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Extension Entomology

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Insect Diagnostics 2022 Season Summary

–by Anthony Zukoff – Entomology Southwest Research and Extension Center
Garden City, KS

 

 

Insect diagnostic services are available to members of the public seeking assistance identifying an insect or suspected insect related problems. The Insect Diagnostics ID Request Form can be accessed online and after providing observation information such as location and date of the sighting along with answering a set of questions intended to help with the identification process, one can then upload up to 3 photos and submit the form.  The inquiry is then forwarded on to one of the entomology extension specialists.  Within a few days, usually less than two, the identity of the insect along with appropriate life history information and/or control measures is then sent to the client by email or phone.   The online submission process takes only a few minutes and can be accessed with desktop computers and mobile devices.

During the 2022 season, Insect Diagnostics has processed 54 inquiries from 2 states.  Identification requests fell into several categories, from requests out of general curiosity to much more specific identification needs.  The Home/Structural and General categories contained the bulk of the season’s inquiries (Figure 1).  During the season, a variety of clientele reached out to our program for identification assistance.  Homeowner’s submitted the most requests, however, government entities, commercial pest control and horticultural services utilized our service as well (Figure 2).

Figure 1. Percent of total inquiries received for each request category during the 2022 season.

Figure 2. Percent of total inquiries received from each clientele category during the 2022 season.

 

Insects identified this season varied greatly.  The colorful nymphs of green stink bugs caught quite a few homeowners’ eye this year and several instances of Kissing Bugs being found in homes caused concern (Figure 3).   The end of the season was dominated by many homeowners requesting identification of elm leaf beetles which have begun searching for overwintering spots inside homes and barns.

Figure 3. One of several Triatomine bugs (“Kissing Bugs”) submitted this year. A vector of Chagas Disease in extreme southerly locations of the United States and the tropics, but not of concern in Kansas.

 

The main season for insect activity may be ending, but the Insect Diagnostics Program will continue to operate and accept online inquiries throughout the fall and winter.  If you need insect identification assistance, submit a request at https://entomology.k-state.edu/extension/diagnostician/.

Roberts joins the Extension Integrated Pest Management Team

–by Frannie Miller, Pesticide Safety and IPM Coordinator

 

The Departments of Entomology, Horticulture and Natural Resources, and Plant Pathology would like to welcome Terry Roberts, Training Support Specialist to the Extension Integrated Pest Management Team. She will serve as a vital team member on the Extension Implementation grant and help to us to achieve our project objectives. She will be helping with Extension Master Gardener training, K-State Garden Hour, and Commercial Applicator Training. The team is excited to have her join us!

Terry most recently served as a Program Coordinator for Kansas 4-H Youth Development, where she provided programmatic support for a grant from the Kansas Department of Education. Before this, Roberts managed the Kansas 4-H Online system and provided leadership to various projects within the State 4-H Office. Terry has a passion for serving others, building relationships, and enjoys spending time with her family.

 

KSU Department of Entomology Starting Fall Semester Offering a Bachelor’s Degree

–by Jeff Whitworth — Field Crops, Entomology

Just  FYI: Kansas State University and the Department of Entomology are super proud to announce that starting with this fall semester there is a new undergraduate degree available in Entomology.  Thus, KSU and Entomology are now offering a Bachelor’s Degree in Entomology.  Previously, only Master’s and Doctor of Philosophy degrees were offered by KSU’s Entomology Department, which historically has been one of the top rated departments for research and academics.  If interested in Entomology’s Bachelor degree program please contact Dr. Brian McCormack, Department Head, or Dr. Jeremy Marshall, Undergraduate Coordinator.

“Wacky Entomologist” card game available

–by Frannie Miller, Pesticide Safety & IPM Coordinator

 

The Kansas State Pesticide Safety and Integrated Pest Management program is excited to announce the availability of our “Wacky Entomologist” card game. The cards feature art created by Kansas youth selected from the 2020 Insect Art Contest winners. We truly have some talented artists in the state of Kansas, and this is a unique way to highlight their art. The game is like “Old Maid,” but the objective is to help the “Wacky Entomologist” match all the insects and not get stuck holding the spider. This resource would be great for summer camps, preschool teachers, art lovers and anyone who has insect-loving youth. The cards can be purchased for $10.00 at: commerce.cashnet.com/IPMKSU.

 

 

Insect Art Contest Explores the Benefits of Insects

–by Frannie Miller — Pesticide Safety and IPM Coordinator

 

The Kansas State Research and Extension Integrated Pest Management and Pesticide Safety Education program is wrapping up their third year of the Insect Art Contest. The theme this year was the “Benefits of Insects” and the goal was to explore how insects are beneficial to us and society. A total of 179 entries were received from youth across the state. The entries were submitted in four age categories and a panel of judges selected the top four entries in each age range. The entries were then posted for the public to vote on the winners.

The overall category winners for the 2022 Insect Art Contest, based on age group, are listed below:

 

Please help us congratulate these talented and artistic students! Please visit https://www.facebook.com/KSRE-Pesticide-Safety-and-Integrated-Pest-Management-Program-109039044075447 to see the rest of the winners.