Celebrating Jewish American & AAPI Innovators in Pest Control
At Paragon Pest Control, we believe science and service go hand in hand. This May, we’re proud to celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month and Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month by spotlighting four incredible scientists whose contributions have shaped the way we understand, manage, and prevent pest issues today.
From groundbreaking research on insect chemistry to eco-friendly solutions in urban environments, these individuals have helped build the scientific foundation for many of the sustainable pest control strategies we use in Dallas-Fort Worth homes and businesses.
Let’s take a look at four trailblazers whose work continues to inspire modern pest management:
Dr. Thomas Eisner (Jewish American)
The Father of Chemical Ecology
Who he was: A German-born Jewish American biologist and professor at Cornell University.
Why he matters: Eisner was the first to document how insects use chemicals to defend themselves and communicate.
Legacy in pest control: His work laid the groundwork for natural pest deterrents and behavior-based pest solutions used in today’s eco-friendly treatments.
Dr. Chow-Yang Lee (Asian American – Malaysian American)
Modern Leader in Urban Entomology
Who he is: A globally recognized entomologist and professor at UC Riverside.
Why he matters: Dr. Lee specializes in pest behavior, biology, and resistance mechanisms in pests like cockroaches, termites, ants, and bed bugs.
Legacy in pest control: His findings inform targeted pest control strategies, helping companies like ours deliver effective, long-lasting treatments in cities like Dallas-Fort Worth.
Dr. Murray S. Blum (Jewish American)
Pheromone Research Pioneer
Who he was: A prolific entomologist at the University of Georgia.
Why he matters: Blum’s research on fire ants and insect pheromones was revolutionary in the development of species-specific baits and traps.
Legacy in pest control: His work helped move pest control toward precision methods, reducing chemical use while improving results—especially with fire ant control in Texas.
Dr. Changlu Wang (Asian American – Chinese American)
Innovator in Urban Pest Management
Who he is: An entomologist at Rutgers University known for developing cost-effective, consumer-conscious pest control solutions.
Why he matters: Dr. Wang’s research focuses on pests like bed bugs and cockroaches, especially in multi-family housing and urban settings.
Legacy in pest control: His work empowers companies like Paragon to offer affordable, science-driven pest management for families and businesses across DFW.
Why It Matters
The scientists we’ve spotlighted this month represent different communities, backgrounds, and specialties—but they all share a commitment to knowledge, innovation, and practical impact. Their work allows companies like ours to provide safe, effective, and environmentally responsible pest control in a world that continues to evolve.
At Paragon Pest Control, we’re proud to honor their legacies—not just this month, but in the way we serve our clients every day.