Entomologists are scientists who specialize in the study of insects. They work in a variety of fields, including forensic investigations and advanced biological research. The control and use of insect species in agriculture are two of the most common entomologist jobs. Others concentrate on purely academic research, such as classifying and understanding new insect species or charting the history and evolution of insects in laboratories. Many entomologist jobs are concerned with the control and management of insect species’ interactions with humans.
Insect research is crucial to the success of agriculture and animal husbandry, and entomologist jobs are plentiful in these fields. Entomologists study insects that harm crops or pose a threat to livestock in order to control pests and protect the food supply. In recent years, much of this research has focused on the use of natural biological control mechanisms to combat pests, such as the introduction of predator insects. This type of entomologist is often in charge of the use of other control measures, such as chemical agents. Beneficial insect species such as honeybees are frequently studied and protected by agricultural entomologists.
Entomologists work in governmental and academic settings, and many of them have academic jobs that include teaching, research, or a combination of the two. Teaching entomologists provide classroom and hands-on training to students, including future entomologists as well as members of other professions, such as agriculture, who can benefit from specialized insect knowledge. Research entomologists are in charge of cataloging new species of insects as well as charting the structure of the ecosystems in which they live.
To answer questions about crime, forensic entomologists must use specialized knowledge of insects and insect behavior. Insects are a natural part of the decay process, and forensic entomologists are frequently called upon to provide information about the time and cause of death, which can be determined by observing insect activity patterns at a crime scene. In cases where criminal conduct or negligence may be involved, similar methods can be used to determine specific information about the spread of insect infestation.
Many entomologists dedicate their lives to preventing the spread of insects that coexist with humans. The majority of entomologist jobs are concerned with the control of dangerous or unwanted insect species. The development of more effective measures to combat the spread of bedbugs to the fight to save large populations from malaria are all examples of this type of work.