DEVELOPING INTEGRATED URBAN PEST MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

Pests in and around homes not only cause significant property damage, but also pose significant health threat. Current pest control strategies often rely on frequent insecticide applications. They do not provide long-term control and cause potential health risks to human and animals. This program will aim to develop least toxic and cost-effective methods to manage urban pests. Through studying the pest biology and behavior, insecticide efficacy, and insect resistance to insecticides, we will develop improved pest control strategies that have lower cost and lower environmental impact. The long-term goal is to provide sustained control of pests with minimum use of chemicals.