07/16/2025

Entomologist On Call: Your Pest-y Questions Have Met Their Match!

A new member benefit!

Have you ever found yourself stumped by a mystery bug? Or needed to double-check a best practice before giving advice to a customer? Well, Pi Chi Omega has just launched a bug-tastic new member benefit that puts expert advice right at your fingertips — introducing the Entomologist On Call!

That’s right — members now have access to a rotating team of seasoned entomological experts who are standing by to field your most pressing pest management questions. Whether you’re unsure about an insect ID, want a second opinion on a treatment approach, or are just curious about the biology of a pest you don’t run into every day — our Outreach Team has your back.

What Is Entomologist On Call?

It’s a new members-only resource where qualified entomologists (think ACEs, BCEs, and entomology-degreed professionals with at least 5 years of pest management experience) volunteer their time to answer questions from Pi Chi Omega members. It’s a win-win — members get trusted advice, and entomologists get to flex their knowledge muscles while giving back to the industry we all love.

What Can You Ask?

Pretty much anything bug-related! Here are some examples:

• What is this six-legged invader?!
• What’s the best IPM approach for this situation?
• What monitoring technique would you recommend?
• Got a good source for carpenter bee education materials?
• Where can I find research on this pest’s behavior?

You’ll get thoughtful responses rooted in industry best practices, not brand names or company protocols. So while we won’t tell you which product to use, we will guide you on what classes or formulations to consider, and where to find reputable resources.

What Not to Ask

This isn’t a space for:

• Legal advice (sorry, we left our law degrees at home)
• Specific product endorsements
• Opinions on company policies
• Label interpretations

We're here to educate, not litigate.

How It Works

• Submit your question through a dedicated input form in the Members-Only section of the Pi Chi Omega website.
• Include images (please and thank you — good pics = good ID).
• Your question goes to our rotating team of “on-call” entomologists, who respond via the Pi Chi Omega email (not their personal accounts — we’re keeping this official).
• You’ll hear back within 24–48 hours!

Who’s On Call?

Each month, at least two qualified entomologists will be “on call” to respond to inquiries. They’ll be supported by a calendar and guidelines to keep everything running smoothly. And responses will come from the Pi Chi Omega Outreach Team — not individual names or companies — so it’s all professional, unbiased, and collaborative.

Why We Love It

This new program is a shining example of how Pi Chi Omega gives back. It taps into the incredible knowledge of our members to help each other grow, solve problems, and improve our industry as a whole. It’s advice you can trust, when you need it most — and it’s totally free as part of your membership!

Quick Reminders

• This service is just for members.
• The form is in the Members-Only section of our website.
• Please review the disclaimer — our entomologists will do their best, but responsibility for implementation still lies with you.

 Want to Get Involved?

Are you an entomologist who wants to lend your expertise? We’re always looking for volunteers to join our Entomologist On Call roster. If you’re ACE/BCE certified or have a degree in entomology plus five years of industry experience, we want YOU! Please email the executive staff at office@pichiomega.org to express your interest.

So next time you're scratching your head over a pest (and not because it’s a louse), don’t hesitate — head to the Members-only section of the Pi Chi Omega website and hit up your Entomologist On Call.

Because with Pi Chi Omega, no question is too buggy — and no member gets left behind.  We’ve got answers. You’ve got questions. Let’s do this.