Mike Merchant, B.C.E.

Texas Agricultural Extension Service

Associate Professor & Extension Urban Entomologist

Ph.D. Entomology, Texas A&M University
M.S. Entomology, Purdue University
B.S. Environmental Science, Western Washington University

Insect Science - Extension

Highlighted Projects:

Pest Management for Public Schools. Safety concerns have made public schools one of the highest priority sites for reducing pesticide use. Dr. Merchant served on the state's IPM (integrated pest management) advisory committee to develop regulations encouraging use of safer pesticides in schools. His current efforts focus on increasing awareness of IPM principles, training school staff in safer pest control techniques and training retail nursery personnel using the new Plant Detective video series. He recently completed a 5-part video training series entitled the ABC's of IPM, designed especially for schools.

Safer Pest Control for Texas Homes. Nearly one-third of all pesticides manufactured in the United States are used by consumers in and around the home. One consequence of heavy pesticide use is water pollution caused by improper use and disposal of pesticides by consumers and others. Dr. Merchant works closely with cities, such as Fort Worth, to identify and promote safer pest control methods for use by the public. Fire ants, spiders, and termites are some of the pests currently being studied at the Dallas Center.

Primary Research and Extension Emphasis:

Design informational materials and training programs to help reduce pesticide use and promote use of low impact pesticides for schools and other institutional facilities. Develop training materials and continuing education programs on pests and pest management for the public. Research interests include control of fire ants in electrical equipment and in urban landscapes; low impact pesticides; spider management; documentation of Formosan Termite range expansion in Texas; and improvement of existing termite control technologies.

Experience:

Extension specialist in urban entomology. 1989 to present.

Agricultural and livestock entomology research assistant. 1981 to 1989.

Pest control operator. 1980 to 1981.

Board Certified Entomologist. 1991 to present.

Honors and Awards:

Orkin Award for Research Excellence 1999. Team Award for Superior Service and Vice Chancellor=s Award in Excellence (team award) PlantAnswers Team 1998. Outstanding Associate Awards; Certification Board of the Entomological Society of America (National and Chapter Awards) 1990. Sigma Xi, Scientific Research Society 1988. Phi Kappa Phi Scholastic Honor Society 1984. Gamma Sigma Delta Honor Society of Agriculture, 1983.