Investigation of Termite Gut Carbohydrolases

Determination of cellulolytic and xylanolytic enzyme activities in different regions of the termite gut. In addition to basic characterizations, enzyme changes in response to diet are also being researched. The effects of possible cellulase inhibitors on the gut enzymes are also being investigated. Research is currently being conducted on Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar). For further information contact Joe Smith.

Investigating Termite Damage to Building Materials That Cause Change in Thermal Properties of Insulating Building Materials.

Houses are designed to conserve energy. Various types of insulation are used in houses. This study focused on three types on insulation
products: expanded polystyrene rigid board, polystyrene bead board and glass wool insulation products. This study documented the thermal profile of the insulation products with and Infra-red camera and looked at the effect termite damage on insulation products. We found that the thermal integrity of insulating building materials was thermally compromised. In general the mean surface temperatures for the damaged materials compared to undamaged materials increased at a steady rate. Also the radiant heat transfer was significantly different when comparing termite damaged to undamaged insulation materials. Radiant heat transfer was not proportional the amount damaged and varied significantly for the different products. For further information contact Cynthia Tucker.

Evaluation of Bait Formulations on Cockroaches

Evaluating the consumption of new bait formulations by cockroaches and the resulting mortality. Special focus is on strains of bait averse German cockroach, Blattella germanica, and also includes, but is not limited to, the American cockroach, Periplaneta americana;  Oriental cockroach, Blatta orientalis; and the Brown banded cockroach, Supella longipalpa. For further information contact Barbara Bayer.

Evaluation of New Mosquito Adulticiding Compounds

Evaluating contact and vapor toxicity of low molecular weight, highly volatile esters on adult mosquitoes of the species Aedes aegypti using a wind tunnel and other specialized bioassays. For further information contact Alex Chaskopoulou.

Evaluation of Fly Trap Structure and Attractant Properties

Evaluating various commercial trap designs. Also, evaluating common commercial attractant components and their effectiveness alone, combined, and over various amounts of time. For further information contact Ryan Welch.

Evaluation of Fipronil-Impregnated Cords to Control House Flies

Evaluating various fipronil-impregnated cords, natural and synthetic, to be used for house fly control. This technique was common in the 1940's and 1950's, however, essentially vanished from practice when some of the more commonly used insecticides were banned. For more information contact Jeff Hertz.

Currently, research is NOT being conducted on bed bugs, however, we are very interested in expanding our laboratory teaching colonies. If you have a bed bug infestation, please contact Jeff Hertz.