Urban entomology

Urban entomology, or the study of insect and mite pests associated with household environments (urban or rural), is one of the most important disciplines in entomology. Within the next 15 years the majority of the world population will live in urban areas. The control of pests in the human living space is an important issue and will become more so in the future. The objective of this textbook is to introduce to the student basic concepts such as biocoenoses, synanthropy, sacred space and the basics for the pest status of the insects and mites in the human environment. Major arthropod pests associated with humans in the living environment are introduced along with basic control strategies without emphasis on specific chemicals or biocontrol agents. This book is essential reading for students (undergraduate and postgraduate) of the field of urban entomology and for professional pest control workers, along with public health and pest control regulatory officials. It is the first book to be written at this level for this important and rapidly emerging field.