WE ARE

one of the oldest entomology departments in the nation, and we strive for excellence in education, research, and outreach with our rich tradition and dedication. We provide instruction in insect biology and management at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Faculty in the Department of Entomology engage in both applied and basic research. Departmental faculty contribute to outreach and engagement activities both within and external to the university. Extension programs supported by the department provide information to agricultural and industrial groups and the general public, in Ohio, in the USA, and throughout the world.

The Path to New Biopesticides

What’s that bug? It’s big, it can be stinky, but at least it doesn't suck your blood!

Ohio is on the front line for a new invasive pest, the brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys). This species of stink bug is a nuisance pest when it invades homes in the autumn in its search for overwintering sites, and it is a pest of many crops during the summer. The first official report of this species in Ohio was in November 2007. In 2008 and 2009, there were a few scattered reports of the new bug invading homes in the autumn. But in September and October 2010, there were many reports of the bug invading homes in Ohio in large numbers. This is not surprising because in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and West Virginia, the population of this species exploded during the summer 2010 and caused significant losses to peaches, apples, sweet corn, peppers, soybeans, and many other crops. Meanwhile, the public is hearing many reports of bed bug populations on the increase, so there is some confusion by people who see the new stink bug inside their homes and think it might be a bed bug. Thus there are many opportunities for us entomologists to inform the public about this pest and to assure them that it does not feed on our blood. We have an OSU FactSheet on the brown marmorated stink bug (ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/pdf/FS_3824_08.pdf). Efforts are underway in Ohio and neighboring states to secure grant funding for a stink bug monitoring program in 2011.