Stephen Kells

Steve Kells
Professor
Extension Entomologist
Board Certified Entomologist in: Urban & Industrial Entomology, Medical Veterinary Entomology
kells002@umn.edu
+1 612 625 4798
219 Hodson Hall

1980 Folwell Ave
St. Paul, MN 55108
United States

Let's Beat the Bug! - Bed bug prevention and control information
School IPM - Practical pest prevention for schools
Education

Ph.D., Entomology, Purdue University

Areas of Interest

Improving Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs in residential, commercial, and industrial structures for better prevention and control of pests such as bed bugs, cockroaches, rodents, and stored product pests.

Teaching

Courses

ENT 3025 - Pesticides: miracle products or technological nightmares?

Extension Teaching

Extension responsibilities constitute 60% of my appointment. My efforts are geared towards improving pest prevention and control specifications used by stakeholders in their homes as well as industry, local, state, and federal governments, non-governmental organizations, and the general public.  Three principles form the foundation of my educational activities in Extension:

  1. Understanding societal complexities
  2. Timing effective responses to clientele and societal needs
  3. Delivering quality educational programing and curricula with the most current information


I am a passionate supporter of the Extension discipline, where new knowledge and research address stakeholder needs. I increase the usability of information for stakeholders through the development of novel curricula, as well as adopting and improving new content delivery methods, particularly through digital communications. 

Academic Teaching and Student Mentoring

I am proud to announce my new course: “ENT 3025 - Pesticides: miracle products or technological nightmares?” as teaching becomes 15% of my appointment responsibilities. This online course will provide a unique balance and perspective helping students understand how reliance on pesticides developed and how – one way or another – it affects the future sustainability of our society.

I enjoy helping students understand new and unique experiences, expanding their breadth of knowledge, and ultimately enabling them to be flexible in their career choices. In addition to gaining experience with hypothesis driven research, my students receive additional experiences in the discipline of Extension.  As I respond to societal needs, so do my students’ experiences expand to connect their research projects to the needs of those affected in society. Supplementing their education in research with Extension experiences enables students to be more competitive in seeking their preferred career. 

Research

My primary focus is on arthropod and rodent pests in structures and non-farm stored products.  These habitats include homes, work places and other human systems in society, such as hotels, transportation, food manufacturing and storage facilities, retail stores and distribution, etc.

Pests can cause considerable loss of quality of life, discomfort and annoyance, direct injury and they can vector disease agents, resulting in severe health problems and medical costs.  In food production facilities, food may be directly lost or contaminated. Uncontrolled pest activity in these structures may result in temporary facility closures to resolve problems at considerable cost.

Through research and teaching I enable people to more effectively prevent and control pests, resulting in reduced risks and costs. 

My research program constitutes 25% of my responsibilities. Pest animals of particular interest include: bed bugs, cockroaches, mice, mold mites, dermestid beetles, red legged ham beetles, and Indianmeal moths (and other species). My research strives to improve IPM practices against these pests through the following two principles:

  • Understanding the aspects of pest biology that enables them to thrive in these habitats
  • Evaluating and improving prevention and control practices

Some of the techniques I have used in research are based in: physiology, chemical ecology, behavior, and analytical chemistry.

Select Publications

  1. McGoff, R., A. Hultberg, and S.A. Kells. 2022. The ins and outs of language translation and interpretation of program resources. Journal of Extension. In Press
  2. Kells, S.A. and A.M. Kells. 2022. Insecticide exposure profile suggests an additional reason why bed bugs are so difficult to control. Journal of Economic Entomology. Invited submission. 10.1093/jee/toac128.
  3. Shindelar, A.K. and S.A. Kells. 2017. The Let's Beat the Bug! campaign--A statewide active public education against bed bugs. Journal of Environmental Health 79(7): 22-27 
  4. Kells, S.A. and S.N. Hymel. 2017. The influence of time and distance traveled by bed bugs, Cimex lectularius, on permethrin uptake from treated mattress liners. Pest Management Science 73(1): 113-117
  5. Olson, J.F., L.M. Ver Vers, R.D. Moon and S.A. Kells. 2017. Off-host aggregation by bed bugs, Cimex lectularius, is mediated by two compounds identified in fecal extract. Pest Management Science 73(1): 198-205
  6. DeVries, Z.C., S.A. Kells and A.G. Appel. 2016. Estimating the critical thermal maximum (CTmax) in bed bugs, Cimex lectularius: comparing thermolimit respirometry with traditional visual methods. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology – Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology 197: 52-57
  7. DeVries, Z.C., W.R. Reid, S.A. Kells and A.G. Appel. 2015. Effects of starvation on deltamethrin tolerance in bed bugs (Hemiptera: Cimicidae). Insects 6(1): 102-111. DOI: 10.3390/insects6010102
  8. DeVries, Z.C., S.A. Kells and A.G. Appel. 2015. Effects of starvation and molting on the metabolic rate of the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius L. Physiological and Biochemical Zoology. 88(1): 53-65. DOI: 10.1086/679499
  9. Olson, J.F., R.D. Moon, S.A. Kells and K.A. Mesce. 2014. Morphology, ultrastructure and functional role of antennal sensilla in off-host aggregation by the bed bug, Cimex lectularius. Arthropod Structure & Development 43(2): 117-122
  10. DeVries, Z.C., S.A. Kells and A.G. Appel. 2013. Standard metabolic rate of the bed bug, Cimex lectularius: effects of temperature, mass, and life stage. Journal of Insect Physiology, 59(11): 1133-1139
  11. Olson, J.F., M. Eaton, S.A. Kells, V. Morin, and C. Wang. 2013.Cold tolerance of bed bugs, Cimex lectularius, and practical recommendations for control. Journal of Economic Entomology, 106(6): 2433-2441. DOI: dx.doi.org/10.1603/EC13032
  12. Freitag, J.A. and S.A. Kells. 2013. Efficacy and application considerations of selected residual acaricides against the mold mite Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Acari: Acaridae) in simulated retail habitats. Journal of Economic Entomology, 106(4): 1920-1926
  13. Kells, S.A. and M. Goblirsch. 2011. Temperature and time requirements for controlling bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) under commercial heat treatment conditions. Insects, 2: 412-422; doi:10.3390/insects2030412
  14. Eaton, M. and S.A. Kells. 2011. Freeze mortality characteristics of the mold mite, Tyrophagus putrescentiae, a significant pest of stored products. Journal of Economic Entomology, 104: 1423-1429
  15. Walter, A.J., S.A. Kells, R.C. Venette and S.J. Seybold. 2010. Boring in response to bark and phloem extracts from North American trees does not explain host acceptance behavior of the Mediterranean pine engraver, Orthotomicus erosus (Wollaston) (Coleoptera: Scolytidae). Environmental Entomology, 39: 661-669
  16. Walter, A.J., R.C. Venette, S.A. Kells and S.J. Seybold. 2010. Walking response of the Mediterranean pine engraver, Orthotomicus erosus, to novel Plant odors in a laboratory olfactometer. Journal of Insect Behavior, 23:251-267
  17. Walter, A.J., R.C. Venette and S.A. Kells. 2010. Acceptance and suitability of novel North American hosts for Orthotomicus erosus, a potential invasive bark beetle. Biological Invasions, 12: 1133-1144.
  18. Meier, T.R., C.S. Frisk, M.C. Blanco and S.A. Kells. 2009. Tyrophagus putrescentiae infestation in a murine research facility. Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science, 48: 545 (Abstract).
  19. Swanson, J.A.I., B. Torto, S.A. Kells, K.A. Mesce, J.H. Tumlinson and M.M. Spivak. 2009. Odorants that induce hygienic behavior in honeybees: identification of volatile compounds in chalkbrood-infected honeybee larvae. Journal of Chemical Ecology, 35: 1108-1116
  20. Olson, J.F., R.D. Moon and S.A. Kells. 2009. Off-host aggregation behavior and sensory basis of arrestment by Cimex lectularius (Heteroptera: Cimicidae). Journal of Insect Physiology, 55: 580-587
  21. Eaton, M. and S.A .Kells. 2009. Use of vapor pressure deficit to predict humidity and temperature effects on the mortality of mold mites, Tyrophagus putrescentiae. Experimental and Applied Acarology, 47: 201-213
  22. Bouchard, R.W. Jr, B.E. Schuetz, L.C. Ferrington Jr. and S.A. Kells. 2009. Cold hardiness in the adults of two winter stonefly species: Allocapnia granulate (Claassen) and A. pygmaea (Burmeister) (Plecoptera Capniidae). Aquatic Insects, 31(2): 145-155
  23. Galvan, T.L., S.A. Kells and W.D. Hutchison. 2008. Determination of 3-alkyl-2-methoxypyrazines in lady beetle-infested wine by solid-phase microextraction headspace sampling. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 56(3): 1065-1071
  24. Kaliyan, N., M. A. Carrillo, R. V. Morey, W. F. Wilcke and S.A. Kells. 2007. Mortality of Indianmeal Moth, Plodia interpunctella, under Changing Temperatures: Model Development and Validation. Environmental Entomology, 36(6): 1318-1327
  25. Kells, S.A. 2006. Bed Bugs: A systemic pest within society. American Entomologist, 52(2): 109-110
  26. Kells, S.A. 2006. Non-chemical control of bed bugs. American Entomologist, 52(2): 111-112
  27. Bouchard, R.W. Jr., M.A. Carrillo, S.A. Kells and L.C. Ferrington Jr. 2006. Freeze tolerance in larvae of the winter-active Diamesa mendotae Muttkowski (Diptera: Chironomidae): a contrast to adult strategy for survival at low temperatures. Hydrobiologia, 568: 403-416
  28. Kells, S.A. 2005. Bait aversion by German cockroaches (Dictyoptera Blattellidae): The influence and interference of nutrition. pp. 419-422. In C.Y. Lee and W.H. Robinson (eds). Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Urban Pests. Perniagaan Ph’ng, Penang, Malaysia 571p
  29. Kells, S.A., L.J. Mason, D.E. Maier and C.P. Woloshuk. 2001. Efficacy and fumigation characteristics of ozone in stored maize. Journal of Stored Product Research, 37: 371-382
  30. Kells, S.A., J.T. Vogt, A.G. Appel and G.W. Bennett. 1999. Nutritional status of in situ populations of the German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.). Journal of Insect Physiology, 45: 709-717
  31. Kells, S.A. and G.A. Surgeoner. 1997. Sources of northern fowl mite, Onithonyssus sylviarum, infestation in Ontario egg production facilities. Journal of Applied Poultry Research, 6: 221-228
  32. Kells, S.A. and G.A. Surgeoner. 1996. Cross-contamination of northern fowl mites, Onithonyssus sylviarum, between poultry facilities via egg transportation systems. Journal of Agricultural Entomology, 13: 265-274

Book Chapters

  1. Kells, S.A. 2018. Non-chemical control of bed bugs. In: S.L. Doggett, C.Y. Lee and D. Miller (eds.) Advances in the Biology and Management of Modern Bed Bugs. John Wiley & Sons, New York, NY
  2. Edde, E., M. Eaton, S.A. Kells and T.W. Phillips. 2012. Biology, behavior, and ecology of pests in other durable commodities. In: D.W. Hagstrum, T.W. Phillips and G. Cuperus. Stored Product Protection. Publication S156, Kansas State Research and Extension. Manhattan, KS
  3. Kells, S.A. 2012. Vertebrates in stored products; in D.W. Hagstrum, T.W. Phillips, and G. Cuperus. Stored Product Protection. Publication S156, Kansas State Research and Extension. Manhattan, KS
  4. Kells, S.A. 2008. Integrated pest management in structural (urban and industrial) habitats, In: E.B. Radcliffe, W.D. Hutchison and R.E. Cancelado (eds.). Integrated Pest Management. Cambridge University Press, New York, NY

Licensed Pesticide Applicator Training Manuals

Kells, S.A. 2020. Commercial training manual for Structural Pest Control Applicators.

Kells, S.A. 2020. Non‐commercial training manual for Structural Pest Control and Food Plant Pest Control Applicators.

Patents

Olson, J.F., S.A. Kells, L.M. Ver Vers, R.D. Moon, and Y. Killeen. 2018. Composition for detection and treatment of bed bugs. US Patent Application: 16/142,471 
(Additional claims 35-44 accepted on Patent Number 10,123,534 – updated 10/22/2020).

Olson, J.F., S.A. Kells, L.M. Ver Vers, R.D. Moon, and Y. Killeen. 2015. Composition for detection and treatment of bed bugs. Patent Application: PCT/US2015/034715, WO 2015/195395 Al
Update: 2018 Patent Number 10,123,534, US Patent and Trademark Office

Olson, J.F., S.A. Kells, L. Ver Vers, and R.D., Moon. 2015. Identification of bed bug aggregation pheromones. US Patent Application: 2015/0366210 A1

Extension Publications: Written Form and Video

        Available on UMN Bed Bugs, Practical pest prevention for Minnesota schools, or the YouTube Let's Beat the Bug Video Channel

  1. Elston, D.M. and S.A. Kells. 2008-2018. Bed bugs (fact-sheet for patients, updated biennially). UpToDate.com, Waltham MA. 148,000 pageviews by physicians 2008 - 02/2018 https://www.uptodate.com/contents/bedbugs
  2. Elston, D.M. and S.A. Kells. 2014-2018. Bed bugs (fact-sheet for physicians, updated biennially). UpToDate.com, Waltham MA. 435,000 pageviews by physicians since 2008 - 02/2018 https://www.uptodate.com/contents/bedbugs
  3. Shindelar, A.K. and S.A. Kells. 2014. Control of bed bugs in residences: Information For Pest Control Companies
  4. Shindelar, A.K. and S.A. Kells. 2013. Bed Bug Prevention and Control Video. 23 Minutes  Video also translated to Arabic, Hmong, Karen, Somali and Spanish languages
  5. Shindelar, A.K. and S.A. Kells. 2013. Bed bug identification card
  6. Shindelar, A.K. and S.A. Kells. 2011. Controlling bed bugs by hand. (Also translated to: Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, French, Hmong, Oromo, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese; Video in English, Hmong, Somali, and Spanish) University of Minnesota Extension Service
  7. Shindelar, A. K. and S.A. Kells. 2013. Bed bug control in residences. (Also translated to: Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, French, Hmong, Oromo, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese; Video in English, Hmong, Somali, and Spanish) University of Minnesota Extension Service
  8. Shindelar, A.K. and S.A. Kells. 2013. Hiring a pest management professional. (Also translated to: Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, French, Hmong, Oromo, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese). University of Minnesota Extension Service. http://www.bedbugs.umn.edu
  9. Shindelar, A.K. and S.A. Kells. 2013. How to prevent bed bugs from entering your home. (Also translated to: Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, French, Hmong, Oromo, Spanish, Somali, Russian, and Vietnamese) University of Minnesota Extension Service. http://www.bedbugs.umn.edu
  10. Shindelar, A.K. and S.A. Kells. 2013. Laundering items to kill bed bugs. (Also translated to: Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, French, Hmong, Oromo, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese) University of Minnesota Extension Service. http://www.bedbugs.umn.edu
  11. Shindelar, A.K. and S.A. Kells. 2013. Using Freezing conditions to kill bed bugs. University of Minnesota Extension Service. http://www.bedbugs.umn.edu
  12. Shindelar, A.K. and S.A. Kells. 2013. Vacuuming to capture bed bugs. (Also translated to: Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, French, Hmong, Oromo, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese) University of Minnesota Extension Service. http://www.bedbugs.umn.edu
  13. Shindelar, A.K. and S.A. Kells. 2013. What not to do when you have bed bugs. (Also translated to: Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, French, Hmong, Oromo, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese) University of Minnesota Extension Service. http://www.bedbugs.umn.edu
  14. Hahn, J. and S.A. Kells. 2013 (Rev) Masked Hunters University of Minnesota Extension Service. http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/insects/find/masked-hunters
  15. Hahn, J and S.A. Kells. 2012 (Rev) Foreign grain beetles in homes. University of Minnesota Extension Service. http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/insects/find/foreign-grain-beetles/
  16. Hahn, J. and S.A. Kells. 2012 (Rev) Ground beetles in homes. University of Minnesota Extension Service. http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/insects/find/ground-beetles/
  17. Hahn, J. and S.A. Kells. 2012 (Rev) Larder beetles in homes. University of Minnesota Extension Service. http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/insects/find/larder-beetles/
  18. Hahn, J. and S.A. Kells. 2012. Prevention and control of bed bugs in residences. University of Minnesota Extension Service. http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/insects/find/bed-bugs-in-residences/
  19. Hahn, J. and S.A. Kells. 2012 (Rev) Pseudoscorpions in homes. University of Minnesota Extension Service. http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/insects/find/pseudoscorpions/
  20. Hahn, J. and S.A. Kells. 2012 (Rev) Psocids in homes. University of Minnesota Extension Service. http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/insects/find/psocids/
  21. Hahn, J. and S.A. Kells. 2012 (Rev) Springtails. University of Minnesota Extension Service. http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/insects/find/springtails/
  22. Shindelar, A.K. and S.A. Kells. 2012. Helpful tips for landlords and property owners. University of Minnesota Extension Service. http://www.bedbugs.umn.edu
  23. Shindelar, A.K. and S.A. Kells. 2012. Inspecting your hotel room for bed bugs. University of Minnesota Extension Service. http://www.bedbugs.umn.edu
  24. Shindelar, A.K. and S.A. Kells. 2012. Cleaning bed bug infested toys. University of Minnesota Extension Service. http://www.bedbugs.umn.edu
  25. Shindelar, A.K. and S.A. Kells. 2011. Bed bug behavior. University of Minnesota Extension Service. http://www.bedbugs.umn.edu
  26. Shindelar, A.K. and S.A. Kells. 2011. Bed bug control in residences. University of Minnesota Extension Service. http://www.bedbugs.umn.edu
  27. Shindelar, A.K. and S.A. Kells. 2011. Bed bug free holidays. University of Minnesota Extension Service. http://www.bedbugs.umn.edu
  28. Shindelar, A.K. and S.A. Kells. 2011. Bed bug prevention and control information kits: Firefighters. University of Minnesota Extension Service. http://www.bedbugs.umn.edu
  29. Shindelar, A.K. and S.A. Kells. 2011. Bed bug prevention and control information kits: Hotels. University of Minnesota Extension Service. http://www.bedbugs.umn.edu
  30. Shindelar, A.K. and S.A. Kells. 2011. Bed bug prevention and control information kits: Police Officers. University of Minnesota Extension Service. http://www.bedbugs.umn.edu
  31. Shindelar, A.K. and S.A. Kells. 2011. Bed bug prevention and control information kits: Property Owners and managers. University of Minnesota Extension Service. http://www.bedbugs.umn.edu
  32. Shindelar, A.K. and S.A. Kells. 2011. Bed bug prevention and control information kits: Public Health and Social Services. University of Minnesota Extension Service. http://www.bedbugs.umn.edu
  33. Shindelar, A.K. and S.A. Kells. 2011. Bed bug prevention and control information kits: Retail. University of Minnesota Extension Service. http://www.bedbugs.umn.edu
  34. Shindelar, A.K. and S.A. Kells. 2011. Bed bug prevention and control information kits: Schools. University of Minnesota Extension Service. http://www.bedbugs.umn.edu
  35. Shindelar, A.K. and S.A. Kells. 2011. Controlling bed bugs by hand. University of Minnesota Extension Service. http://www.bedbugs.umn.edu
  36. Shindelar, A.K. and S.A. Kells. 2011. Guidelines for dealing with bed bugs in a school setting. University of Minnesota Extension Service. http://www.bedbugs.umn.edu
  37. Shindelar, A.K. and S.A. Kells. 2011. Guidelines for reducing the risk of transporting bed bugs for social service employees who conduct home visits. University of Minnesota Extension Service. http://www.bedbugs.umn.edu
  38. Shindelar, A.K. and S.A. Kells. 2011. Have I found a bed bug? University of Minnesota Extension Service. http://www.bedbugs.umn.edu
  39. Shindelar, A.K. and S.A. Kells. 2011. Hiring a pest management professional. University of Minnesota Extension Service. http://www.bedbugs.umn.edu
  40. Shindelar, A.K. and S.A. Kells. 2011. How to prevent bed bugs from entering your home. University of Minnesota Extension Service. http://www.bedbugs.umn.edu
  41. Shindelar, A.K. and S.A. Kells. Kells. 2011. Inspecting your hotel room for bed bugs. University of Minnesota Extension Service. http://www.bedbugs.umn.edu
  42. Shindelar, A.K. and S.A. Kells. 2011. Laundering items to kill bed bugs. University of Minnesota Extension Service. http://www.bedbugs.umn.edu
  43. Shindelar, A.K. and S.A. Kells. 2011. Sample letter for educators when communicating with parents. University of Minnesota Extension Service. http://www.bedbugs.umn.edu.
  44. Shindelar, A.K. and S.A. Kells. 2011. The MN bed bug hotline. University of Minnesota Extension Service. http://www.bedbugs.umn.edu
  45. Shindelar, A.K. and S.A. Kells. 2011. Using Freezing conditions to kill bed bugs. University of Minnesota Extension Service. http://www.bedbugs.umn.edu
  46. Shindelar, A.K. and S.A. Kells. Using steamers to kill bed bugs. University of Minnesota Extension Service. http://www.bedbugs.umn.edu
  47. Shindelar, A.K. and S.A. Kells. Vacuuming to capture bed bugs. University of Minnesota Extension Service. http://www.bedbugs.umn.edu
  48. Shindelar, A.K. and S.A. Kells. 2011. What not to do when you have bed bugs. University of Minnesota Extension Service. http://www.bedbugs.umn.edu
  49. Miller, D.M. and S.A. Kells. 2011. Bed bug action plan for home health care and social workers. Virginia Department of Agriculture. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/pesticides/bedbugs-facts.shtml
  50. Kells, S.A. 2010. Prevention and control of bed bugs in retail facilities. University of Minnesota Extension Service. http://www.bedbugs.umn.edu

Honors and Awards

  1. Nominated by the Department Head of Entomology for UMN’s Extension Diversity Award 2018
  2. Certificate of Commendation from the President of the Indiana Environmental Health Association 2017
  3. UMN President’s Community Engaged Scholar Award, Collegiate Level 2015
  4. University of Minnesota Extension Dean's Award for Outstanding Campus-Based Faculty 2015
  5. Recognized by the University of Minnesota for licensing technology to an industry collaborator 2014
  6. Crown Leadership Award from Pest Control Technology Magazine and Syngenta 2014
  7. Letter of Appreciation from ECHO Minnesota’s Executive Director 2013
  8. Entomology Educational Project Award presented by the BCE & ACE Certified Entomologists of Mid-America. The award category was Conference and Video 2013
  9. Letter of thanks from Mr. Al Hester, Director of St Paul Public Housing 2010
  10. Wal-Mart Sustainability Program: Certificate of Appreciation 2009
  11. Pest Control Magazine: Industry Leaders “Top 40 Under 40” Award 2008

Post-Docs

2022-Present, Dr. Anika Sharma

Students Advised

Current

  • Correy Hildebrand, Ph.D., Current

Past

  • Tiana Molitor, M.S. (2020)
  • Abby Walter, PhD (2007-2010) (Co-advised, R. Venette)
  • Joelle Olson, M.S. (2007) & PhD (2015) (Co-advised, R. Moon)
  • Jessica Freitag, MS (2013)