Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences [Dept. of Entomology]

Urban Entomology

11:370:430 (for undergraduates)

16:370:508 (for graduates)

Instructor: Dr. Changlu Wang, Department of Entomology, Rutgers University. cwang@aesop.rutgers.edu. Phone: 848-932-9552.

Time: Thursday 9:00 - 12:00. Spring semester only.

Location: Blake Hall, Cook campus.

Course Objective  The ever growing population and urbanization process create numerous urban pest problems. Urban insects affect people’s health, quality of life, and cause significant economic loss. The objective of this course is to provide students with an advanced understanding of the major groups of urban pests. We will discuss many aspects of pest biology, behavior, ecology, morphology, health and economic impact to human. We will also discuss methods of controlling household, structural, and occasional pests.

Learning outcome  Students will have the ability to identify the major groups of arthropod pests found in and around man-made structures and have sufficient knowledge of the biology and ecology of pest species. They will learn the principle and methods for effectively reducing health risks associated with pest infestations and pesticide applications for controlling urban pests.

Who should attend? This course is suitable for students who are interested in public health, pest management, and biological sciences.

Text book  Bennett, G., Corrigan, R., and Owens, J. 2010 Scientific guide to pest management operations. Advanstar Communications, Inc. Cleveland, OH. 7th Edition.

Mallis, A. 2011. Handbook of pest control. MH&TTC, Cleveland, OH. 10th Edition.

Grading system:

A: 90-100
B: 80-89
C: 70-79
D: 60-69
F: Below 60

Tests Will Include:

  • 30% Weekly in-class short tests

  • 30% Midterm exam

  • 40% Final exam

Outline

  1. Urban pests: definition, history, and principles of pest management.
  2. Pesticides used in urban environment: Classification, risks and hazards
  3. Cockroaches
  4. Termites and other wood-destroying arthropods.
  5. Ants
  6. Stinging insects: bees, wasps.
  7. Stored products pests: pest of whole grain, pests of processed grain.
  8. Ectoparasites: Fleas, ticks, lice, mites, bed bugs, delusory parasites
  9. Occasional invaders. Spiders, centipedes, millipedes, beetles, moths, silverfish, firebrats.
  10. Fabric pests: Clothes moths, carpet beetles
  11. Flies
  12. Mosquitoes
  13. Vertebrate pests: Mice, rats
  14. Integrated pest management

 

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