The species composition of mosquito fauna was examined using CDC traps at the Nature Observation Park in Saitama Prefecture from 2014 to 2019. A total of 5,059 adult mosquitoes belonging to 15 species in 8 genera were collected in this study. These 15 species were considered to be the current mosquito fauna in the Nature Observation Park of Saitama Prefecture. The number of mosquitoes collected in 2018 was the smallest in this study; we hypothesized that this was due to higher-than-average temperatures from May to August of that year. In addition, the numbers of Aedes bekkui and Armigeres subalbatus increased in 2016. It was presumed that one of the causes was a temporary heavy rain in the summer. In this 6-year park survey, Ae. albopictus accounted for the highest percentage, at 28.2% of the total mosquito species, though Culex pipiens complex was the dominant group in previous surveys in Saitama Prefecture. The forest was closed and could not be investigated, but it was presumed that Ae. albopictus would be found in the tree hollows and surrounding areas on the east part of the forest because the density of female Ae. albopictus was high near that area. The larvae of Cx. pipiens complex were captured in a small waterway near the forest, but no other mosquito larva were found there.

Basic studies on heat disinfestation of duct structures were performed by introducing heated air into a duct system. The thermal and air-flow data were analyzed based on heat and pressure-loss calculation models generally applied for air-conditioning systems. The results revealed that the heat radiating from the duct surface was much larger than the heat required to raise the temperature of the duct itself. The suppression of heat loss from the duct surface by using heat insulating materials, rather than an increase in heat input, will ensure successful implementation of heat disinfestation in duct systems.

The effects of salt on larval growth in the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) were examined by feeding wheat flour diets containing graduated concentration salt. Affer 30 days feeding tests, no adults were emerged including control group. The total numbers of immature individuals in the next generations were significantly low in the 4% and 8% salinity treatment groups compared to the 2% or below 2% treatment groups (p<0.05). Especially, a few numbers were developed to the late instars in concentration 4% or higher. In addition, groups containing salt 1% or higher inhibited pupal development strongly.

Cockroach collection with sticky traps was carried out in open-spaces closed to high-rise building and tree hollows in an urban park, Minato-ku, Tokyo, from May, 2020 to May, 2021. Only smoky-brown cockroach, Periplaneta fuliginosa was captured in both places. The numbers of cockroaches decreased in both places in 2020 than in 2011.

The pebble-dropping behavior of crows may be a key reason for cracks in photovoltaic panels at solar power plants. To understand the pattern of crow-induced panel cracks, we investigated the relationship between panel crack incidence and frequency of flying crows at the Komekura photovoltaic power plant in Kofu, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. Crow flight trajectories were monitored by camera at two research plots (Plots A and B) at the power plant from late October 2017 to early January 2018 (first period), and from late January to early March 2018 (second period). Panel cracks were observed only during the second period in Plot B, where the highest crow flight frequency was recorded: 41 birds per hour. The probabilities of panel cracks and of pebbles left on panels were positively correlated with crow flight frequency. Our observations suggest that the risk of panel cracks caused by crows increases as the frequency of crow flight at photovoltaic power plants increases.

The red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) is a serious pest in stored foods, especially wheat flour and wheat products. The development rates of T. castaneum on wheat flour and wheat products, rice flour and rice products, and buckwheat products were investigated under laboratory conditions. We found that the next-generation individual number was high in groups fed wheat flour or rice flour, and low in those fed dried soba or dried udon noodles. The numbers of individuals of grown instar larvae (body length 6 mm or more) and pupae were high in groups fed wheat flour or rice flour, and low in those fed dried somen, dried udon, rice crackers, or dried soba. These results suggest that during the processing of wheat flour and rice flour products, ingredients that have an effect on beetle growth have been added, ingredients necessary for growth have been removed, or ingredient quality has been changed. It is also possible that the salt content in the feed might suppress beetle growth.

In June 2021, two engorged nymphal Amblyomma testudinarium obtained from human bodies in Toyama Prefecture, Japan, were reared in total darkness at room temperature, and their morphological changes over time were recorded. The ticks were observed and photographed almost every day. The engorged nymphal ticks molted into adult male ticks in an average of 29.5 days after they were detached. After more than a week, a liquid oozed out in dots from the ticksʼ body surface, and the amount of liquid increased with time. After the liquid dried up, a cleft appeared on the side of the body, from which the adult male A. testudinarium emerged.