Entomologist Career Description
Entomology is the scientific study of insects. Insects have a great influence on the state of the environment. Insects especially influence the available food supply and the spreading of diseases. Harmful insects lead to the destruction of field crops or stored food and they 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 am I going to do in 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 our insect fauna and the environment. They are also involved in the
study of the ecology and biology of insects in relation to other organisms in nature.
As extension officers and consultants entomologists render advice and technical assistance on the above-mentioned subjects to a wide variety of people, including scientists from other disciplines, farmers, nurserymen, natu
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need?
The entomologist must love nature and have an interest in insects. An aptitude for mathematical and biological subjects is important. The entomologist must be prepared to persevere, even with repetitive tasks.
Where can I work?
The majority of entomologists are employed by various parastatal and government organisations such as the Agricultural Research Council, Medical Research Council, museums, universities and national and provincial departments concerned with agriculture, health and environmental protection. In the private sector entomologists are mainly employed by agricultural estates, pest control contractors and agrochemical companies that develop and manufacture insecticides.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
The possibilities for self-employment are limited but entomologists with the necessary experience can act as private consultants.
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