Urban Entomology

Urban entomology is the study of insects associated with the near environments of humans and their companion animals. Worldwide, urbanization is increasing at the rate of 3.8% annually, and in the year 2000 the percentage of individuals living in urban environments (52%) exceeded the percentage living in rural environments for the first time in history. As urban populations increase, the presence of insect pests in these environments can have a significant impact on the social, medical, economic, and aesthetic well-being of people living there.

At MU, programs in Urban Entomology seek to understand more about the insects that inhabit human environments and to mitigate their negative impacts.

Resources

FFA Entomology insect descriptions

Insect identification guide for Future Farmers of America Entomology contest

Urban Entomology factsheet: dark-winged fungus gnats (PDF)

Identification, life cycle and habits, damage potential, and control measures for dark-winged fungus gnats.

Urban Entomology factsheet: fruit flies (PDF)

Identification, life cycle and habits, damage potential and control measures for fruit flies.