Pest control technology has advanced rapidly in the past decade. Remote monitoring systems using IoT sensors can now detect rodent activity, termite moisture signatures, and insect trap counts in real time — reducing unnecessary site visits and catching infestations earlier. Computer vision and AI-powered identification tools help both professionals and homeowners accurately identify species from photographs. Drone-based inspections allow surveyors to examine rooftops, tall structures, and large agricultural parcels without scaffolding or ladders. Meanwhile, new reduced-risk pesticide formulations and biological control agents are expanding IPM options. We cover the technologies reshaping how pest control is delivered in Texas and nationwide.
Technology adoption in pest control directly affects service quality, cost, and environmental impact. IoT monitoring can reduce chemical applications by 30-50% by targeting treatment only when and where pest activity is confirmed, according to studies published in the Journal of Economic Entomology. Genetically engineered insect programs — like the USDA's sterile screwworm initiative — offer species-specific control without broad-spectrum pesticide use. For consumers, understanding available technology helps evaluate whether a pest control provider uses modern, evidence-based methods or relies on calendar-based blanket spraying. Our coverage translates research from university extension programs and peer-reviewed journals into practical assessments of what works, what's hype, and what's coming next.
10 articles in this category
Colorado State researchers, working from a Texas field site, are decoding the bacterial scents of open wounds to design lures specific to New World screwworm.
A gene-editing firm says its CRISPR sterile-insect method—an upgrade on the technique that beat pink bollworm and screwworm—could be a new tool for Texas growers.
A Dalhart farm says SenesTech's Evolve rat birth control cut rodent activity an estimated 80%, sparing its buried drip irrigation from costly leaks.
Texas A&M AgriLife Research pioneers electron beam sterilization as a non-radioactive alternative to fight New World screwworm, part of $105M USDA Grand Challenge initiative.
New research reveals mosquitoes use a deadly combination of visual cues and carbon dioxide to target humans, offering insights for better pest control in Texas.
A naturally occurring compound found in garlic shows promise for preventing mosquito mating and egg laying, offering potential for eco-friendly pest management in Texas and beyond.
UC Riverside researchers develop bistrifluron, a targeted termite treatment that eliminates 95% of drywood colonies while avoiding toxic fumigation risks.
Tech giant Google applies for experimental use permit to deploy Wolbachia-infected male mosquitoes as biological control against West Nile virus vectors.
New machine learning models from Texas A&M AgriLife can forecast western flower thrips populations with remarkable accuracy, giving farmers critical early warning.