Sometimes Success Isn't Enough: The Story of SightTrap
Innovation isn't always measured by sales. Sometimes it's measured by what you learn, the problems you solve, and the foundation you leave behind.
Several years ago, our team at Insects Limited set out to answer a question that many in stored-product pest management had been asking: what if pheromone monitoring could happen automatically? The result was SightTrap, a camera-based pheromone monitoring system that automatically photographed sticky traps and transmitted images to the cloud, where insects could be identified and counted without a technician standing in front of the trap.
Turning Every Fumigation into a Learning Opportunity
It's not often I get challenged to present on a new topic. Usually it's the typical stored product insect identification, behavior, and biology, or high-level practical uses of pheromones. But in early June, I was asked to give a presentation on a concept that isn't new, just one I hadn't previously presented: post-fumigation efficacy verification using bioassays and pheromone monitors.
A Two-Year Picture of Insects Limited's Native Prairie Habitat
When most people picture pest management, they imagine someone in uniform spraying baseboards or a home's perimeter, maybe that person is even you. It's an understandable image, and honestly, a lot of that fear and misunderstanding around insects comes from not knowing much about them beyond "get it away from me." But that image leaves out something important:pest management and conservation aren't opposites. They're deeply connected.
Rethinking Insect Identification: An evidence-based framework for pest identification under uncertainty
Entomology is a fascinating field full of fascinating and incredibly brilliant individuals. There are none that I admire more than taxonomists. Pouring over wing venation and dichotomous keys for the absolute best and most accurate identification is arduous and requires an immense amount of knowledge and skill.
The Evolution and Economics of Insect Flight
Long before birds took to the skies or mammals ever considered leaving the ground, insects had already solved the problem of flight. In doing so, they reclaimed a dimension of movement that terrestrial life had surrendered in the transition from water to land. The system they evolved is one of the most mechanically elegant solutions in all of biology. It allowed insects to disperse, exploit new niches, and become the most diverse group of animals on Earth.
One solution, multiple pests: The power of multi-species management
As pest pressures continue to evolve, pest management professionals are being asked to do more with less - fewer service visits, tighter margins, and increasing customer expectations.
200 Newsletters Later: What makes Insects Limited Different
As we reach our 200th newsletter, it feels like the right time to pause and reflect on what has made Insects Limited what it is today and where we are headed next.
For years, Insects Limited has been known for quality pheromone technology. That reputation matters deeply to us, and it should. We have worked hard to provide reliable products, maintain scientific integrity, and serve industries that depend on accurate monitoring to protect food, textiles, and cherished belongings from insect damage.
Prioritizing Risk to Build a Smarter Pheromone Monitoring Program
Pheromone monitoring should be a foundation of stored product insect management in food facilities. Without it as the basis of your pest control program feeding you trending data, how do you know if the mitigation practices you are implementing are working?
Give to Gain: Celebrating the Women Driving Science and Impact at Insects Limited
On March 8, people around the world celebrate International Women’s Day. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) encourages the industry to highlight successful women in pest management to inspire the next generation. This year’s theme, Give To Gain, reminds us that investing in mentorship, opportunity, and visibility strengthens not just individuals, but entire organizations and industries.
90th Purdue Pest Management Conference Recap
Insects Limited is proud to have sent four members of our team to attend the 90th Annual Purdue Pest Management Conference, which was a true milestone event. That is nine decades of education, collaboration, and innovation within the pest management industry. The university did an outstanding job honoring the conference’s legacy while delivering a well-organized and engaging program, making this the best Purdue Pest Management Conference I have attended in at least ten years.
Sightings and Systems: How Sampling Methods Change the Way we Observe and Interpret the Greater Indoor Arthropod Landscape
Anyone who has utilized any form of sticky trap or species-specific pheromone monitor has seen some random unexpected critters they weren’t expecting when assessing their catches. This phenomenon is typical and very much expected for professionals but is often a shock for many homeowners.
Casting a Broader Net...How Multi-Species Pheromone Monitors Can Be an Efficient Solution
If you don’t already know, (where have you been the last 45 years) at Insects Limited, we always say “Start with the Insect First.” We believe that all insect issues can be solved at the root cause using the basic behavior and biology of the insect pests we are battling. Identifying your target species, or the species that is causing you headaches is always the best practice when choosing your weapons (tools) for battle. Pheromone monitoring is no different.
Top 5 Things to Know About the Tobacco Moth
The Tobacco Moth (Ephestia elutella) is one of the most economically significant stored product moths found around the world. Despite its name, this pest infests far more than tobacco – impacting food processors, warehouses, distribution centers, and raw ingredient storage facilities across multiple industries.
Insects Limited at ESA 2025 in Portland
From November 9–12, entomologists from across the world (myself included) converged on Portland, Oregon for Entomology 2025, the Entomological Society of America’s annual meeting themed “Bridging Generations with Innovation, Legacy, and Passion.”
5 Things to Know About the Red-Legged Ham Beetle
This month, we’re spotlighting the Red-Legged Ham Beetle (Necrobia rufipes) – a small but highly destructive pest known for infesting cured meats, pet food, and even museum specimens.
Sparking Curiosity, Changing Perceptions: Insects Limited at JA JobSpark
When thousands of eighth grade students poured into this year’s JA JobSpark, they were met with hundreds of career paths to explore. At the Insects Limited booth, the buzz was unmistakable. From peering at insect specimens under microscopes to holding live cockroaches, students experienced firsthand that insects are more than just pests – they are gateways to curiosity, science, and even future careers.
5 Things to Know About the Black Carpet Beetle
This destructive pest is a serious threat to stored products, dried foods, and natural fibers – including fabrics, wool, and even museum specimens. Early identification and prevention are key to protecting facilities from costly infestations caused by the Black Carpet Beetle.
The Soapbox - A New Chapter at Insects Limited
Sometimes, the best way to move forward is to step up onto the soapbox. That’s exactly what we’re doing here. Inspired by our founder, Dave Mueller, we’re bringing back The Soapbox, a new column in our newsletter where we’ll share thoughts, ideas, and updates on topics that matter to us… and to you. Well, most of you. Think of it as anything from a behind-the-scenes look at what drives Insects Limited and how we’re working to make a difference, reflections on the industry, or even just the occasional random thought.
When Perception Becomes the Pest: Why Knowledge Matters in Managing Arthropod Pests
In this article, I outline the key findings of a study and address how education can undermine common shortcomings in attempts at managing pests.
5 Things to Know About the Mediterranean Flour Moth
This month, we’re spotlighting the Mediterranean Flour Moth (Ephestia kuehniella) — a persistent pest in flour mills, food processing facilities, and storage environments worldwide. These moths are known for contaminating food products and clogging machinery with their webbing, leading to costly production delays and product losses. Understanding their life cycle, habits, and warning signs is essential for effective prevention and management.
