-
Protecting Pollinators: How to Use Insecticides Safely
Pests account for 20 to 40% of global crop losses each year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That’s not just an economic issue — it’s a food security crisis that affects millions of people worldwide. Even on a smaller scale, backyard gardeners know the frustration of watching aphids destroy their carefully tended tomatoes…
-
Vector-Borne Preparedness in Europe
Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) account for more than 17% of all infectious diseases worldwide, and Europe is not immune to their growing threat. Changes in climate, travel and urban life are creating more favorable conditions for disease-carrying vectors like mosquitoes, ticks and sandflies to thrive and spread. Across Europe, vector-borne illnesses such as Lyme disease, West…
-
How Climate Change Affects Insect Behavior, and What It Means for Us
If you’ve ever swatted away mosquitoes on a humid summer evening, you know the relief that winter brings when their buzzing fades. Now imagine sipping hot chocolate on a crisp holiday morning … only to find yourself swatting mosquitoes again. Wait, what? That can’t be right. Mosquitoes are supposed to give us a break during…
-
Understanding the Insect Microbiome
Insects, like humans, have a rich microbiome that plays a crucial role in their digestive and overall health. This community of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, archaea and protozoa, are known as “symbionts.” They work together to provide life-saving and species-perpetuating benefits to their hosts. Discovery and Importance While the human gut microbiome was first…
-
Ground Beetles: Natural Pest Control for a Thriving Garden
Do you ever wish you had an army of tiny critters working tirelessly in your garden, devouring harmful pests and enriching your soil — without asking for anything in return? Meet the ground beetle, one of Mother Nature’s pest control agents. These mini but mighty insects are hard at work in gardens, forests and fields,…
-
Do Pollinators Play Favorites? Discover the Flowers Bees, Butterflies and Other Pollinators Love
When it’s time to pick a place for dinner, do you have a go-to spot? Pollinators aren’t so different. When a honeybee sets out from the hive for a snack, will it settle for any run-of-the-mill chrysanthemum? Not a chance. It’s making a beeline for the nearest vibrant patch of sunflowers. So, let’s dive into…
