Urban Insects and Arachnids A Handbook of Urban Entomology

The rise of biological control techniques and integrated pest management (IPM), and their successful application in agricultural systems, has attracted many entomologists to attempt the crossover of these methods into household and industrial environments. Covering all the major groups of insects and other arthropods considered urban pests, this reference provides the reader with an up-to-date and comprehensive review of basic biology, behavior, distribution and, most importantly, control methodology.

This account provides the first comprehensive coverage of the insect and other arthropod pests in the urban environment worldwide. Presented is a brief description, biology, and detailed information on the development, habits, and distribution of urban and public health pests. There are 570 illustrations to accompany some of the major pest species. The format is designed to serve as a ready-reference and to provide basic information on orders, families, and species. The species coverage is international and based on distribution in domestic and peridomestic habitats. The references are extensive and international, and cover key papers on species and groups. The introductory chapters overview the urban ecosystem and its key ecological components, and a review of the pests status and modern control strategies. The book will serve as a professional training manual, and handbook for the pest control professionals, regulatory officials, and urban entomologists. It is organized alphabetically throughout.

Part I. Urban Entomology: 1. Introduction; 2. Urban ecosystem; 3. Pest status and control; Part II. Insects in the Urban Environment: 4. Blattaria; 5. Coleoptera; 6. Collembola, Dermaptera; 7. Diptera, Ephemeroptera; 8. Hemiptera, Homoptera; 9. Hymenoptera; 10. Isoptera; 11. Lepidoptera; 12. Mantodea, Neuroptera; 13. Orthptera, Phasmatodea; 14. Phthiraptera; 15. Plecoptera, Psocoptera; 16. Siphonaptera; 17. Thysanoptera, Thysanura, Trichoptera; Part III. Other Arthropods in the Urban Environment: 18. Arthropods.

A major reference covering all the major groups of insects and other arthropods that are considered urban pests. It provides the reader with an up-to-date and comprehensive review of basic biology, behaviour, distribution and, most importantly, control methodology.

Professor Bill Robinson is a major figure in the field of urban entomology. He works extensively on urban pest control strategies worldwide.