Highlights of Urban Entomology 2021: Chemical, Nonchemical, and Alternative Approaches to Urban Pest Management as We Adapt, Advance, Transform

Abstract

The 2021 annual meeting of the Entomological Society of America with the theme of "Adapt. Advance. Transform" guided the highlight compilation of urban entomology papers. Integrated pest management of urban pests relies on techniques and tools that adapt, advance, and transform over time to develop into new usable tactics and technologies; the review covers the following three themes: first, how science, researchers, and pest management professionals adapt to the changing environments; second, how urban pest management approaches and technologies advance using conventional and alternative strategies; and last, how transformation happens, leading to technological advances and sustainable pest management success. I selected papers on four groups of urban pests-ants, termites, bed bugs, and cockroaches-that were in the context of pest management in this highlights publication. Emphasis was placed on research regarding the efficacy of chemical (e.g., conventional pesticides, insect growth regulators), nonchemical, and alternative approaches (e.g., the use of heat, naturally derived compounds) for urban pests that help improve and implement sustainable pest management plans. These papers demonstrate the achievements of the urban entomology community while emphasizing the current challenges that we face from the far-reaching impact of climate change and insect pest adaptation and what should be prioritized.

Keywords: ant; bed bug; cockroach; integrated pest management; termite.