Episode 189: The Spy Who Loved Bugs: Global Pest Control, Mad Science & the Future of Insecticides

In this wildly entertaining and surprisingly heartfelt episode of the Bug Bucks Podcast, Eric and Jake sit down with the “mad scientist of Syngenta” herself, Lisa Eppler. From studying parasitic wasps in Germany to field-testing herbicides for the Swiss EPA (no, she’s not actually a spy… or is she?), Lisa takes us through her unique journey into the world of pest control.She dishes on:What it's like to freeze cockroaches (for science)Why under applying product can create insecticide-resistant superbugsHow a new active ingredient—Plenazoline Technology—could shake up the industryAnd how she raised Atlas moths from eggs during COVID (in case you thought you were productive during lockdown)Lisa also gets real about being a lifelong “bug girl,” her mission to demystify pest control, and why the U.S. industry’s respect and openness toward the field makes it unlike anywhere else in the world.This one’s part entomology masterclass, part global adventure, and 100% unforgettable. Whether you're a technician, business owner, or just a fan of creepy crawlies, you’ll walk away smarter—and maybe even a little bug-obsessed.