The New York State Tick Blitz Program leverages community-based science to bolster researchers’ tick surveillance bandwidth, particularly in response to emerging threats from invasive or range-shifting tick species carrying novel pathogens.

The Northeastern IPM Center has funded a number of tick-related projects through our grant programs. Recent projects include a production/management profile for arthropod pests of horses in Maine, and a digital-media tick-bite prevention campaign aimed at developing and deploying just-in-time learning tools.

Weeds of the Northeast, a comprehensive identification guide that has sold nearly 100,000 copies since it was first published in 1997, was recently updated with a second edition. The creation of the new edition hinges upon an extraordinary coincidence. You could call it a tale of two DiTommasos. Or, more accurately, a DiTommaso and a DiTomaso.

John Tooker, a professor of entomology and extension specialist at The Pennsylvania State University, took over as Pennsylvania state IPM coordinator in late 2022. He spoke with us about his responsibilities, interests, priorities, and goals for the program.

The Northeastern IPM Center has opened nominations for the 2023 Outstanding Achievements in IPM Award, which recognizes professionals and students based on their efforts and accomplishments in IPM. Nominations are due by Friday, October 27, 2023.

An updated pest alert on ticks and tick-borne diseases is now available, courtesy of the North Central IPM Center, and containing information on tick life cycles, tick-species ranges and identification guides, disease symptoms and prevention, and proper, effective removal of attached ticks. It is available online, with free printed copies available upon request.

A recent paper by the Northeastern IPM Center, published in the Journal of IPM, examined IPM adoption in the U.S. in terms of drivers and barriers, identifying both successes and opportunities for improvement.

This year, five projects that advance IPM in the Northeast have received funding through the Center’s annual competitive grants program.

Last fall, the Center hosted a series of popular DEIJ-focused webinars as part of a new Diversity in IPM initiative, and more are scheduled for this spring. The Center’s StopPests in Housing Program also has new webinars coming up.

Diana Obregon Corredor, Lori King, and Robyn Underwood were named winners of the 2022 Outstanding Achievements in Integrated Pest Management Award.

The Northeastern IPM Center extends a heartfelt thank-you-and-farewell to Nancy Cusumano, who retired earlier this year after serving as the Center’s program/extension aide for nine years.

The Northeastern IPM Center welcomes and introduces Jerrie Haines, who recently joined as program/extension aide, filling the position vacated by Nancy Cusumano after her retirement.

Deer can be a significant pest for homeowners and other landowners. But there are various integrated pest management techniques that, used judiciously, can effectively deter deer and reduce the damage they cause.

The Northeastern IPM Center is seeking nominations for the 2022 Outstanding Achievements in IPM Award. The award will honor one professional and one student, each of whom will receive $500. Submit nominations by December 2.

The Northeastern IPM Center has launched a new initiative to highlight and foster diversity in IPM. Initial efforts include a fall 2022 webinar series featuring presenters from historically marginalized groups. We have invited these presenters to discuss topics related to their research or to share their perspectives on overcoming barriers and succeeding in their chosen profession.