Bed bugs may be the first human pest

Bed bugs are most likely the first human pest, new research on the genome sequence of two distinct lineages shows.

Felicia Spencer-Virginia Tech • futurity
June 11, 2025 ~6 min

Listen: Everything you should know about fireflies

From voracious venomous larvae to gently glowing grownups, an expert walks you through the unique characteristics of a favorite summer bug.

NC State • futurity
June 10, 2025 ~2 min


Boats can spread termites all over the world

New research sheds light on the role boats play in the worldwide spread of destructive, invasive termite species.

Lourdes Mederos-U. Florida • futurity
April 8, 2025 ~7 min

Could eradicated ‘murder hornets’ invade the US again?

An expert explains the recent news of the eradication of murder hornets in the US, including whether they could return.

Georgia Tech • futurity
Jan. 3, 2025 ~5 min

Watch a tiny bug do the world’s fastest backflip

A new study features the first in-depth look at the jumping skills of globular springtails. See the backflipping bug in action for yourself.

Tracey Peake-NC State • futurity
Sept. 3, 2024 ~6 min

‘Death zone’ limits insecticide power against termite colonies

"Liquid termiticides have little impact on large subterranean termite colonies. It's a Band-aid."

Lourdes Mederos-U. Florida • futurity
July 29, 2024 ~6 min

There’s a downside to success in the fight against malaria

Though bed nets and insecticides help protect against malaria, some people blame these measures for a return of other pests, like bed bugs.

Mick Kulikowski-NC State • futurity
July 26, 2024 ~5 min

What’s the secret behind fireflies’ twinkle?

Why do fireflies light up? And what can you do to bring more of these living nightlights to your yard? An expert clues you in.

Matt Shipman-NC State • futurity
June 24, 2024 ~6 min


What makes some people bigger mosquito magnets?

What makes some people more attractive to biting mosquitoes than others? Researchers have answers for you in this video.

James Urton-U. Washington • futurity
June 6, 2024 ~3 min

German cockroaches have humans to thank for their evolution

A new study unveils insights into the origins of the common German cockroach and how they came to scurry across our kitchen floors.

Laura Muntean-Texas A&M • futurity
June 4, 2024 ~5 min

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