The Urban Entomology Program at the University of California, Riverside has a long tradition of research, outreach and partnership in dealing with urban insect management. The program has developed into an important area of entomology research and teaching specialization since its beginnings in 1975. It supports the pest management industry with:
- The annual UCR Urban Pest Management Conference, one of the largest UC-sponsored extension events focusing on urban / structural pest management in California.
- The UCR Fumigation School, the only UC-sponsored extension event focusing on structural fumigation in the western U.S.
- Extension services, including insect identification, campus tours, California Pest Management Association (CAPMA) presentations, distributor's seminars and professional meetings.
- Entomology newsletters, Pest Notes (UC IPM publication), technical information and other publications.
- Student training in urban pest management - undergraduates, graduates, and early professionals.
- Cutting-edge research on major urban insect pests in California, including:
- German cockroach physiology, behavior, and novel management tools
- Insecticide resistance in German cockroach and bed bug
- Localized treatment options for drywood termites
- Subterranean termite distribution and biology
- Argentine ant control strategies
- Potential pesticide runoff issues
- Various Pest Management Alliance projects on ants or termite