Dong-Hwan Choe is an entomologist at UC Riverside who led research on a new, more effective method for controlling termites by using their natural behavior against them. Instead of relying solely on widespread pesticide use, he developed an approach that attracts termites to treated wood using pinene, a scent they associate with food. This strategy significantly increased termite kill rates—from about 70% to over 95%—by luring them directly to the insecticide. Choe’s work highlights how understanding insect behavior can lead to smarter pest control methods that use fewer chemicals, potentially reducing the need for costly and toxic fumigation while offering a more targeted and environmentally friendly solution.