Dong-Hwan Choe

Title: Cooperative Extension Specialist / Professor
Address: 
Department of Entomology, University of California
Room 382
Riverside, CA, CA 92521
Phone: 951-827-5717 
Email: donghwan.choe@ucr.edu

Research Specialization

My research focuses on three major areas: urban entomology, insect behavior, and chemical ecology. In particular, my research has focused on exploring innate and learned behaviors of economically or environmentally important insect species to develop more effective integrated pest management (IPM) programs. 

I use manipulative laboratory studies to investigate how the behaviors of pest insects can be exploited to improve management and to develop novel management techniques. I also use field studies to test the feasibility of these new techniques in real-world conditions. I draw upon my expertise in behavioral ecology, experimental design, chemical ecology and analytical chemistry to illuminate the biology of target insects, and to inform the design of new approaches for control. In addition to the bioassays involving chemistry, physiology, behavior, and toxicology, the effort to incorporate the behavioral information of target species into the working IPM program often requires extensive design, manufacturing, and testing of devices in the field. To meet these goals, I work with other researchers especially from industries and other academic disciplines when possible.

Subjects of current work include impacts of IGRs on Argentine ant, development of new control strategy for pest ants, bed bug detection and control, drywood termite biology and management, reduced-risk IPM, and development of web-based resource for urban pest management.

Degrees

BA Agriculture 2002

Korea University

MS Entomology 2005

University of California, Riverside

PhD Entomology 2009

University of California, Riverside

Publication (click the title for PDF)

• Le, B., K. Campbell, H. Park, S.-P. Tseng, R. Pandey, G. S. Simmons, R.Henderson, C. Gispert, M. K. Rust, C.-Y. Lee, R. Karimzadeh, Y.-L. Park, and D.-H. Choe. 2024. Field Evaluations of Biodegradable Boric Acid Hydrogel Baits for the Control of Argentine Ants: Promising Results in Vineyards and Citrus Orchards. California Agriculture, June. https://doi.org/10.3733/001c.120496 (Supplementary Material) (accepted on May 6, 2024)

• Poulos, N. A, C.-Y. Lee, M. K. Rust, and D.-H. Choe. 2024. Potential use of pinenes to improve localized insecticide injections targeting the western drywood termite (Blattodea: Kalotermitidae). J. Econ. Entomol.  117: 1628–1635. https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toae101 (accepted on May 3, 2024)

• Lee, S.-H., J. So, G. S. Kund, J.-Y. Lum, E. Trinh, E. L. Ta, R. Chungsawat, D.-H. Choe, D. L. Cox, M. K. Rust, and C.-Y. Lee. 2024. Toxicity of isocycloseram, an isoxazoline insecticide, against laboratory and field-collected German cockroaches (Blattodea: Ectobiidae). J. Econ. Entomol. 117: 1086–1094. https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toae079 

• Tseng, S.-P., S.-H. Lee, D.-H. Choe, and C.-Y. Lee. 2024. Overexpression of cytochrome P450 gene CYP6K1 is associated with pyrethroid resistance in German cockroaches (Blattodea: Ectobiidae) from California. J. Econ. Entomol. 117: 1071–1076. https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toae057 

• Lee, S.-H, D.-H. Choe, M. K. Rust, and C.-Y. Lee. 2024. Oral toxicity of an artificial sweetener sucralose on the German cockroach (Blattodea: Ectobiidae) and its impact on water balance and gut microbiome. J. Econ. Entomol. 117: 268–279. https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toad206

• Principato, S., A. Romero, C.-Y. Lee, K. Campbell, D.-H. Choe, C. Schal, and Z. DeVries. 2023. Histamine excretion in common indoor and hematophagous arthropods. J. Med. Entomol. 60: 1269–1277. https://doi.org/10.1093/jme/tjad103

• So, J., D.-H. Choe, M. K. Rust, J. T. Trumble, C.-Y. Lee. 2023. The impact of selenium on insects. J. Econ. Entomol. 116: 1041–1062. 

• Rust, M. K., C.-Y. Lee, H. E. Park, K. Campbell, D.-H. Choe, M. Sorensen, A. Sutherland, C. Hubble, B. Nobua-Behrmann, J. Kabashima, S.-P. Tseng, and L. Post. 2023. The potential of fluralaner as a bait toxicant to control pest yellowjackets in California. Insects. 14, 311. 

• Le, B., H. Park, K. Campbell, M. K. Rust, C.-Y. Lee, and D.-H. Choe. 2023. Laboratory evaluations of biodegradable boric acid hydrogel baits for the control of Argentine ant(Hymenoptera: Formicidae). J. Econ. Entomol. 116: 643–647.

• Dery, M., and D.-H. Choe. 2023. Effect of bed bug (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) aldehydes on efficacy of fungal biopesticides. J. Econ. Entomol. 116: 40–46. 

• Dery, M., B. Dinh, R. Budd, and D.-H. Choe. 2022. Wash-off potential of pyrethroids after use of total release fogger products. Sci. Total Environ. 847: 157340.

• Tseng, S.-P., S. Taravati, D.-H. Choe, M. K. Rust, and C.-Y. Lee. 2022. Genetic evidence for multiple invasions of Coptotermes formosanus (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae) in California. J. Econ. Entomol. 115: 1251-1256.

• Lee, S.-H., D.-H. Choe, M. E. Scharf, M. K. Rust, and C. Y. Lee. 2022. Combined metabolic and target-site resistance mechanisms confer fipronil and deltamethrin resistance in field-collected German cockroaches (Blattodea: Ectobiidae). Pestic. Biochem. Phys. 184: 105123.

• Lee, S.-H., D.-H. Choe, M. K. Rust, and C.-Y. Lee. 2022. Reduced susceptibility towards commercial bait insecticides in field german cockroach (Blattodea: Ectobiidae) populations from California. J. Econ. Entomol. 115: 259-265.

• Choe, D.-H, and J.-W. Tay. 2021. Low-impact ant IPM. Pest Control Technology. GIE Media, Inc. p. 38-42. Vol. 49. No. 11. Editor: Jodi Dorsch.

• Dery, M., C.-Y. Lee, and D.-H. Choe. 2021. Differential responses to aldehyde pheromone blends in two bed bug species (Heteroptera: Cimicidae). Chemoecology. 31: 397–403.

• Why, A. M., D.-H. Choe, and W. E. Walton. 2021. Identification of chemicals associated with the western mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis (Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae), and their effect on oviposition behavior of Culex tarsalis (Diptera: Culicidae) in the laboratory. J. Med. Entomol. 58: 2075-2090.

• Choe, D.-H., J.-W. Tay, K. Campbell, H. Park, L. Greenberg, and M. K. Rust. 2021. Development and demonstration of low-impact IPM strategy to control Argentine ants(Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in urban residential settings. J. Econ. Entomol. 114: 1752–1757.

• Tseng, S.-P., J. Boone, L. Boone, N. King, S. Taravati, D.-H. Choe, and C.-Y. Lee. 2021. Genetic analysis of Formosan subterranean termite populations in California (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae). J. Econ. Entomol. 114: 1264-1269.

• Lee, S.-H., D.-H. Choe, and C.-Y. Lee. 2021. The impact of artificial sweeteners on insects. J. Econ. Entomol. 114: 1-13.

• Dery, M., K. Arriola, C.-Y. Lee, and D.-H. Choe. 2020. Ontogenesis of aldehyde  pheromones in two synanthropic bed bug species (Heteroptera: Cimicidae). Insects. 11(11), 759. https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/11/11/759 

• Ko, A. and D.-H. Choe. 2020. Development of a lateral flow test for bed bug detection. Sci. Rep. 10: 13376. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-70200-0

• Tay, J.-W., D.-H. Choe, A. Mulchandani, and M. K. Rust. 2020. Hydrogels: from controlled release to a new bait delivery for insect pest management. J. Econ. Entomol. 113: 2061-2068.

• Wilson Rankin, E. E., J. M. Cecala, N. H. Pineda, Q. Y. Lu, E. Pelayo, and D.-H. Choe. 2020. Differential feeding responses of several bee species to sugar sources containing iridomyrmecin, an Argentine ant trail pheromone component.  J. Insect Behav. 33: 83–90.

• Perry, D. T. and D.-H. Choe. 2020. Volatile essential oils can be used to improve the efficacy of heat treatments targeting the western drywood termite: evidence from simulated whole house heat treatment trials. J. Econ. Entomol. 113: 2448–2457.

• Perry, D. T. and D.-H. Choe. 2020. Volatile essential oils can be used to improve the efficacy of heat treatments targeting the western drywood termite: evidence from a laboratory study. J. Econ. Entomol. 113: 1373-1381.

• McCalla, K. A., J.-W. Tay, A. Mulchandani, D.-H. Choe, M. S. Hoddle. 2020. Biodegradable alginate hydrogel bait delivery system effectively controls high-density populations of Argentine ant in commercial citrus. J. Pest. Sci. 93:1031–1042.

• Choe, D.-H., E. Paysen, L. Greenberg, K. Campbell, and M. Rust. 2019. A closer look: Argentine ant control. Pest Control Technology. GIE Media, Inc. p. 130-135. Vol. 47. No. 10. Editor: Jodi Dorsch.

• Schall, K., J.-W. Tay, A. Mulchandani, D.-H. Choe, and M. Hoddle. 2018. Harnessing hydrogels in the battle against invasive ants. Citrograph. 9: 30-35.

• Choe, D.-H., K. Campbell, M. S. Hoddle, J. Kabashima, M. Dimson, and M. K. Rust. 2018. Evaluation of a hydrogel matrix for baiting western yellowjacket (Vespidae: Hymenoptera).J. Econ. Entomol. 111: 1799–1805. https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toy139 (publisehd online 30 May 2018)

• Welzel, K., S. Lee, A. T. Dossey, K. R. Chauhan, and D.-H. Choe. 2018. Verification of Argentine ant defensive compounds and their behavioral effects on heterospecific competitors and conspecific nestmates. Sci. Rep. 8: 1477. DOI:10.1038/s41598-018-19435-6 (published online 24 Jan 2018)

• Merrill, K. C., C. L. Boser, C. Hanna, D. A. Holway, I. Naughton, D.-H. Choe, and E. E. Wilson Rankin. 2018. Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) eradication efforts on San Clemente Island, CA, USA. West. N. Am. Naturalis. 78: 829-836. (accepted on 7 Sep 2017, published online 30 Mar 2018)

• Baiocchi, T., G. Lee, D.-H. Choe, and A. Dillman. 2017. Host seeking parasitic nematodesuse specific odors to assess host resources. Sci. Rep. 7: 6270. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-06620-2 (published online 24 July 2017)

• Romero, A., A. M. Sutherland, D. H. Gouge, H. Spafford, S. Nair, V. Lewis, D.-H. Choe, S. Li, and D. Young. 2017. Pest management strategies for bed bugs (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) in multiunit housing: a literature review on field studies. J. Integr. Pest Manag. 8 (1): 13. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/jipm/pmx009 Pest (published online 31 May 2017)

• Tay, J.-W., M.S. Hoddle, A. Mulchandani, and D.-H. Choe. 2017. Development of an alginate hydrogel to deliver aqueous bait for pest ant management. Pest Manag. Sci. 73: 2028–2038. DOI: 10.1002/ps.4616 (published online 26 July 2017) 

• Boser, C. L., C. Hanna, D. A. Holway, K. R. Faulkner, I. Naughton, K. Merrill, J. M. Randall, C. Cory, D.-H. Choe, and S. A. Morrison. 2017. Protocols for Argentine ant eradication in conservation areas. J. Appl. Entomol. DOI: 10.1111/jen.12372 (published online 11 FEB 2017)

• Greenberg, L., M. K. Rust, S. Wright, and D.-H. Choe. 2017. Argentine ant control around homes: efficacy of treatments and urban runoff. Int. J. Pest. Manage. 63: 242–250. DOI: 10.1080/09670874.2016.1278085

• Rust, M. K., D.-H. Choe, E. Wilson-Rankin, K. Campbell, J. Kabashima, and M. Dimson. 2017. Controlling yellow jackets with fipronil-based protein baits in urban recreational areas. Int. J. Pest. Manage. 63: 234–241. DOI: 10.1080/09670874.2016.1227883 

• Choe, D.-H., H. Park, C. Vo, and A. Knyshov. 2016. Chemically mediated arrestment of the bed bug, Cimex lectularius, by volatiles associated with exuviae of conspecifics. PLoS ONE 11(7): e0159520. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0159520

• Campbell, K., A. Sutherland, V. Lewis, and D.-H. Choe. 2016. UC Survey: When it comes to bed bugs, know what's happening in your units. California Apartment Management. Spring 2016: 18-19. (detailed online version) California multi-unit housing managers answer bed bug survey. CAA online 

• Suh, E., D.-H. Choe, A.M. Saveer, L.J. Zwiebel. 2016. Suboptimal larval habitats modulate oviposition of the malaria vector mosquito Anopheles coluzzii. PLoS ONE 11(2): e0149800. doi:10.1371/ journal.pone.0149800

• Welzel, K. F., D.-H. Choe. 2016. Development of a pheromone-assisted baiting technique for Argentine ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). J. Econ. Entomol. 109: 1303-1309. (doi: 10.1093/jee/tow015)

• Vetter, R.S., D.-H. Choe. 2016. Control of spider egg sacs. Pest Control Technology. 44 (5): 48, 50-52. (May issue)

• Vetter, R.S., J. Tarango, K. Campbell, C. Tham, C. Hayashi, D.-H. Choe. 2016. Efficacy of several pesticide products on brown widow spider (Araneae: Theridiidae) egg sacs and their penetration through the egg sac silk. J. Econ. Entomol. 109: 267-272. (doi: 10.1093/jee/tov288)

• Sutherland, A., D.-H. Choe, V. Lewis, D. Young, A. Romero, H. Spafford. 2015. Survey sheds light on bed bugs in multi-unit housing. Pest Control Technology. 43: 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36. 

• Rust, M. K., L. Greenberg, D.-H. Choe. 2015. Modifying perimeter sprays for ant control to reduce pesticide runoff into urban waterways. National Conference of Urban Entomology (Edited by Dr. Kyle K. Jordan). p.61-65. National Conference of Urban Entomology 2014. San Antonio. 05/20/2014. 

• Rust, M. K., A. Soeprono, S. Wright, L. Greenberg, D.-H. Choe, C. Boser, C. Cory, C. Hanna. 2015. Laboratory and field evaluations of polyacrylamide hydrogel baits against Argentine ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). J. Econ. Entomol. 108: 1228-1236.

• Greenberg, L., M. K. Rust, J. Richards, X. Wu, J. Kabashima, C. Wilen, J. Gan, D.-H. Choe. 2014. Practical pest management strategies to reduce pesticide runoff for Argentine ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) control. J. Econ. Entomol. 107: 2147-2153. 

• Campbell, K., D.-H. Choe. 2014. Using attractants in urban IPM. The Voice of PCOC. Winter 2014: 12, 13, 15. 

• Vetter, R. S., M. S. Hoddle, D.-H. Choe, E. Thoms 2014. Exposure of brown recluse and brown widow spiders (Araneae: Sicariidae, Theridiidae) to a commercial sulfuryl fluoride fumigation. J. Econ. Entomol. 107: 1813-1817. 

• von Thienen, W., D. Metzler, D.-H. Choe, W. Witte. 2014. Pheromone communication in ants: a detailed analysis of concentration dependent decisions in three species. Behav. Ecol. Sociobiol. 68: 1611–1627. 

• Choe, D.-H., K. Campbell. 2014. Fatal attraction - the application of lure-and-kill tactics for urban pest ants. Pest Control Technology. 42: 44, 48, 50-51, 54, 56, 58.

• Choe, D.-H., K. Campbell. 2014. Effect of feeding status on mortality response of adult bed bugs (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) to some insecticide products. J. Econ. Entomol. 107: 1206-1215.

• Choe, D.-H, K. Tsai, C. Lopez, K. Campbell. 2014. Pheromone-assisted techniques to improve the efficacy of insecticide sprays against Linepithema humile (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). J. Econ. Entomol. 107: 319-325

• Lewis, V., S. Moore, R. Tabuchi, A. Sutherland, D.-H. Choe, N. Tsutsui. 2013. Researchers combat resurgence of bed bug in behavioral studies and monitor trials. Calf. Agr. 67: 172-178.

• Choe, D.-H., D.B. Villafuerte, N. D. Tsutsui. 2012. Trail pheromone of the Argentine ant, Linepithema humile (Mayr) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). PLoS ONE 7(9): e45016. (doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0045016)

• Choe, D.-H., S. R. Ramírez, N. D. Tsutsui. 2012. A silica gel based method for extracting insect surface hydrocarbons. J. Chem. Ecol. 38:176-187.

• van Wilgenburg, E., A. Felden, D.-H. Choe, R. Sulc, J. Luo, K. J. Shea, M. A. Elgar, N. D. Tsutsui. 2012. Learning and discrimination of cuticular hydrocarbons in a social insect. Biol. Lett. 8:17-20.

• Forero, D., D.-H. Choe, C. Weirauch. 2011. Resin gathering in Neotropical resin bugs(Insecta: Hemiptera: Reduviidae): functional and comparative morphology. J. Morphol. 272: 204-229.

• Choe, D.-H., R. S. Vetter, M. K. Rust. 2010. Development of virtual bait stations to control Argentine ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in environmentally sensitive habitats. J. Econ. Entomol. 103: 1761-1769.

• Choe, D.-H., J. G. Millar, M. K. Rust. 2009. Chemical signals associated with life inhibit necrophoresis in Argentine ants. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA. 106: 8251-8255.

• Choe, D.-H., M. K. Rust. 2009. Dead ant walking. Pest Control Technology. 37: 48-55, 128.

• Choe, D.-H., M. K. Rust. 2008. Horizontal transfer of insecticides in laboratory colonies of the Argentine ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). J. Econ. Entomol. 101: 1397-1405.

• Choe, D.-H., M. K. Rust. 2007. Use of plant resin by a bee assassin bug, Apiomerus flaviventris (Hemiptera: Reduviidae). Ann. Entomol. Soc. Am. 100: 320-326.

• Choe, D.-H., M. K. Rust. 2006. Agonistic behavior of Argentine ants to scales and scale parasitoids and their cuticular extracts. Sociobiology. 48: 799-818.

• Choe, D.-H., M. K. Rust. 2006. Homopteran chemical signatures reduce aggression of tending ants. Chemoecology. 16: 175-178.