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Pellaea stictica Dallas, is a stinkbug of the Pentatomidae from the American continent. Recent reports from different countries reveal that its distribution throughout the tropical Andes is broader than previously reported. In this study we carry out a bibliographic review of the data published on P. stictica in Latin America, we compile information obtained from citizen science platforms and we collect field data for the identification of samples collected in museums. Through this process, the presence of the insect in different locations in Ecuador was corroborated and information on the plants it consumes was expanded. From these data, a possible dispersion by host plants that share their historical distribution in the tropical Andes is proposed. It is recommended to carry out more studies on the distribution and ecology of the species and to promote data curation in citizen science platforms., Pellaea stictica Dallas, 1851 es una chinche de la familia Pentatomidae del continente americano. Reportes recientes provenientes de diferentes países revelan que su distribución a lo largo de los Andes tropicales es más amplia de lo que se ha datado anteriormente. En este estudio, realizamos una revisión bibliográfica de los datos publicados sobre P. stictica en Latinoamérica, compilamos información obtenida en plataformas de ciencia ciudadana y colectamos datos de campo para la identificación de muestras colectadas en museos. Mediante este proceso, se corroboró la presencia del insecto en diferentes localidades del Ecuador y se expandió información acerca de las plantas que consume. A partir de estos datos, se plantea una posible dispersión por plantas hospedadoras que comparten su distribución histórica en los Andes tropicales. Se recomienda realizar más estudios sobre la distribución y ecología de la especie y que se promueva la curación de datos en plataformas de ciencia ciudadana.

Bed bugs are on the rise and are increasingly perceived as harmful parasites. Because individuals affected by bed bugs often feel disgust and shame and are stigmatized, bed bugs are an important public health and environmental justice concern and therefore a health education issue as well. In this quasi-experimental study, we examine how different con-structs, namely, forms of stigma, disgust, psychological distance, and myths about bed bugs (dependent variables), change over time (pre/posttest) in response to two forms of teaching intervention (independent variables) in upper secondary-level high school. The content of the interventions was the same, but in class, we showed live bed bugs to one group of students, assuming this would lead to a more realistic, less imaginative response to bed bugs than in the group presented with only pictures of bed bugs. Together with previous studies, we assumed that live bed bugs would be perceived as less disgusting and with a lower degree of stigmatization. Our results show that stigma, psychological distance, and myths can be reduced through intervention (regardless of live animal or picture). Disgust was more strongly reduced by live animals than by pictures. We present implications for biology education and contemporary health education.

Bedbugs are insects which exclusively feed on the blood of humans and other large animals. Bedbug infestations are a growing problem in modern society and some of the current solutions involve humans acting as bait to lure the bedbugs out of their nests. Research indicates that bedbugs are attracted to, among other things, the increased levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) that humans emit. This project aimed to create a machine that was able to simulate human breathing to a point where it could be used as a human substitute to a human during treatment for bedbug infestations. The prototype was based on diaphragmatic breathing and a pump mechanism was built which breathes air in and out. The machine’s purpose was to manipulate the air by adding a specific amount of CO2 and humidity. To control the levels of CO2 and humidity, a control system was designed. The system was tested with the goal of being able to maintain a specified level of CO2 and humidity over a longer period of time. Tests found that CO2-levels were possible to regulate with relative ease, however the chosen components for the humidity-system was found to not be effective in regards of rapidly increasing the humidity to the levels that can be found in human exhaled air., Vägglöss är en insekt som exklusivt livnär sig på blod från djur och människor. Vägglössangrepp är ett växande problem i samhället och vissa nuvarande lösningar involverar att en människa agerar lockbete för att locka ut vägglössen från sina gömställen. Forskningen pekar på att vägglöss attraheras av bland annat de ökade halterna av koldioxid (CO2) som utsöndras av människan. Detta projekts ändamål var att skapa en maskin som simulerar mänsklig utandning för att kunna användas som ett substitut för en människa under en behandling av ett vägglössangrepp. Prototypen har baserats på diafragmaandning och en pumpmekanism har byggts som andas in och ut luft. Maskinen ämnar manipulera den inandade luften med en önskad mängd CO2 och fukt. För att kontrollera de önskade nivåerna designades ett kontrollsystem. Detta har sedan testats med målet att kunna ha en önskad och stabil nivå av CO2 och fukt under en längre period. Tester fann att CO2-nivåerna gick att reglera med ett relativt enkelt kontrollsystem men att det valda luftfuktningssystemet inte var effektivt nog för att höja fuktnivån till den som återfinns i mänsklig utandningsluft.

Bedbugs are insects which exclusively feed on the blood of humans and other large animals. Bedbug infestations are a growing problem in modern society and some of the current solutions involve humans acting as bait to lure the bedbugs out of their nests. Research indicates that bedbugs are attracted to, among other things, the increased levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) that humans emit. This project aimed to create a machine that was able to simulate human breathing to a point where it could be used as a human substitute to a human during treatment for bedbug infestations. The prototype was based on diaphragmatic breathing and a pump mechanism was built which breathes air in and out. The machine’s purpose was to manipulate the air by adding a specific amount of CO2 and humidity. To control the levels of CO2 and humidity, a control system was designed. The system was tested with the goal of being able to maintain a specified level of CO2 and humidity over a longer period of time. Tests found that CO2-levels were possible to regulate with relative ease, however the chosen components for the humidity-system was found to not be effective in regards of rapidly increasing the humidity to the levels that can be found in human exhaled air., Vägglöss är en insekt som exklusivt livnär sig på blod från djur och människor. Vägglössangrepp är ett växande problem i samhället och vissa nuvarande lösningar involverar att en människa agerar lockbete för att locka ut vägglössen från sina gömställen. Forskningen pekar på att vägglöss attraheras av bland annat de ökade halterna av koldioxid (CO2) som utsöndras av människan. Detta projekts ändamål var att skapa en maskin som simulerar mänsklig utandning för att kunna användas som ett substitut för en människa under en behandling av ett vägglössangrepp. Prototypen har baserats på diafragmaandning och en pumpmekanism har byggts som andas in och ut luft. Maskinen ämnar manipulera den inandade luften med en önskad mängd CO2 och fukt. För att kontrollera de önskade nivåerna designades ett kontrollsystem. Detta har sedan testats med målet att kunna ha en önskad och stabil nivå av CO2 och fukt under en längre period. Tester fann att CO2-nivåerna gick att reglera med ett relativt enkelt kontrollsystem men att det valda luftfuktningssystemet inte var effektivt nog för att höja fuktnivån till den som återfinns i mänsklig utandningsluft.

Many insect species display daily variation of sensitivity to insecticides when they are exposed to the same concentration at different times during the day. To date, this has not been investigated in bed bugs. To address this, we explored circadian rhythms in insecticide susceptibility, xenobiotic metabolizing (XM) gene expressions, and metabolic detoxification in the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius. An insecticide susceptible Monheim strain of C. lectularius was most tolerant of deltamethrin during the late photophase at ZT9 (i.e. nine hours after light is present in the light-dark cycle (LD) cycle) and similarly repeated at CT9 (i.e. nine hours into the subjective day in constant darkness (DD)) suggesting endogenous circadian involvement in susceptibility to deltamethrin. No diel rhythm was observed against imidacloprid insecticide despite significant daily susceptibility in both LD and DD conditions. Rhythmic expressions of metabolic detoxification genes, GSTs1 and CYP397A1 displayed similar expression patterns with total GST and P450 enzyme activities in LD and DD conditions, respectively. The oscillation of mRNA levels of GSTs1 and CYP397A1 was found consistent with peak phases of deltamethrin susceptibility in C. lectularius. This study demonstrates that circadian patterns of metabolic detoxification gene expression occur within C. lectularius. As a consequence, insecticide efficacy can vary dramatically throughout a 24 hour period.

Many insect species display daily variation of sensitivity to insecticides when they are exposed to the same concentration at different times during the day. To date, this has not been investigated in bed bugs. To address this, we explored circadian rhythms in insecticide susceptibility, xenobiotic metabolizing (XM) gene expressions, and metabolic detoxification in the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius. An insecticide susceptible Monheim strain of C. lectularius was most tolerant of deltamethrin during the late photophase at ZT9 (i.e. nine hours after light is present in the light-dark cycle (LD) cycle) and similarly repeated at CT9 (i.e. nine hours into the subjective day in constant darkness (DD)) suggesting endogenous circadian involvement in susceptibility to deltamethrin. No diel rhythm was observed against imidacloprid insecticide despite significant daily susceptibility in both LD and DD conditions. Rhythmic expressions of metabolic detoxification genes, GSTs1 and CYP397A1 displayed similar expression patterns with total GST and P450 enzyme activities in LD and DD conditions, respectively. The oscillation of mRNA levels of GSTs1 and CYP397A1 was found consistent with peak phases of deltamethrin susceptibility in C. lectularius. This study demonstrates that circadian patterns of metabolic detoxification gene expression occur within C. lectularius. As a consequence, insecticide efficacy can vary dramatically throughout a 24 hour period.

The insect male accessory gland (MAG) is an internal reproductive organ responsible for the synthesis and secretion of seminal fluid components, which play a pivotal role in the male reproductive strategy. In many species of insects, the effective ejaculation of the MAG products is essential for male reproduction. For this purpose, the fruit fly Drosophila has evolved binucleation in the MAG cells, which causes high plasticity of the glandular epithelium, leading to an increase in the volume of seminal fluid that is ejaculated. However, such a binucleation strategy has only been sporadically observed in Dipteran insects, including fruit flies. Here, we report the discovery of binucleation in the MAG of the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius, which belongs to hemimetabolous Hemiptera phylogenetically distant from holometabolous Diptera. In Cimex, the cell morphology and timing of synchrony during binucleation are quite different from those of Drosophila. Additionally, in Drosophila, the position of the two nuclei in the adult stage changes as a result of the mating history or the nutrient conditions; however, it remains stable in Cimex. These differences suggest that binucleation in the Cimex MAG plays a unique role in the male reproductive system that is distinct from that of Drosophila.

The worldwide resurgence of bed bugs [both Cimex lectularius L. and Cimex hemipterus (F.)] over the past two decades is believed in large part to be due to the development of insecticide resistance. The transcriptomic and genomic studies since 2010, as well as morphological, biochemical and behavioral studies, have helped insecticide resistance research on bed bugs. Multiple resistance mechanisms, including penetration resistance through thickening or remodelling of the cuticle, metabolic resistance by increased activities of detoxification enzymes (e.g. cytochrome P450 monooxygenases and esterases), and knockdown resistance by kdr mutations, have been experimentally identified as conferring insecticide resistance in bed bugs. Other candidate resistance mechanisms, including behavioral resistance, some types of physiological resistance (e.g. increasing activities of esterases by point mutations, glutathione S-transferase, target site insensitivity including altered AChEs, GABA receptor insensitivity and altered nAChRs), symbiont-mediated resistance and other potential, yet undiscovered mechanisms may exist. This article reviews recent studies of resistance mechanisms and the genes governing insecticide resistance, potential candidate resistance mechanisms, and methods of monitoring insecticide resistance in bed bugs. This article provides an insight into the knowledge essential for the development of both insecticide resistance management (IRM) and integrated pest management (IPM) strategies for successful bed bug management.

BackgroundThe resistance of bed bugs (Cimex lectularius L.) to chemical insecticides has motivated the development of non-chemical control methods such as heat treatment. However, because bed bugs tend to hide in cracks or crevices, their behavior incidentally generates a thermally insulated microenvironment for themselves. Bed bugs located on the outer surface of luggage are less insulated and potentially more vulnerable to brief heat treatment.ResultsSoft-sided suitcases with adult male bed bugs on the outside were exposed to an air temperature of 70-75 °C. It took 6 min to kill all of the bed bugs, even those that had concealed themselves under zipper flaps or decorative piping. During heating, only one bed bug (out of 250 in total) moved into the luggage (through a closed zipper). Over long periods of time (24 h) at room temperature, adult male bed bugs on the exterior of luggage only infrequently moved inside; only 3% (5/170) had moved inside during 24 h.ConclusionsBrief exterior heat treatment of luggage is a promising way to reduce the spread of bed bugs being transported on the outer surface of luggage. This treatment will not kill bed bugs inside the luggage, but could be a component of integrated management for this pest. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

The worldwide resurgence of bed bugs [both Cimex lectularius L. and Cimex hemipterus (F.)] over the past two decades is believed in large part to be due to the development of insecticide resistance. The transcriptomic and genomic studies since 2010, as well as morphological, biochemical and behavioral studies, have helped insecticide resistance research on bed bugs. Multiple resistance mechanisms, including penetration resistance through thickening or remodelling of the cuticle, metabolic resistance by increased activities of detoxification enzymes (e.g. cytochrome P450 monooxygenases and esterases), and knockdown resistance by kdr mutations, have been experimentally identified as conferring insecticide resistance in bed bugs. Other candidate resistance mechanisms, including behavioral resistance, some types of physiological resistance (e.g. increasing activities of esterases by point mutations, glutathione S-transferase, target site insensitivity including altered AChEs, GABA receptor insensitivity and altered nAChRs), symbiont-mediated resistance and other potential, yet undiscovered mechanisms may exist. This article reviews recent studies of resistance mechanisms and the genes governing insecticide resistance, potential candidate resistance mechanisms, and methods of monitoring insecticide resistance in bed bugs. This article provides an insight into the knowledge essential for the development of both insecticide resistance management (IRM) and integrated pest management (IPM) strategies for successful bed bug management.

BackgroundThe resistance of bed bugs (Cimex lectularius L.) to chemical insecticides has motivated the development of non-chemical control methods such as heat treatment. However, because bed bugs tend to hide in cracks or crevices, their behavior incidentally generates a thermally insulated microenvironment for themselves. Bed bugs located on the outer surface of luggage are less insulated and potentially more vulnerable to brief heat treatment.ResultsSoft-sided suitcases with adult male bed bugs on the outside were exposed to an air temperature of 70-75 °C. It took 6 min to kill all of the bed bugs, even those that had concealed themselves under zipper flaps or decorative piping. During heating, only one bed bug (out of 250 in total) moved into the luggage (through a closed zipper). Over long periods of time (24 h) at room temperature, adult male bed bugs on the exterior of luggage only infrequently moved inside; only 3% (5/170) had moved inside during 24 h.ConclusionsBrief exterior heat treatment of luggage is a promising way to reduce the spread of bed bugs being transported on the outer surface of luggage. This treatment will not kill bed bugs inside the luggage, but could be a component of integrated management for this pest. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Extracts of the exuviae (cast skins) of nymphal bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) were analyzed for volatile compounds that might contribute to arrestment of adult bed bugs. Four volatile aldehydes, (E)-2-hexenal, 4-oxo-(E)-2-hexenal, (E)-2-octenal, and 4-oxo-(E)-2-octenal were consistently detected in the headspace of freshly shed exuviae regardless of the developmental stages from which the exuviae were obtained. Quantification of the aldehydes in the solvent extracts of homogenized fresh, 45- or 99-d aged 5th instar exuviae indicated that the aldehydes are present in the exuviae and dissipate over time, through evaporation or degradation. Microscopic observation of the fifth instar exuviae indicated that the dorsal abdominal glands on the exuviae maintained their pocket-like structures with gland reservoirs, within which the aldehydes might be retained. Two-choice olfactometer studies with the volatiles from exuviae or a synthetic blend mimicking the volatiles indicated that adult bed bugs tend to settle close to sources of the aldehydes. Our results imply that the presence and accumulation of bed bug exuviae and the aldehydes volatilizing from the exuviae might mediate bed bugs' interaction with their microhabitats.

The bed bug, Cimex lectularius, has re-established itself as a ubiquitous human ectoparasite throughout much of the world during the past two decades. This global resurgence is likely linked to increased international travel and commerce in addition to widespread insecticide resistance. Analyses of the C. lectularius sequenced genome (650 Mb) and 14,220 predicted protein-coding genes provide a comprehensive representation of genes that are linked to traumatic insemination, a reduced chemosensory repertoire of genes related to obligate hematophagy, host-symbiont interactions, and several mechanisms of insecticide resistance. In addition, we document the presence of multiple putative lateral gene transfer events. Genome sequencing and annotation establish a solid foundation for future research on mechanisms of insecticide resistance, human-bed bug and symbiont-bed bug associations, and unique features of bed bug biology that contribute to the unprecedented success of C. lectularius as a human ectoparasite.

Extracts of the exuviae (cast skins) of nymphal bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) were analyzed for volatile compounds that might contribute to arrestment of adult bed bugs. Four volatile aldehydes, (E)-2-hexenal, 4-oxo-(E)-2-hexenal, (E)-2-octenal, and 4-oxo-(E)-2-octenal were consistently detected in the headspace of freshly shed exuviae regardless of the developmental stages from which the exuviae were obtained. Quantification of the aldehydes in the solvent extracts of homogenized fresh, 45- or 99-d aged 5th instar exuviae indicated that the aldehydes are present in the exuviae and dissipate over time, through evaporation or degradation. Microscopic observation of the fifth instar exuviae indicated that the dorsal abdominal glands on the exuviae maintained their pocket-like structures with gland reservoirs, within which the aldehydes might be retained. Two-choice olfactometer studies with the volatiles from exuviae or a synthetic blend mimicking the volatiles indicated that adult bed bugs tend to settle close to sources of the aldehydes. Our results imply that the presence and accumulation of bed bug exuviae and the aldehydes volatilizing from the exuviae might mediate bed bugs' interaction with their microhabitats.

The bed bug, Cimex lectularius, has re-established itself as a ubiquitous human ectoparasite throughout much of the world during the past two decades. This global resurgence is likely linked to increased international travel and commerce in addition to widespread insecticide resistance. Analyses of the C. lectularius sequenced genome (650 Mb) and 14,220 predicted protein-coding genes provide a comprehensive representation of genes that are linked to traumatic insemination, a reduced chemosensory repertoire of genes related to obligate hematophagy, host-symbiont interactions, and several mechanisms of insecticide resistance. In addition, we document the presence of multiple putative lateral gene transfer events. Genome sequencing and annotation establish a solid foundation for future research on mechanisms of insecticide resistance, human-bed bug and symbiont-bed bug associations, and unique features of bed bug biology that contribute to the unprecedented success of C. lectularius as a human ectoparasite.

Since its national debut in 1987, Fresh Air with Terry Gross has been a highly acclaimed and much adored weekday magazine among public radio listeners. Each week, nearly 4.8 million people turn to Peabody Award-winning host Terry Gross for insightful conversations with the leading voices in contemporary arts and issues. The renowned program reaches a global audience, with over 620 public radio stations broadcasting Fresh Air, and 3 million podcast downloads each week. Fresh Air has broken the mold of 'talk show' by weaving together superior journalism and intimate storytelling from modern-day intellectuals, politicians and artists alike. Through probing questions and careful research, Gross's interviews are lauded for revealing a fresh perspective on cultural icons and trends. Her thorough conversations are often complemented by commentary from well-known contributors. Fresh Air is produced at WHYY-FM in Philadelphia and broadcast nationally by NPR., (1.) Science journalist BROOKE BOREL is the author of Infested: How the Bed Bug Infiltrated Our Bedrooms and Took over the World. She is contributing editor at Popular Science, and has written for Time, Nautilus, Bicycling, Discover and Cosmos. (INTERVIEW BY DAVE DAVIES) (2.) Comic artist LUCY KNISLEY ("nicely") is the author of the graphic memoir Displacement about a disastrous cruise she took with her grandparents. Not until she was on the trip did she realize the extent of their health problems and how much help they needed. KNISELY is also the author of the previous graphic novels: Relish (about food), An Age of License (about going on a book tour to Europe), and French Milk (about a six week trip she took to Paris with her mother). (INTERVIEW BY PRODUCER SAM BRIGER). (3.) TV critic DAVID BIANCULLI previews the return of Lous C.K.'s comedy series Louie, and the premiere of the new mockumentary comedy series The Comedians, starring Billy Crystal and Josh Gad. Both shows are on the FX cable network Thursday night.

The Southwest Utah Public Health Magazine, simply titled "Health", is part of an ongoing effort to get health-promoting information into the hands of community members. Contents include: 1) Cold and Flu FAQ: What You Need to Know, by Susan Peck; 2) In Good Hands: The History of Hand Washing, by William Clayton Petty; 3) The Flu Pandemic of 1918: A Utah Retrospective, by Twila Van Leer; 4) Give it a Shot: The Truth About Vaccines is a Matter of Life and Death, by M. Sue Bergin; 5) Ebola Virus Disease: The 2014 Ebola Epidemic is the Largest in History, by Linda Rider; 6) Winning by Staying Consistent, by Eric Houle; 7) WInter Wonderlands, by David Heaton; 8) Don't Feed Grinchy, by Robert Beers; 9) Tis' the Season for Added Sugar: Balance Your Intake of Sweets, by Sara Fausett; 10) Hidden Bias: How Resuts from Health Screenings Are Often Not What They Seem, by David Blodgett; 11) Get the Bugs Out: Advice Aout Bed Bugs from a Health Inspector, by Shallen Sterner; 12) A Through ZZZZZs of Drowsy Driving, by Jordan Merrill; and 12) Winter on the Road, by Paulette Valentine.

During mating, male bed bugs (Cimicidae) pierce the female abdomen to inject sperm using their needle-like genitalia. Females evolved specialized paragenital organs (the spermalege and associated structures) to receive traumatically injected ejaculates. In Leptocimex duplicatus, the spermalege is duplicated, but the evolutionary significance of this is unclear. In Cimex hemipterus and C. lectularius, in which females normally develop a single spermalege on the right side of the abdomen, similar duplication sometimes occurs. Using these aberrant morphs (D-females) of C. hemipterus, we tested the hypothesis that both of the duplicated spermaleges are functionally competent. Scars on female abdominal exoskeletons indicated frequent misdirected piercing by male genitalia. However, the piercing sites showed a highly biased distribution towards the right side of the female body. A mating experiment showed that when the normal insemination site (the right-side spermalege) was artificially covered, females remained unfertilized. This was true even when females also had a spermalege on the left side (D-females). This result was attributed to handedness in male mating behavior. Irrespective of the observed disuse of the left-side spermalege by males for insemination, histological examination failed to detect any differences between the right-side and left-side spermaleges. Moreover, an artificial insemination experiment confirmed that spermatozoa injected into the left-side spermalege show apparently normal migration behavior to the female reproductive organs, indicating an evolutionary potential for functionally-competent duplicated spermaleges. We discuss possible mechanisms for the evolutionary maintenance of D-females and propose a plausible route to the functionally-competent duplicated spermaleges observed in L. duplicatus.

During mating, male bed bugs (Cimicidae) pierce the female abdomen to inject sperm using their needle-like genitalia. Females evolved specialized paragenital organs (the spermalege and associated structures) to receive traumatically injected ejaculates. In Leptocimex duplicatus, the spermalege is duplicated, but the evolutionary significance of this is unclear. In Cimex hemipterus and C. lectularius, in which females normally develop a single spermalege on the right side of the abdomen, similar duplication sometimes occurs. Using these aberrant morphs (D-females) of C. hemipterus, we tested the hypothesis that both of the duplicated spermaleges are functionally competent. Scars on female abdominal exoskeletons indicated frequent misdirected piercing by male genitalia. However, the piercing sites showed a highly biased distribution towards the right side of the female body. A mating experiment showed that when the normal insemination site (the right-side spermalege) was artificially covered, females remained unfertilized. This was true even when females also had a spermalege on the left side (D-females). This result was attributed to handedness in male mating behavior. Irrespective of the observed disuse of the left-side spermalege by males for insemination, histological examination failed to detect any differences between the right-side and left-side spermaleges. Moreover, an artificial insemination experiment confirmed that spermatozoa injected into the left-side spermalege show apparently normal migration behavior to the female reproductive organs, indicating an evolutionary potential for functionally-competent duplicated spermaleges. We discuss possible mechanisms for the evolutionary maintenance of D-females and propose a plausible route to the functionally-competent duplicated spermaleges observed in L. duplicatus.

Resurgence in bed bug infestations and widespread pesticide resistance have greatly renewed interest in the development of more sustainable, environmentally friendly methods to manage bed bugs. Historically, in Eastern Europe, bed bugs were entrapped by leaves from bean plants, which were then destroyed; this purely physical entrapment was related to microscopic hooked hairs (trichomes) on the leaf surfaces. Using scanning electron microscopy and videography, we documented the capture mechanism: the physical impaling of bed bug feet (tarsi) by these trichomes. This is distinct from a Velcro-like mechanism of non-piercing entanglement, which only momentarily holds the bug without sustained capture. Struggling, trapped bed bugs are impaled by trichomes on several legs and are unable to free themselves. Only specific, mechanically vulnerable locations on the bug tarsi are pierced by the trichomes, which are located at effective heights and orientations for bed bug entrapment despite a lack of any evolutionary association. Using bean leaves as templates, we microfabricated surfaces indistinguishable in geometry from the real leaves, including the trichomes, using polymers with material properties similar to plant cell walls. These synthetic surfaces snag the bed bugs temporarily but do not hinder their locomotion as effectively as real leaves.

Resurgence in bed bug infestations and widespread pesticide resistance have greatly renewed interest in the development of more sustainable, environmentally friendly methods to manage bed bugs. Historically, in Eastern Europe, bed bugs were entrapped by leaves from bean plants, which were then destroyed; this purely physical entrapment was related to microscopic hooked hairs (trichomes) on the leaf surfaces. Using scanning electron microscopy and videography, we documented the capture mechanism: the physical impaling of bed bug feet (tarsi) by these trichomes. This is distinct from a Velcro-like mechanism of non-piercing entanglement, which only momentarily holds the bug without sustained capture. Struggling, trapped bed bugs are impaled by trichomes on several legs and are unable to free themselves. Only specific, mechanically vulnerable locations on the bug tarsi are pierced by the trichomes, which are located at effective heights and orientations for bed bug entrapment despite a lack of any evolutionary association. Using bean leaves as templates, we microfabricated surfaces indistinguishable in geometry from the real leaves, including the trichomes, using polymers with material properties similar to plant cell walls. These synthetic surfaces snag the bed bugs temporarily but do not hinder their locomotion as effectively as real leaves.

Resurgence in bed bug infestations and widespread pesticide resistance have greatly renewed interest in the development of more sustainable, environmentally friendly methods to manage bed bugs. Historically, in Eastern Europe, bed bugs were entrapped by leaves from bean plants, which were then destroyed; this purely physical entrapment was related to microscopic hooked hairs (trichomes) on the leaf surfaces. Using scanning electron microscopy and videography, we documented the capture mechanism: the physical impaling of bed bug feet (tarsi) by these trichomes. This is distinct from a Velcro-like mechanism of non-piercing entanglement, which only momentarily holds the bug without sustained capture. Struggling, trapped bed bugs are impaled by trichomes on several legs and are unable to free themselves. Only specific, mechanically vulnerable locations on the bug tarsi are pierced by the trichomes, which are located at effective heights and orientations for bed bug entrapment despite a lack of any evolutionary association. Using bean leaves as templates, we microfabricated surfaces indistinguishable in geometry from the real leaves, including the trichomes, using polymers with material properties similar to plant cell walls. These synthetic surfaces snag the bed bugs temporarily but do not hinder their locomotion as effectively as real leaves.

Fact sheet about bed bugs and how to control them.

Fact sheet about bed bugs and how to control them.

Fact sheet about bed bugs and how to control them.

Fact sheet about bed bugs and how to control them.

How to check for bed bugs in a hotel and what to do if you find signs of them.

How to check for bed bugs in a hotel and what to do if you find signs of them.

Fact sheet about bedbugs in healthcare settings. Bedbugs are small insects (adults are about ¼ inch long) that feed on the blood of humans and animals.

Fact sheet about bedbugs in healthcare settings. Bedbugs are small insects (adults are about ¼ inch long) that feed on the blood of humans and animals.

Booklet about bed bugs for landlords, housing providers, and property managers. Includes information on indentifying bed bugs, signs of infestation, getting rid of bed bugs, and preventing bed bugs.

Fact sheet about bed bugs. Includes information on what bed bugs look like, signs of infestation, getting rid of bed bugs, and preventing bed bugs.

Fact sheet about preventing and controlling bed bug infestations.

Brochure about identifying, preventing and controlling bed bugs.

Tips to identify, prevent and control bed bugs.

Guidebook about bed bugs for property owners, managers and tenants. This guide will help you: learn more about bed bugs and how they thriveprevent bed bugs from infesting your homesafely rid your home of bed bugs if they do occur, and select and work with a pest control professional.

Fact sheet about bed bugs. Includes information on what bed bugs look like, signs of infestation, getting rid of bed bugs, and preventing bed bugs.

Tips to identify, prevent and control bed bugs.

Brochure about identifying, preventing and controlling bed bugs.

Guidebook about bed bugs for property owners, managers and tenants. This guide will help you: learn more about bed bugs and how they thriveprevent bed bugs from infesting your homesafely rid your home of bed bugs if they do occur, and select and work with a pest control professional.

Booklet about bed bugs for landlords, housing providers, and property managers. Includes information on indentifying bed bugs, signs of infestation, getting rid of bed bugs, and preventing bed bugs.

Fact sheet about preventing and controlling bed bug infestations.

Fact sheet about the management of bed bugs.

Fact sheet about bed bugs.

Fact sheet about bed bugs.

Fact sheet about the management of bed bugs.

Cimex lectularius -- Bed bug -- Anopheles -- Malaria mosquito -- Pediculus humanus: Human louse -- Xenopsylla cheopsis: Plague flea., This archival material has been provided for educational purposes. Ball State University Libraries recognizes that some historic items may include offensive content. Our statement regarding objectionable content is available at: https://dmr.bsu.edu/digital/about

Shows mature specimens of one each of the following: climex lectrilarius (bed bug), anopheles (malaria mosquito), pediculus humanus (human louse), and xenopsylla cheopis (plague flea)., 55W6940., This archival material has been provided for educational purposes. Ball State University Libraries recognizes that some historic items may include offensive content. Our statement regarding objectionable content is available at: https://dmr.bsu.edu/digital/about

Elizabeth Henry Hoyt writes from Deerfield, Massachusetts, to her son, Charles A. Hoyt (a student at Norwich University in Norwich, Vermont), on 16 June 1861 with news from home; she mentions seeing Henry Alvord and that "young Clap" [Stephen Rowe Clapp, Jr.?] is boarding with them and plans to attend Norwich; she is concerned for Charles' health and safety and wants him "not to go into the water too much" in order to avoid drowning. Following her letter, Arthur W. Hoyt, writes instructions for how his son should get rid of an infestation of bed bugs and asks about Charles’ academics, health, and professors; believes the university should have a "native 'French' teacher" and gives his permission for Charles to go to Ticonderoga, New York, with the cadets., Transcription by Analyse L. Hughes. Transcriptions may be subject to error.