The Challenge
Global changes to insect populations are a reflection of mankind’s impact on the environment. Climate change, intensive agriculture and global trade have seen the demise of many beneficial insect species and the spread of insect pests. Some pest species can have huge impacts on crop production, while others vector human diseases. One particular issue is the use of chemical insecticides which don’t discriminate between beneficial insects such pollinators and the pest species they are directed at. A smarter approach would be to devise a control strategy that only affects the target pest species, and leaves good insects like bees untouched.