{"id":2558,"date":"2023-04-22T22:23:02","date_gmt":"2023-04-23T05:23:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.oregonstate.edu\/inspiration\/?p=2558"},"modified":"2023-04-22T22:23:02","modified_gmt":"2023-04-23T05:23:02","slug":"the-opposite-of-a-pest-bees-wasps-and-other-beneficial-bugs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.oregonstate.edu\/inspiration\/2023\/04\/22\/the-opposite-of-a-pest-bees-wasps-and-other-beneficial-bugs\/","title":{"rendered":"The opposite of a pest: Bees, wasps and other beneficial bugs<\/strong>"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Lots of terrestrial invertebrates have bad reputations. Spiders, bees, flies, wasps, ants. They\u2019re thought of as pests in the garden or they are perceived as threatening, possibly wanting to sting or bite us. I\u2019ll admit it, I\u2019m terrified and grossed out by most invertebrates every time I see one in my house. But this week\u2019s guest may have successfully managed to get me to change my tune\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n

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Scott (left) and his intern\/doppelganger Tucker (right) in the field.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Scott Mitchell is a 4th<\/sup> year PhD student in the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences advised by Dr. Sandy DeBano. His overarching research goal is to understand how different land management practices may impact beneficial invertebrate communities in a variety of managed landscapes. Yes, you read that right: beneficial invertebrates. Because while many invertebrates have a bad rep, they\u2019re actually unsung heroes of the world. They pollinate plants, aerate soil, eat actual pest invertebrates and are prey for many other species. In order to tackle his overarching research goal, Scott is conducting two studies in Oregon; one focuses on native bees while the second looks at non-pollinators such as wasps, spiders, and beetles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n