Here's a look at this year's winners and their research.
Donald A. Oswalt, Clemson University
Nesting Sites, Central Place Foraging, and Effects of Nonrepellent Insecticides on the Black Carpenter Ant Camponotus pennsylvanicus DeGeer (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).
1a. Characterize nets and associated habitat features for the black carpenter ant, C. pennsylvanicus, in western South Carolina. Information gained from this study will give PMPs a guideline to quickly inspect clients’ property to determine source of infestation. The data will also reinforce the importance of sanitation in an IPM program.
1b. Determine if C. pennsylvanicus actively regulates temperatures within their nest. Two temperature probes, connected to a Hobo temperature data, logger will be inserted into randomly selected galleries of each nest. One external recorder will be placed outside the nest. Hourly temperature means will be recorded for 52 weeks.
2. Determine if foraging carpenter ants are more selective for higher nutritional valued food items with increasing distance to a food source.
3. Determine if fipronil will induce colony mortality by horizontal transfer of the toxicant.
Ricky J. Vasquez, University of Florida
Specializing in medical and veterinary entomology studying of houseflies.
“My research is going to focus on developing a novel technique for controlling house flies for deployed military forces around the world. I will also evaluate if new control devices could be modified for commercial use by the pest control industry.” Ricky, a first Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserves, is part of the preventive medicine unit in the Army medical service corps as a medical entomologist.
Jody M. Green, Purdue University
Horizontal Transfer of Insecticide in Colonies of Subterranean Termites.
Horizontal transfer is the process of moving or passing insecticide from one place or individual, to another of similar status, as it relates to workers in termite colonies. This process has received much attention recently, due to the success of non-repellent termiticides used in exterior treatments. It is believed that natural termite behaviors such as grooming and trophallaxis, make it possible for treated individuals (donors) to deliver insecticide to untreated individuals (recipients). However, the mechanism of transfer between individuals is unknown. By understanding the exact mechanism and how it works, it may be possible to maximize the efficacy of treatment, by using more appropriate doses on potential donors to maximize the time allowed to infect recipients. Jody hopes that this research will contribute to enhancing the effectiveness of insecticides used for termite control.
Greg H. Broussard, Oklahoma State University
Ecology of Reticulitermes flavipes on the Oklahoma Tall Grass Prairie.
Termites play an important role in any ecosystem in which they are found. Understanding this role can facilitate controlling this structural pest. One such ecosystem is the Oklahoma Tall Grass Prairie Preserve. This venue provides a unique opportunity to study the ecology of the eastern subterranean termite in a non-disturbed natural habit. Aspects being studied include foraging depth and changes in soil conditions over time, termite influence on plant growth and diversity, termite population density, wood volume preference, and feeding preferences on available plant resources. This investigation will encompass at least two growing sessions.