From Itchy Bites to Asthma Triggers: Why One UF/IFAS Scientist Studies What’s Bugging Us

From bed bugs in bedrooms and cockroaches in kitchens to the latest invasive pests spreading into new communities, the uninvited guests that sneak into our homes are more than just nuisances—they can be public health threats, economic burdens and a constant challenge for people around the world.

That’s exactly why Johnalyn Gordon has joined the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) as an assistant professor of urban entomology at the UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center (FLREC).

“I’m passionate about studying pests like cockroaches, bed bugs and termites -- along with emerging challenges from invasive pest species -- because of the tremendous impact they have on human well-being and quality of life,” said Gordon. “For many families, a home is their greatest investment — and pests can put both that investment and their health at risk.”

Gordon’s research and extension programs focus on understanding the biology and behavior of these structural pests, then turning that knowledge into smarter, data-driven pest-management solutions. That means everything from debunking ineffective do-it-yourself remedies to working with pest control professionals across Florida — and the globe — to test and refine control strategies backed by science.

At first glance, pests like cockroaches and bed bugs may seem like just annoyances, but their impact on human health can be serious. Gordon points to allergens produced by cockroaches that trigger asthma and allergic reactions, especially in children. Bed bugs, once thought harmless beyond their itchy bites, are now raising red flags in new research — including studies Gordon contributed to — that link them to histamine and allergenic proteins, which may affect human immune response.

“Everyone deserves to live in a pest-free space,” Gordon said. “That’s why it’s so important that my work reaches homeowners and businesses directly. I want to provide the information people need to protect their families and their homes.”

Prior to joining UF/IFAS, Gordon obtained a bachelor’s degree in wildlife ecology and conservation, followed by a master’s in entomology from UF. She returns to her alma mater after completing a Ph.D. at the University of Kentucky, where her work received national attention, as she evaluated consumer products commonly sold for cockroach control. Many of the sprays and baits marketed to the public fell short of what’s needed to truly eliminate an infestation — highlighting the need for clear, science-based guidance.

At FLREC, Gordon will continue building partnerships with pest-management professionals, fellow researchers and residents, ensuring that her research tackles both emerging pest threats and the long-standing challenges that continue to plague urban environments.

While her new lab is based in Florida, the impacts of her research will be international.

“The pests I study don’t care about borders,” she said. “Cockroaches, termites and bed bugs are everywhere. The work we do here has the potential to inform pest-management strategies worldwide.”

Gordon also hopes to inspire the next generation of entomologists.

“With globalization and the movement of people and goods, there will always be new pests to understand and manage,” she said. “There’s still so much we don’t know and that’s what makes this field so exciting.”

In addition to research, Gordon will provide educational outreach and develop collaborative projects.

“South Florida is unique in a lot of ways. Our tropical climate, coupled with extensive shipping and tourism industries, means that it is a question of ‘when’ and not ‘if’ when dealing with pest threats, particularly from introduced species,” she said.