DALLAS - Dr. Michael Merchant, an entomologist for the Texas Agricultural Extension Service, recently received the annual Orkin Award for excellence in service benefitting the pest control industry.
The annual award, given to six researchers in the United States, recognizes those who are making outstanding contributions. Each recipient was awarded an unrestricted gift of $3,000 in support of their entomology departments.
Merchant served on the state’s IPM (integrated pest management) advisory committee to develop regulations for safer use of pesticides in schools. He developed the ABC’s of IPM, a video-based pest management curriculum for school districts. Merchant also works closely with city water departments to promote safer pest control by the public to prevent water pollution from chemicals. He also led a joint effort with Oklahoma State University’s Extension Service to produce a video training series for garden center staff.
Merchant’s work at Texas A&M Dallas is aimed at reducing the use of pesticides and promoting the use of low-impact pesticides in businesses. His research now includes controlling fire ants, managing spiders and improving termite control technologies.
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