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Entomology and Nematology Department

Entomology and Nematology Department

Dr. Roberto M. Pereira

FPMA Endowed Professor
Extension Professor
Urban Entomology

Dr. Roberto M. Pereira specializes in urban entomology, conducting research and extension on different aspects of the biology and control of ants, cockroaches, bed bugs, flies, mosquitoes and other insects that live in and around human structures. He has also interest in insect pathology and microbial control, with more recent focus on pathogens that affect ant populations and can be used in the management of invasive pest ants.

  • Research

    Medical/Veterinary Entomology:

    Dr. Pereira conducts research on mosquito and fly biology and control methods in order to better understand conditions that favor development of these pests and how to control them. Both flies and mosquitoes are important vectors of diseases that affect humans and animals. Research on control of these pests has been concentrated on the development of traps and other control techniques.

    Urban and Structural Entomology:

    Several insects live in and around humans causing different problems varying from simple annoyance to disease transmission. Research on cockroaches, ants, bed bugs and other urban pests seeks to identify biological characteristics that can be targeted in control efforts, the development of new traps and control methods, and testing of products for management of urban pests.

    Biocontrol:

    Dr. Pereira is interested in the discovery of new diseases that affect ants and other urban pests, and the development of research that leads to a better understanding of the relationship between these pathogens and their hosts. These diseases can be developed into control tools for use in the management of ants and other urban pests.

  • Extension

    Extension: Urban and Structural Entomology

    The University of Florida provides training for pest control operators, as well as technicians involved in the pest management industry, keeping them informed about new pests, new pest management techniques, legislative matters and other subjects related to the management of pests in and around human structures. Training is also extended to Extension personnel, Master Gardeners, state and local officials, and the general public.

Dr. Roberto M. Pereira

Contact

Urban Entomology Laboratory | Room 4
Gainesville, FL 32611
(352) 392-2485
rpereira@ufl.edu

  • Education
    • Ph.D., Entomology, University of Florida, 1991
    • M.S., Entomolgy, Cornell University, 1987
    • B.S., Agronomy, Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz" (ESALQ), Univ. de São Paulo, Brazil, 1981
  • EDIS Publications

    EDIS Publications

  • Google Scholar Publications

    Google Scholar

  • Selected Publications

    Patents, Book Chapters and Non-refereed Publications

    Patents

    1. Koehler, P. G. E. V. Ragasa, R. M. Pereira. 2013. Dual Action Lethal Containers, Systems, Methods and Compositions for Killing Adult Mosquitos and Larvae. US Patent 20130276355 A1.

    2. Koehler, P. G. E. V. Ragasa, R. M. Pereira. 2013. Dual Action Lethal Containers, Systems, Methods and Compositions for Killing Adult Mosquitos and Larvae. International Patent WO/2013/159023 A1.

    3. Diclaro J. W., R. M. Pereira, J. C. Hertz, and P. G. Koehler. 2013. Fly attractant system with toxicant-treated cords. Australian Patent 2011232779.

    4. Diclaro J. W., R. M. Pereira, J. C. Hertz, and P. G. Koehler. 2010. Fly attractant system with toxicant-treated cords. International Patent WO/2010/118024.

    5. Valles, S. M., R. M. Pereira, W. B. Hunter, D. H. Oi, C. A. Strong, P. M. Dang, and D. F. Williams. 2008. Solenopsis invicta Viruses. US 7,332,176 Bl.

    6. Stimac, J. L. & R. M. Pereira. 2006. Methods and formulations for control of pests. U.S. Patent RE38,958.

    7. Stimac, J. L. & R. M. Pereira. 2005. Methods and formulations for control of pests. European Patent EP 0 751 710 B1.

    8. Stimac, J. L. & R. M. Pereira. 2001. Methods and formulations for control of pests. U.S. Patent 6,254,864.

    9. Stimac, J. L. & R. M. Pereira. 1997. Controlling cockroaches, carpenter ants, and pharaoh ants using strains of Beauveria bassiana. U.S. Patent 5,683,689.

    10. Stimac, J. L. & R. M. Pereira. 1995. Methods and formulations for control of insect pests. World Patent WO 95/25430.

    Book chapters

    1. Pereira, R., D. Oi, M. Baggio, and P. Koehler. 2016 (tentative). Microbial control of structural insect pests. Lacey, L. (Ed.). Microbial Agents for Control of Insect Pests: From Theory to Practice. Academic Press. (In preparation).

    2. Campbell, B., R. M. Pereira, , and P. G. Koehler. 2016 (tentative). Failure of Pesticides to Control Insect Eggs. In: Trdan, S. (Ed.). Insecticides Resistance. InTech. (In preparation).

    3. Sallam, M. F. R. M. Pereira, and P. G. Koehler. 2015 (tentative). Fly populations and problems in a changing climate. In: Dhang, P. (Ed.). Climate Change Impacts on Urban Pests CAB International, Reading, UK. (In preparation).

    4. Pereira, R., J. Cooksey, R. Baldwin, and P. Koehler. 2014. Filth Fly Management in Urban Environments, pp. 43-64. In: P. Dhang (ed.), Urban Insect Pests: Sustainable Management Strategies. CAB International, Reading, UK.

    5. Jordan, B. W., B. E. Bayer, P. G. Koehler and R. M. Pereira. 2013. Bait evaluation methods for urban pest management, pp. 445-469. In: S. Trdan (ed.), Insecticides - Development of Safer and More Effective Technologies. InTech, DOI: 10.5772/53421. Available from: http://www.intechopen.com/books/insecticides-development-of-safer-and-more-effective-technologies/bait-evaluation-methods-for-urban-pest-management.

    6. Alves, S. B., R. B. Lopes, R. M. Pereira, and M. A. Tamai. 2008. Microbial control in Latin America, pp. 21-48. In: S. B. Alves and R. B. Lopes (eds.), Controle Microbiano de Pragas na América Latina: Avanços e Desafios. FEALQ, Piracicaba, Brazil. (In Portuguese).

    7. Milner, R. and R. M. Pereira 2007. Microbial control of urban pests - cockroaches, ants and termites, pp. 695-711. In: L. A. Lacey and K. H. Kaya (eds.), Field manual of microbial control of insects, 2nd Ed. Springer, Dordrecht, The Netherlands.

    8. Vander Meer, R. K., R. M. Pereira, S. D. Porter, S. M. Valles, & D. H. Oi. 2007. Area-wide suppression of invasive fire ant populations, pp. 487-496. In: M.J.B. Vreysen, A.S. Robinson and J. Hendrichs (eds.), Area-Wide Control of Insect Pests: From Research to Field Implementation, Springer, Dordrecht, The Netherlands. (in press).

    9. Ownley, B. H., R. M. Pereira, W. E. Klingeman, III, N. B. Quigley & B. M. Leckie. 2004. Beauveria bassiana, a dual purpose biocontrol organism with activity against insect pests and plant pathogens, pp. 255-269. In: R.T. Lartey and A.J. Caesar (eds.), Emerging Concepts in Plant Health Management, Research Signpost, T.C., Kerala, India.

    10. Leite, L. G., S. B. Alves and R. M. Pereira. 2003. Microbial Insecticides, [Insecticidas Microbianos], pp.115-155. In: G. S. Aguayo and R. H. Gallo (eds.), Bases para el Manejo Racional de Insecticidas. Universidad de Conception/Fundación para la Innovación Agraria (FIA), Chillán. (In Spanish).

    11. Alves, S. B., R. M. Pereira, R. B. Lopes and M. A. Tamai. 2002. Use of Entomopathogenic Fungi in Latin America, pp. 193-211. In: R. K. Upadhyay (ed.), Advances in Microbial Control of Insect Pests. Kluwer, Dordrecht.

    12. Jackson, T.A., S. B. Alves & R. M. Pereira. 2000. Biological control of soil-dwelling insects by pathogens and nematodes, pp. 271-296. In: G.M. Gurr and S.D. Wratten (eds.), Biological Control: Measures of Success. Kluwer, Dordrecht.

    13. Milner, R. & R. M. Pereira 2000. Microbial control of urban pests - cockroaches, ants and termites, pp. 721-740. In: L. A. Lacey and K. H. Kaya (eds.), Field manual of microbial control of insects. Kluwer, Dordrecht.

    14. Pereira, R. M., S. B. Alves & P. R. Reis. 1998. Safety in the use of entomopathogens, [Segurança no emprego de entomopatógenos], pp. 171-194. In: S. B. Alves (ed.), Controle Microbiano de Insetos. FEALQ, Piracicaba, Brazil. (In Portuguese).

    15. Pereira, R. M., S. B. Alves & D. R. Sosa-Gomez. 1998. Use of entomopathogens in the integrated pest management [Utilização de entomopatógenos no manejo integrado de pragas], pp. 1097-1118. In: S. B. Alves (ed.), Controle Microbiano de Insetos. FEALQ, Piracicaba, Brazil. (In Portuguese).

    16. Pereira, R. M. & S. B. Alves. 1998. Production of entomopathogenic protozoa, [Produção de protozoários entomopatogênicos], pp. 907-916. In: S. B. Alves (ed.), Controle Microbiano de Insetos. FEALQ, Piracicaba, Brazil. (In Portuguese).

    17. Alves, S. B. & R. M. Pereira. 1998. Physiological disturbs caused by entomopathogens, [Distúrbios Fisiológicos provocados por entomopatógenos], pp. 39-54. In: S. B. Alves (ed.), Controle Microbiano de Insetos. FEALQ, Piracicaba, Brazil. (In Portuguese).

    18. Alves, S. B. & R. M. Pereira. 1998. Production of entomopathogenic fungi, [Produção de fungos entomopatogênicos], pp. 845-869. In: S. B. Alves (ed.), Controle Microbiano de Insetos. FEALQ, Piracicaba, Brazil. (In Portuguese).

    19. Alves, S. B., R. M. Pereira, J. E. M. Almeida & A. J. Laranjeiro. 1998. Equipment for application of microbial insecticides [Equipamentos para aplicação de inseticidas microbianos], pp. 269-287. In: S. B. Alves (ed.), Controle Microbiano de Insetos. FEALQ, Piracicaba, Brazil. (In Portuguese).

    20. Batista Filho, A., S. B. Alves, L. F. A. Alves, R. M. Pereira & N. T. Augusto. 1998. Formulation of entomopathogens, [Formulação de entomopatógenos], pp. 917-965. In: S. B. Alves (ed.), Controle Microbiano de Insetos. FEALQ, Piracicaba, Brazil. (In Portuguese).

    21. Sosa-Gomez, D. R., R. M. Pereira & S. B. Alves. 1998. Environmental impact of entomopathogens, [Impacto ambiental de entomopatógenos], pp. 1075-1095. In: S. B. Alves (ed.), Controle Microbiano de Insetos. FEALQ, Piracicaba, Brazil. (In Portuguese).

    Non-refereed publications

    1. Cuda, J. P., A. S. Brammer, R. M. Pereira, & M. Broza. 2004. Interference of natural regulation of the aquatic weed mosquito fern (Azolla caroliniana) by the red imported fire ant. Aquatics 26: 20-26.

    2. Croker, J. L., K. M. Vail, & R. M. Pereira, (eds.). 2000. Proceedings of the 2000 Imported Fire Ant Conference. University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, 173 pp.

    3. Shamiyeh, N. B., R. M. Pereira, R. A. Straw, and R. A. Follum & C. W. Meister. 1999. Control of wireworms in potatoes, 1998. Arthropod Management Tests 24: E78