pellet, where the method can comprise: (1) obtaining insect fecal pellet material to be tested; (2) exposing the pellet material to an H2O2 solution; and (3) detecting the presence of generated oxygen, where the amount of oxygen generated is inversely proportional to the age of the insect pellet. Also described are kits for carrying out the method.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for a bed bug monitor that allows for detection and capture of bed bugs, and uses thereof.

Abstract: A biodegradable bait station is disclosed that can be used with liquid baits targeting pest ants in urban, agricultural, and natural setting, which can overcome several limitations that most of other liquid bait stations currently experience. For example, instead of keeping a large quantity of liquid bait in a reservoir, a small amount, for example, 10-20 ml of sugary liquid bait with an insecticide, for example, boric acid, thiamethoxam, imidacloprid, will be contained in a biodegradable cylindrical container with one open end. The open end will be plugged with a piece of water absorbent polymer or gel, for example, polyacrylamide gel, sodium alginate. The water absorbent polymer or gel absorbs the liquid bait and expands inside of the cylindrical container so that it will function as a polymer “wick” to deliver a small amount of the liquid bait to foraging ants.

Abstract: A biodegradable hydrogel is disclosed for delivering aqueous bait to control pest ants. The biodegradable hydrogel includes a natural polymer of alginate cross-linked with calcium ions. A method of forming a biodegradable hydrogel is disclosed for delivering aqueous bait to control pest ants, the method includes ionotropically cross-linking sodium alginate with calcium ions.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for a bed bug monitor that allows for detection and capture of bed bugs, and uses thereof.

Abstract: A biodegradable bait station is disclosed that can be used with liquid baits targeting pest ants in urban, agricultural, and natural setting, which can overcome several limitations that most of other liquid bait stations currently experience. For example, instead of keeping a large quantity of liquid bait in a reservoir, a small amount, for example, 10-20 ml of sugary liquid bait with an insecticide, for example, boric acid, thiamethoxam, imidacloprid, will be contained in a biodegradable cylindrical container with one open end. The open end will be plugged with a piece of water absorbent polymer or gel, for example, polyacrylamide gel, sodium alginate. The water absorbent polymer or gel absorbs the liquid bait and expands inside of the cylindrical container so that it will function as a polymer “wick” to deliver a small amount of the liquid bait to foraging ants.

Abstract: A method and system of improving efficacy of an insecticide, which includes attracting a target species to a treatment area using a synthetic trail pheromone, and exposing the target species to an insecticide at the treatment area.

Abstract: A method and system of improving efficacy of an ant bait are disclosed, the method including adding an ant pheromone to an ant bait to form a pheromone-assisted bait; and attracting a target species to a treatment area using the pheromone-assisted bait.