Entomologist
Job overview
Entomology is the scientific study of insects which have a great influence on the environment.
Insects influence the available food supply.
Harmful insects lead to the destruction of field crops or stored food and spread diseases among animals and human beings.
Useful insects are responsible for the control of harmful insects and weeds as well as pollination of plants.
What do people do this occupation?
Entomologists are mainly employed as researchers or extension officers.
As researchers they work in a variety of fields aimed at combating crop pests and insect-born human and animal diseases.
These fields include: biological control of harmful insects and weeds, use of beneficial insects?; ?integrated pest management, use of insecticides in combination with various other measures to manage pests?; ?development, testing and registration of insecticides?; ?taxonomy, which entails the classification and documentation of our insect fauna?; ?and veterinary and medical entomology.
Entomologists are also concerned with the conservation of insect fauna and the environment.
As extension officers and consultants entomologists render advice and technical assistance to a wide variety of people, including scientists from other disciplines, farmers, nurserymen etc.
What kinds of people are suitable for this career?
The entomologist must love nature and have an interest in insects.
An aptitude for mathematical and biological subjects is important.
He/she must be prepared to persevere, even with repetitive tasks.
What qualifications are needed?
A BSc degree, with majors in biology, preferably with the addition of postgraduate studies in entomology.