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Entomology was not always the plan for Dr. Jim Fredericks ’95, board-certified entomologist and senior vice president of public affairs at the National Pest Management Association. This Millersville alumnus first studied botany as an undergraduate student but fell in love with entomology after enrolling in a general entomology course with Dr. Syd Radinovsky, a former professor of biology at Millersville University.
“Initially, I envisioned entomology as a teaching tool that I could use in the high school classroom, but Dr. Radinovsky’s enthusiasm for arthropods and ability to share his knowledge with students won me over,” says Fredericks. “Following that class, I changed course and began applying to graduate entomology programs, which is how I landed at the University of Delaware for my master’s and Ph.D. studies.”
Eventually, Fredericks went to work as a technical training specialist for a large pest control company serving the mid-Atlantic region before landing his current position with the National Pest Management Association, where he spends his time educating the public about pests.
“Protecting the environment is everyone’s responsibility, and the professional pest control industry takes its role very seriously,” says Fredericks. One of the primary ways Fredericks achieves this is through a time-tested, science-based process called Integrated Pest Management.
The Integrated Pest Management process relies on a comprehensive understanding of the biology and behavior of pests, as well as a careful analysis of the underlying conditions – such as sanitation, building construction deficiencies and human behaviors – with a focus on pest prevention. Pest control pros consider these factors when designing management plans for clients with the goal of maximizing the effectiveness of the pest management program, while minimizing impacts on people, pets and the environment.
“My experience at Millersville was crucial for preparing me for my career,” says Fredericks. “In addition to the educational foundation that my classes and professors delivered to me, Millersville gave me opportunities to be curious, taught me the importance of flexibility and provided opportunities to explore being a leader.”
Like many students, Fredericks believed he already had his future set, but with the inspiration and guidance provided by mentors such as his advisors, Drs. James Parks and Radinovsky, he realized that “having a sense of wonder about the world around me and not being afraid of committing to hard work would open doors and help me identify and succeed at the task at hand while being open to the ‘next thing’ in my journey.”
“I don’t think I realized it at the time, but leadership opportunities were abundant at Millersville,” he says. “Working on campus with MU Food Services as a student manager at Lyle Dining Hall let me exercise my management skills. Serving in the Student Senate helped me recognize the importance of compromise and working for the common good. And leadership roles with Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity allowed me to practice my interpersonal skills and problem-solving. These are all skills that prepared me for each step in my career journey that’s brought me to today.”
As an entomologist, Fredericks is familiar with common misconceptions regarding insects. While others often categorize insects as unassuming creatures who fall into simple categories like “gross” or “creepy,” Fredericks recognizes the intelligence and sociability of insects, sharing that many have complex societies that employ communication, division of labor and learning to be successful.
“Typically, when folks think about insects, the first thing that comes to mind is the pests,” he says. “Despite the outsized impact that pests have on public health and food safety, only about 200 or so insects are common pests in the United States. That’s an exceedingly small percentage of the total insect species out there, but the negative impacts of pests can’t be ignored. Public health pests like mosquitoes spread dangerous pathogens, flies and cockroaches threaten our food supplies and wood-destroying pests like termites cause more than $6.8 billion in property damage each year.
“The negative health impacts associated with common insect pests is underappreciated by the general public,” Fredericks adds. “For instance, pests like cockroaches and mice can cause allergic reactions and exacerbate asthma symptoms, especially in children. Each year in the U.S., mosquitoes transmit dangerous pathogens that result in severe illness and death from diseases like West Nile virus and eastern equine encephalitis. Flies and cockroaches can leave behind the germs that cause foodborne illnesses like salmonellosis. Pest control is an essential but often overlooked service that is vital for protecting the health of individuals, families and entire communities.”
As winter begins to warm into spring, Fredericks shares that now would be a good time for the public to begin looking for termite infestations. “Termites can often go unnoticed until significant damage occurs,” he explains.
Signs to look for include:
Swarming termites: Often mistaken for flying ants, swarmers are winged termites that emerge from mature colonies during the spring in search of a place to mate and build a new colony. A pest control pro can provide a positive ID. Piles of shed wings near windowsills, doors or light fixtures are a sign that swarmers have emerged inside a structure.
Shelter tubes: Subterranean termites, the most destructive termite species, build mud tubes near the foundation of a building to provide moisture and shelter as they travel between their colony and food source.
Wood damage: Termites tend to eat wood from the inside out, so hollow-sounding or visibly damaged wood often signifies an infestation.
Frass: A sign of drywood termites, these small, pellet-shaped droppings accumulate inside or outside of a home as termites tunnel through wood.
“To make a home less hospitable to termites, ensure that there’s no wood in contact with soil, mulch isn’t piled above siding and rainwater is diverted away from foundation walls,” says Fredericks. “Early detection is key, which is why it’s important to think about termites before there’s a problem. Routine inspections can help catch termite activity before it causes severe damage. Homeowners should be proactive and have regular inspections with a pest control professional.”
To learn more about pests and pest control, visit: https://www.pestworld.org/.
For parents and educators, visit the educational site for kids: www.pestworldforkids.org.
