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Celebrating Pride Month: Honoring Diversity in Science and Pest Control

Square graphic with rainbow borders and the text “Happy Pride Month – Stronger together: Celebrating LGBTQIA+ scientists who inspire innovation” with the Paragon Pest Control logo.

Celebrating Pride Month: Honoring Diversity in Science and Pest Control

At Paragon Pest Control, we believe that the best ideas come from many perspectives working together. As we celebrate Pride Month, we take this time to honor LGBTQIA+ individuals whose contributions to science have expanded our understanding of the natural world—and in doing so, have quietly shaped the way we approach pest control today.

While the pest control industry itself is still growing in terms of LGBTQIA+ representation, we know that the principles of diversity—whether in ecosystems or in the workforce—lead to stronger, more resilient outcomes. This month, we’re shining a light on two trailblazing scientists whose research continues to inspire:

🧠 Dr. Joan Roughgarden

Pioneering Evolutionary Biologist

  • Who she is: An evolutionary biologist and author known for challenging traditional theories of gender and mating in animals.

  • Why she matters: Her research in Evolution’s Rainbow explores how diversity in gender and sexual behavior benefits species’ survival, including insects and other small creatures relevant to pest control.

  • Legacy in pest control: Dr. Roughgarden’s work offers new insights into insect mating systems and colony structures, helping us better understand pest behavior and design more effective, eco-friendly control strategies.

🦂 Dr. Lauren Esposito

Arachnologist and Founder of 500 Queer Scientists

  • Who she is: A leading expert on scorpions and venom, and an advocate for LGBTQIA+ visibility in science.

  • Why she matters: Dr. Esposito’s research advances our understanding of venomous species, which is crucial for public health and safety in pest control.

  • Legacy in pest control: Her work promotes the importance of studying venomous pests, and her leadership in 500 Queer Scientists highlights how inclusion and collaboration lead to stronger scientific solutions.

🌿 Building a More Resilient Future

At its heart, pest control is about balance—protecting people, homes, and businesses while respecting the ecosystems we all rely on. The same is true in science: when we value diversity in both nature and our communities, we open the door to more innovative, adaptable, and sustainable solutions.

This Pride Month, we celebrate the contributions of LGBTQIA+ individuals in science and beyond, whose work inspires us to keep learning, growing, and creating a better future for all.