Backfire of Bed Bugs’ Own Chemistry
Written by WTJ on June 6, 2009 – 11:13 pm -
Bed bugs (Cimes lectularius) have caused so much troubles in many industries, such as agriculture, housing, travel, hospitality, etc. Although there are many methods and products available to get rid of the bugs, there are evidences showing bed bugs are becoming more resistance to insecticides, namely pyrethroids. National Bed Bug Summit was even held in April by Environmental Protection Agency to deal with problems cause by bed bugs.
Desiccant dust is one of the oldest methods used to get rid of bed bugs, and it is still widely used now. Scientists from Ohio State University and Wittenberg University increase the effectiveness of desiccant dust by applying two pheromones secreted by bed bugs themselves. The two pheromones are (E)-2-hexenal and (E)-2-octenal, which are secreted by the bugs when they are disturbed or excited. The pheromones enhanced desiccant dust attracts the bugs to walk through it, and the bed bugs are killed due to dehydration. Desiccant dusts can be used in many places and are not toxic (but messy).
The study is published in current issue fo Journal of Medical Entomology. Authors are Joshua B. Benoit, Seth A. Phillips, Travis J. Croxall, Brady S. Christensen, Jay A. Yoder, and David L. Denlinger.
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Tags: (E)-2-hexenal, (E)-2-octenal, bed, bed bug, bed bugs, Brady S. Christensen, bug, bugs, Cimes lectularius, David L. Denlinger, Desiccant dust, entomology, Environmental Protection Agency, Jay A. Yoder, Joshua B. Benoit, Journal of Medical Entomology, National Bed Bug Summit, Ohio State University, pheromone, pheromones, pyrethroids, Seth A. Phillips, Travis J. Croxall, Wittenberg University | 1 Comment »
July 1st, 2009 at 10:14 am
I just use an enzyme spray on them, it eats them, with no pesticide and it gets rid of bad odors.