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BACKGROUND: Over the past two decades, bed bugs (Cimex spp.) have resurged as common urban pests around the world. The search for efficient and safe control measures has become a key interest among researchers, manufacturers, and pest control professionals. In this study, we evaluated and compared the efficacy of steam, diatomaceous earth (DE) dust, and a combination of both against tropical bed bugs (Cimex hemipterus (F.)) under laboratory and field conditions. RESULTS: In the laboratory study, the mortality of bed bugs after 2 days of exposure to DE dust was 100%. When bed bugs stayed on the surface of an object or in cracks, a brief steam treatment (1 s) caused 100% mortality. However, when bed bugs were hidden under a fabric cover, steam application for 10 s only caused 89 ± 6% mortality. Bed bugs that survived steam treatment exhibited reduced feeding activity. In a 14‐week long study, there was no significant difference in the reduction rate of bed bugs between steam treatment and DE dust treatment. A 37‐week long control study showed that steam and steam plus DE dust treatments eliminated 97–100% of the infestations. CONCLUSION: Applying steam and DE dust are effective strategies for eliminating natural tropical bed bug infestations. Continuous follow‐up monitoring and treatment until no bed bugs are found are crucial in completely eliminating the infestation of tropical bed bugs. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Horizontal insecticide transfer is thought to play an important role in controlling a wide range of urban pests including ants, bed bugs, cockroaches and termites. Trap–treat–release is an effective experimental approach that has been used to successfully manage populations of invasive ants in field applications. Trap–treat–release is based on the principles of horizontal transfer. Individuals are captured, treated with the toxicant and released back into the environment. The treated individuals then return to the colony and transfer the toxicant to other members of the population resulting in secondary mortality. The goal of the current study was to evaluate the efficacy of the trap–treat–release technique for controlling field populations of the eastern yellowjacket, Vespula maculifrons. RESULTS: Laboratory experiments demonstrated that fipronil was highly toxic against V. maculifrons across a wide range of concentrations. Furthermore, fipronil was efficiently transferred from treated donors to untreated recipients and caused significant secondary mortality. A field experiment utilized trap–treat–release and demonstrated that fipronil was effectively transferred when foraging worker wasps are trapped, treated, released and allowed to return to their respective colonies. CONCLUSION: The trap–treat–release method may be an effective alternative to direct nest treatments and could help alleviate problems such as insecticide runoff, environmental contamination, and non‐target effects. This method has the potential to provide effective management of social wasps. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The bites and blood sucking of bed bugs (Cimex spp.) (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) pose a serious threat to human physical and mental health. Application of an effective repellent can prevent or reduce bed bug bites. Previous studies on repellent screening mainly focused on Cimex lectularius L. In this study, we investigated the repellent effect of two safe food additives, ethyl anthranilate (EA) and butyl anthranilate (BA), against Cimex hemipterus (F.), and also explored the role of antennae and mouthparts on C. hemipterus perception of repellents. RESULTS: Both EA and BA had a strong repellent effect against tropical bed bugs and their repellency was similar or lower than that of N,N‐diethyl‐3‐methyl benzoyl amide, depending on whether or not a CO2 source was present. EA had higher repellency than BA and exhibited repellency to C. hemipterus for 3 days when a CO2 source was present. C. hemipterus avoided resting on 20% EA‐ and BA‐treated harborages. Applying 20% EA and BA on rabbit skin significantly reduced the blood intake of C. hemipterus within 2 h. C. hemipterus could perceive EA and BA after their antennae or mouthparts or both antennae and mouthparts were removed. CONCLUSION: Both EA and BA had strong repellency against C. hemipterus, with EA being more repellent. Ablation of antennae and mouthparts did not affect the perception of EA and BA by C. hemipterus. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cimex lectularius L. (bed bug) (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) is a serious indoor pest worldwide, and this nuisance needs to be controlled using different methods in integrated pest management (IPM). Beauveria bassiana (Bals.‐Criv.) Vuill. (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) kills bed bugs, and insect pathogenic fungi may be utilized to control bed bugs in IPM. To increase knowledge of this methodology, forced exposure experiments were conducted with different formulations, doses, and substrates, using bed bugs in variable physiological states. Results: Both oil‐ and water‐formulated fungal products showed significant improvement when conidial concentrations were raised in five steps from 0.02 to 2.0%. At low concentrations (0.02% in water) effects from substrate and application strategy were observed. Application on soft substrates (cotton and polyester) yielded significantly higher bed bug mortality rates than on harder substrates (paper, wood, and linoleum) with a final mortality of 35–63% against 8–10%. Multiple applications over time also improved B. bassiana's ability to kill bed bugs, and at low concentrations only a triple application on cotton showed 100% final mortality. Bed bug age and reproductive status significantly affected survival. Older and reproducing individuals showed higher mortality compared to newly emerged adults. Differences in feeding status also yielded differences in mortality timing, but only minor differences in final mortality rates. Egg production and hatching success were significantly reduced by some treatments. Conclusion: B. bassiana appears to be an asset in the fight against bed bugs. Substrate, dosage, application strategy, and bed bug physiology are important factors to consider for optimal efficacy and safe indoor control with insect pathogenic fungi. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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.

BACKGROUND Heat can be effective for bed bug elimination. However, in some cases bed bugs survive heat treatments. The objectives of this study were to determine the behavioral responses of bed bugs to rising harborage temperatures (23.0–49.0 °C) and identify which heat shock protein (HSP) genes are expressed after heat exposure. First, a custom‐made copper arena and harborage were used to determine the escape behaviors of six bed bug populations. Next, HSP gene expression responses of select populations were determined after heat exposure using real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). RESULTS: Analysis of the 25 min behavioral experiment data found that harborage top temperatures associated with 25%, 50% and 75% probabilities of bed bugs to flee the harborage did not differ significantly between populations. Also, the percentage of insects that escaped from heated areas and survived (4.0–12.0%) was not different between populations. However, when specific temperatures at which successful escapes occurred were statistically compared, the Poultry House population was found to flee the harborage at statistically higher temperatures (43.6 ± 0.5 °C) than others (40.5 ± 0.6–42.0 ± 0.7 °C). The RT‐qPCR experiments revealed that the HSP70.1, HSP70.3, and Putative Small HSP genes were significantly up‐regulated 15 min, 2, and 4 h post‐heat exposure and decreased back to baseline levels by 24 h. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that when harborage top temperatures approach 40.0–43.0 °C, bed bugs will disperse in search for cooler areas. This work implicates the HSP70.1, HSP70.3, and Putative Small HSP genes in heat induced stress recovery of bed bugs. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bed bugs, Cimex lectularius L. and C. hemipterus (F.) (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) are hematophagous ectoparasites of humans. Since the resurgence of bed bugs in the late 1990s there has been a corresponding emphasis on development and implementation of integrated pest management (IPM) programs to manage infestations. One critical requirement of IPM is the ability to detect and monitor the target pest. We outline and describe the majority of all known existing devices and technologies developed for bed bug detection and monitoring as well as much of the underlying science. Almost 40 detection and monitoring products have flooded the marketplace, but for various reasons, including price, size, complexity and lack of independent scientific evaluation, they have not been widely adopted for IPM in structures. One product, the ClimbUp® Insect Interceptor, has nine competitors that utilize a similar design. This review also discloses many other technologies and products that are either too expensive or too impractical for use as either consumer or industrial products. We conclude that there is a critical need for inexpensive and effective detection and monitoring traps and lures suitable for widespread adoption by the urban pest control industry. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The common bed bug, Cimex lectularius L., and the tropical bed bug, Cimex hemipterus (F.), are now widely regarded as important public health pests following their rapid global resurgence, largely due to insecticide resistance and an increased rate of global travel. The insecticide resistance mechanisms are well documented in C. lectularius, however, only one mechanism is validated in C. hemipterus thus far. This demands further understanding on the resistance mechanisms involved in C. hemipterus. Results: Here, we identified differences in resistance to fenitrothion (organophosphate) and imidacloprid (neonicotinoid) related cuticle thickness in C. hemipterus. There is evidence of a possible association between cuticle thickness and resistance, but the association can be tenuous, likely because resistance is multifactorial in C. hemipterus. We also discovered a novel T1011 residue in domain IIS6 of the voltage‐gated sodium channel that likely enhanced susceptibility to deltamethrin (pyrethroid) despite the presence of a L1014F mutation known to confer pyrethroid resistance in C. hemipterus. Our findings also confirmed that the M918I mutation enhanced resistance to pyrethroid when present with the L1014F mutation, which was consistent with a super‐kdr phenotype, as reported previously. Multiple resistance mechanisms can be found within a single C. hemipterus population, and the presence of both M918I + L1014F mutations likely masked the influence of cuticle thickness in conferring resistance against deltamethrin. The elevated metabolic enzyme activities in some strains were not necessarily associated with increased insecticide resistance. Conclusion: This study has enhanced our understanding on the penetration resistance mechanism and target site insensitivity of sodium channels in C. hemipterus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Ozone gas is commercially used for deodorization and microbial control. Its efficacy against stored product insect pests is well documented. In the midst of the common bed bug (Cimex lectularius L.) outbreak, claims were made that ozone gas was effective for their control. This study was conducted to determine baseline ozone concentrations and exposure times required for the control of an insecticide‐susceptible C. lectularius strain under laboratory conditions. Dichlorvos (DDVP), an organophosphate class fumigant insecticide was used as a positive control. RESULTS: Nymphs and adults were more susceptible to ozone than eggs. Complete (100%) nymph and adult mortality was achieved at an ozone concentration (C) of 1500 ppm and exposure time (T) of 180 min, or concentration × time product (CT) of 270 000 ppm‐min, whereas eggs required an eightfold higher CT (2 040 000 ppm‐min). DDVP vapor was 2070‐, 2542‐ and 450‐fold more potent than ozone, against nymphs, adults and eggs, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Baseline ozone toxicity data provide insights on the practicality of using this gas for the management of common bed bugs. High ozone CT products required for C. lectularius control, particularly eggs, suggest that its use for treating infested human dwellings is not feasible due to logistic, safety and monetary concerns. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Horizontal insecticide transfer is thought to play an important role in controlling a wide range of urban pests including ants, bed bugs, cockroaches, and termites. Despite decades of research and numerous laboratory studies, horizontal transfer has never been demonstrated in the field. As a result, the importance of horizontal transfer (and the resulting secondary kill) for practical pest management remains unknown. The goal of this study was to provide the first experimental examination of horizontal transfer under field conditions. The specific objective was to investigate horizontal transfer of fipronil in field colonies of black carpenter ants, Camponotus pennsylvanicus. RESULTS: Laboratory experiments demonstrated that fipronil is effectively transferred from treated donors to untreated recipients and causes significant secondary mortality. Fipronil was effectively vectored to untreated ants from donors exposed via residual and direct spray applications, and 100% mortality was achieved with both exposure routes. Furthermore, horizontal transfer continued beyond secondary mortality and resulted in significant tertiary mortality, which has not been previously demonstrated in ants. Field experiments utilized a novel, three‐step control method consisting of trap–treat–release and demonstrated that fipronil is effectively transferred when foraging workers are trapped, treated, and subsequently released back into their colonies. CONCLUSION: The current study is the first field demonstration of the importance of horizontal transfer for the control of pest ants. The trap–treat–release method may be an effective alternative to broadcast spray applications and could help alleviate problems such as insecticide run‐off, environmental contamination, and non‐target effects. This method has the potential to provide effective management of invasive and pest ants and should be further tested across a wider range of ant species, habitats, and active ingredients. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Bed bugs, Cimex lectularius L., have become one of the most difficult urban pests to control. Steam treatment is reported to be an effective method to kill bed bugs and is considered to be an important component of bed bug integrated pest management (IPM). We evaluated and compared the efficacies of two affordable consumer‐grade commercial steamers and a commonly used professional‐grade steamer for killing bed bugs. RESULTS: In laboratory experiments, the consumer‐grade steamers at affordable prices achieved the same high control efficacy as the professional‐grade steamer for treating bed bugs exposed on mattresses (100% bed bug mortality for all steamers), located beneath a fabric cover (>89% bed bug mortality for all steamers), or hiding in cracks (100% bed bug mortality for all steamers). Bed bugs located behind a leather cover did not suffer significant mortality from steam treatment regardless of the type of steamers used and the treatment duration. CONCLUSION: Proper use of steamers can kill all life stages of bed bugs. Affordable consumer‐grade steamers are as effective as professional‐grade steam machines for eliminating bed bugs resting on mattresses and hiding behind fabric materials or in cracks. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The public's negative attitudes towards household insects drive tolerance for these insects and their control. Tolerance levels are important in integrated pest management (IPM), as are pest knowledge and information. The risk information seeking and processing (RISP) model describes the relationships between personal factors and information‐seeking behaviour. We combined IPM and RISP to determine important relationships between factors driving insect tolerance levels and information‐seeking behaviour through an online survey and tested whether this model is valid and generally applicable. RESULTS: Relationships between variables from both IPM and RISP models were tested for seven insect species. Tolerance levels were measured with two factors: willingness to pay for pest control and whether insects are tolerated. Willingness to pay for control was positively affected by age, experience, risk perception, insect characteristics, and negative emotions and affected behavioural intention, by influencing information sufficiency and information‐seeking behaviour. Tolerability was influenced by perception of insect characteristics and determines whether control measures are taken. CONCLUSION: It was possible to combine the RISP and IPM models. Relevant driving factors were a person's age, experience, risk perception, negative affective responses, tolerance levels, relevant channel beliefs about online forums, information sufficiency and information‐seeking behaviour. There was, however, variation in important factors between different insects. © 2017 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Infestations of the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius L., have become common in low‐income communities in the USA over the last 15 years. We evaluated community‐based integrated pest management (IPM) programs for reducing bed bug infestations. Two housing authorities (Bayonne and Hackensack) implemented bed bug IPM programs. A third housing authority (Paterson) was used as the control site. Building‐wide surveys were conducted in all communities, three times, to evaluate the effectiveness of the IPM programs. RESULTS: From 0 to 24 months, the infestation rate at Bayonne, Hackensack, and Paterson decreased by 49, 64, and 26%, respectively. The two sites that adopted IPM achieved faster bed bug elimination than the control site. The bed bug introduction rate over a 24‐month period at Bayonne, Hackensack, and Paterson was 7, 3, and 11%, respectively. The introduction rate was positively associated with the initial infestation rate. Residents from buildings enrolled in IPM programs were more satisfied with the bed bug control services than residents from the control site. CONCLUSION: IPM programs were more effective in reducing bed bug infestations than traditional pest control services, but many factors contributed to the lower than desired level of reduction in infestation rate. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Bed bugs are a public health concern, and their incidence is increasing worldwide. Bed bug infestations are notoriously difficult to eradicate, further exacerbated by widespread resistance to pyrethroid and neonicotinoid insecticides. This study evaluated the efficacy of the newly developed fungal biopesticide Aprehend™, containing Beauveria bassiana, against insecticide-resistant bed bugs. RESULTS Overall mortality for the Harold Harlan (insecticide-susceptible) strain was high (98-100%) following exposure to Aprehend™ or Suspend SC (deltamethrin). The mean survival times ( MSTs) for Harold Harlan bed bugs were 5.1 days for Aprehend™ and 4.8 and 3.0 days for the low and high concentrations of Suspend SC respectively. All three strains of pyrethroid-resistant bed bugs were susceptible to infection by B. bassiana, resulting in MSTs of <6 days (median = 4 days) and >94% overall mortality. Conversely, mortality of the three insecticide-resistant strains after exposure to Suspend SC was only 16-40%. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate that Aprehend™ is equally effective against insecticide-susceptible and insecticide-resistant bed bugs and could provide pest control operators with a promising new tool for control of bed bugs and insecticide resistance management. © 2017 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Low-income apartment communities in the United States are suffering from disproportionally high bed bug, Cimex lectularius L., infestations owing to lack of effective monitoring and treatment. Studies examining the effectiveness of integrated pest management (IPM) for the control of bed bugs in affordable housing have been limited to small subsets of bed-bug-infested apartments, rather than at the apartment community level. We developed, implemented and evaluated a complex-wide IPM program for bed bugs in an affordable housing community. Proactive inspections and biweekly treatments using a combination of non-chemical and chemical methods until bed bugs were not detected for three biweekly monitoring visits were key elements of the IPMprogram. RESULTS: A total of 55 bed-bug-infested apartments were identified during the initial inspection. Property management was unaware of 71% of these infestations. Over the next 12 months, 14 additional infested apartments were identified. The IPM program resulted in a 98% reduction in bed bug counts among treated apartments and reduced infestation rates from 15 to 2.2% after 12months. CONCLUSIONS: Adopting a complex-wide bed bug IPMprogram, incorporating proactivemonitoring, and biweekly treatments of infested apartments utilizing non-chemical and chemical methods can successfully reduce infestation rates to very lowlevels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multifamily housing facilities serving low-income populations have been at the forefront of bed bug outbreaks. Research conducted in the past 8 years has consistently proven that integrated pest management (IPM) is the best approach for successful suppression of bed bug infestations. Bed bug IPMin multifamily settings is especially dependent upon a collaborative community or building-wide effort involving residents, building staff and pest control technicians. Other components of a bed bug IPM program include regular monitoring to detect early-stage bed bug infestations and combined use of non-chemical and chemical interventions. Lastly, to reduce reinfestation rates and costs associated with bed bug control, it is critical to continue periodic monitoring and implement preventive control measures even after successful elimination of bed bugs has been achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Pyrethroids are the insecticides of choice when exposure to humans is likely, such as occurs in vector and public-health-related control programs. Unfortunately, the pyrethroids share a common resistance mechanism with dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane ( DDT), knockdown resistance ( kdr), and prior extensive use of DDT has predisposed the pyrethroids to cross-resistance via kdr. Given the widespread occurrence of kdr, the use of synergists with pyrethroids is considered to be prudent to guard against the selection of multiply resistant insects. RESULTS 3-Phenoxybenzyl hexanoate ( PBH) was synthesized as a multifunctional pyrethroid synergist that, besides being a surrogate substrate for sequestration/hydrolytic carboxylesterases, now also functions as a substrate for oxidative xenobiotic metabolism. The addition of PBH to permethrin-treated females of the ISOP450 strain of Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus resulted in a threefold increase in synergism, as judged by the synergistic ratio. Similarly, PBH synergized the action of deltamethrin sixfold on females of the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius, and was 2.8-fold more synergistic than piperonyl butoxide ( PBO). CONCLUSIONS PBH synergized the action of both type I and type II pyrethroids in a mosquito vector ( Cx. p. quinquefasciatus) and in a public-health pest, C. lectularius, respectively, indicating a broad spectrum of action on blood-feeding insects. PBH appears to have residual properties similar to permethrin and is itself non-toxic, unlike PBO, and therefore should be compatible with existing pyrethroid formulations used for insecticide-treated nets and home/residential sprays. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND A modified artificial feeding system was developed for rearing Cimex lectularius and compared with the most widely used artificial feeding method which requires custom-made glassware and a circulating water bath to warm the blood. The petri dish method reduces some of the drawbacks from the current water bath method, such as the possibility of flooding bed bug rearing jars with water or blood and the need for expensive custom-made glassware. RESULTS Field and lab strain first instar nymphs were given a 15 or 30 min interval to feed for 6-9 weeks. Analysis of bed bugs that fed during a 6 week time period showed that there was no significant difference in the numbers that fed using the petri dish method compared with those that fed using the water bath method. Development of the nymphs also showed that there was no significant difference in the time required to produce adults by either method. CONCLUSION The petri dish method is an attractive alternative to the water bath method. Set-up is less complex, quicker, multiple jars of bed bugs can be fed at the same time, petri dishes of blood are disposable for easy clean-up and the potential of fatality due to flooding with blood or water is reduced. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Bed bugs ( Cimex lectularius L.) have become a common insect pest in urban areas and are often difficult to manage. Eradication is made more problematic by widespread insecticide resistance, raising interest in alternative control products. Juvenile hormone analogs (JHAs) such as methoprene and hydroprene are relatively harmless to non-arthropods and have proved to be effective against other urban insect pests. Two JHA products (Gentrol® and Precor®, Central Life Sciences, Schaumburg, IL) were tested for efficacy against various bed bug stages as direct spray and as dry residue using three bed bug strains. RESULTS: At 1× and 2× the label rate, Precor® [active ingredient ( S)-methoprene] had no significant effect on the development or fecundity of bed bugs. At 2× the label rate, confinement to residues of Gentrol® [active ingredient ( S)-hydroprene] had no significant effect, but residues at 3× and 10× the label rate caused a reduction in fecundity and impaired development. Field strains were more susceptible to the reproductive effects of ( S)-hydroprene than a long-maintained laboratory strain. CONCLUSIONS: While JHAs are attractive alternatives for pest management because of their inherent safety and distinct mode of action, these JHA formulations would have little impact on bed bug populations without relabeling to allow for higher application rates. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five formulated insecticides (lambda-cyhalothrin at 10 mg m, bifenthrin at 50 mg m, fipronil at 10 mg m, fenitrothion at 50 mg m, imidacloprid at 5 mg m) and one active ingredient (DDT at 500 mg m) were evaluated using a surface contact method against early and late instars and adults of two strains of the tropical bed bug, Cimex hemipterus (F.). Synergism of lambda-cyhalothrin and fipronil using piperonyl butoxide (PBO) was also assessed. The order of susceptibility of different stages of bed bugs was as follows: early stage − lambda-cyhalothrin > bifenthrin = imidacloprid > fipronil > fenitrothion > DDT; late stage-lambda-cyhalothrin > bifenthrin > fenitrothion > imidacloprid > fipronil > DDT; adult-lambda-cyhalothrin > imidacloprid > bifenthrin > fenitrothion > fipronil > DDT. The late instars exhibited significantly higher LT among the life stages. The addition of PBO to fipronil increased the susceptibility of the insects. Lambda-cyhalothrin, bifenthrin, fenitrothion and fipronil at the recommended application rates were effective against C. hemipterus. Although imidacloprid demonstrated good initial response against C. hemipterus, the insects showed substantial recovery 72 h post-treatment. The late instars (fourth and fifth instars) should be used as the model for toxicological evaluation. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent resurgence of the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius L., has driven an increase in research into the biology and behaviour of this pest. Current control is reliant on the application of insecticides, but, owing to the development of insecticide resistance, there is a need for new tools and techniques. Semiochemicals (behaviour- and physiology-modifying chemicals) could be exploited for management of bed bugs. The aim of this review was to evaluate studies undertaken in bed bug chemical ecology to date, with particular reference to how the research could be exploited for monitoring and control. Bed bugs, like many other insects, have a complex olfactory system. Recent studies have characterised the olfactory sensilla, located on the terminal segment of the antennae, to functional classes by electrophysiological screening. Behavioural studies have revealed the presence of an alarm pheromone and potential airborne aggregation semiochemicals, but it is not yet understood if bed bugs use a sex pheromone during mating. Host location cues have been investigated, and carbon dioxide has been found to be highly attractive both in laboratory and in field studies. Recent field trials have tested blends of other potential kairomones, which have been shown to have an additive effect when used in a heated bed bug trap with carbon dioxide. The trap, which combines heat and kairomones, is the only trap currently available with proven efficacy in the field. In order for semiochemicals to be useful for bed bug management, an increased knowledge and understanding of the biology, behaviour and chemical ecology of this insect is essential. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on the development of chlorfenapyr to control bed bug populations. It sates that laboratory assays were used to measure the effectiveness of two chlorfenapyr-based formulation such as aerosol and water-based formulation. Furthermore, the study shows that aerosol formulation of chlorfenapyr caused faster mortality than water-based formulation. It says that long residual activity of chlorfenapyr is suitable for bed bug controls.

The article discusses the study regarding the insecticide treatment regimens for control of Cimex lectularius. Various studies indicate that field-collected bedbugs may be resistant to pyrethroids. Treatments included multiple products currently being used by the pest management industry. The study found that the traditional treatment consisted of applications of pyrethroid products and an insect growth regulator. It consisted of applications of non-pyrethroid products. The fact that bedbugs were not eliminated after multiple applications suggests that the insecticides were inadequate.

The cover image of a fully blood-engorged first instar bed bug, by Angela Sierras and Coby Schal, is based on the Research Article Comparison of ingestion and topical application of insecticides against the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius (Hemiptera: Cimicidae), DOI: . Photo Credit: Matt Bertone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Residual insecticides interrupt the dispersal of bed bugs (Cimex lectularius, L.), but one of the issues encountered with residual applications is understanding the uptake of active residues by the insect. This study determined permethrin uptake by bed bugs walking on the ActiveGuard ® Mattress Liner product, via a combination of video recording in arenas and gas chromatography analyses., Results: The best model for estimating permethrin uptake utilized a covariance model (r 2  = 0.469) with two factors: time of exposure (F 1,55 = 2.44, P < 0.001) and distance traveled (F 1,55  = 0.30, P = 0.0460). Bed bug permethrin uptake was 15.1 (95% CI: 10.3-22.1) ng insect -1 within 1 min exposure, 21.0 (15.0, 31.0) ng insect -1 within 10 min and ≈ 42 (29.8, 60.6) ng insect -1 within ≥50 min exposure. Correcting for percentage recovery, these values would be increased by a factor of 1.21., Conclusion: This permethrin-treated fabric provides a surface from which bed bugs begin rapidly to absorb permethrin on contact and within the first 1 cm of travel. Variability in uptake was likely a result of grooming and thigmotaxis, and future work should use quantitative methods to study behaviors and formulations that increase exposure to the toxicant. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry., (© 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.)

Background: Low-income apartment communities in the United States are suffering from disproportionally high bed bug, Cimex lectularius L., infestations owing to lack of effective monitoring and treatment. Studies examining the effectiveness of integrated pest management (IPM) for the control of bed bugs in affordable housing have been limited to small subsets of bed-bug-infested apartments, rather than at the apartment community level. We developed, implemented and evaluated a complex-wide IPM program for bed bugs in an affordable housing community. Proactive inspections and biweekly treatments using a combination of non-chemical and chemical methods until bed bugs were not detected for three biweekly monitoring visits were key elements of the IPM program., Results: A total of 55 bed-bug-infested apartments were identified during the initial inspection. Property management was unaware of 71% of these infestations. Over the next 12 months, 14 additional infested apartments were identified. The IPM program resulted in a 98% reduction in bed bug counts among treated apartments and reduced infestation rates from 15 to 2.2% after 12 months., Conclusions: Adopting a complex-wide bed bug IPM program, incorporating proactive monitoring, and biweekly treatments of infested apartments utilizing non-chemical and chemical methods can successfully reduce infestation rates to very low levels., (© 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.)