Research Interests

My research focuses on investigating German cockroach behaviors in order to improve current pest management strategies. I am studying German cockroach aggregation pheromones which are produced by gut microbes and deposited in feces. Investigating the role of these microbes can help us understand colony recognition-based aggregation behavior. Aggregation behavior is important to know where cockroaches are located and how to properly manage them. I am also studying the effectiveness of insect growth regulators on German cockroach survivorship and reproduction, and their potential incorporation in cockroach baits. These compounds could be used as alternative active ingredients that would delay insecticide resistance and support integrated pest management programs.