The unusual gene Hermes belongs to a rapidly-growing list of transposable DNA elements known as jumping genes. These are special genes or segments of DNA which can move around in their host's DNA by self-excising from one location on a chromosome and re-inserting at another. Researchers are working to harness the Hermes transposable element to assist gene transfer to enable control of insect pests, such as the Mediterranean fruit fly, the Australian sheep blowfly, and the malaria mosquito.