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Ramos RS, Cooper R, Dasgupta T, Pashley NE, Wang C. Comparative Efficacy of Superheated Dry Steam Application and Insecticide Spray Against Common Bed Bugs Under Simulated Field Conditions. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 116:12-18. [PMID: 35607829 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toac070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The common bed bug, Cimex lectularius L., is a difficult urban pest to control. A simulated field study was conducted to compare the efficacy of steam application and an insecticide mixture spray (0.05% acetamiprid and 0.06% bifenthrin mixture) against C. lectularius. Three types of furniture (desk chair, upholstered armchair, and wooden table) were treated in the laboratory. The efficacy of the treatments was evaluated by visual inspection and placement of interceptor traps under the legs of the furniture. One hundred mixed stages of an insecticide-resistant population of C. lectularius were released onto each furniture item. After a 10-day acclimation period, each furniture item received steam treatment, insecticide spray, or no treatment. The second application of treatment was conducted 14 d later. Bed bug counts from interceptors and visual inspections were recorded at 13 d and 28 d after the initial treatment. At 28 d, the mean (± SE) live bed bug count in the steam, spray, and control group was 1 ± 0, 2 ± 1, and 83 ± 10, respectively. Both treatment methods were highly effective in controlling bed bugs on furniture. The mean bed bug count from interceptors in the steam, spray, and control groups were 0.3 ± 0.2, 11 ± 7, and 47 ± 9, respectively. There was no significant difference in the efficacy between steam and spray treatments based on either visual inspection or bed bug counts from interceptors. However, based on interceptor counts, the steam treatment caused faster bed bug population reduction than insecticide sprays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Soares Ramos
- Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, 96 Lipman Drive, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Richard Cooper
- Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, 96 Lipman Drive, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Tirthankar Dasgupta
- Department of Statistics, Rutgers University, 110 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Nicole E Pashley
- Department of Statistics, Rutgers University, 110 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Changlu Wang
- Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, 96 Lipman Drive, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
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Lee CY, Wang C, Su NY. Perspective on Biology and Management of Bed Bugs: Introduction. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 116:1-4. [PMID: 36226901 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toac141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Bed bugs are an important group of medical and urban insect pests. They are obligate blood-feeders. Their bites may cause skin irritation and allergic reactions and, under some circumstances, may lead to mental and other health issues. Despite numerous discoveries on the biology of these obnoxious pests and progress in control strategies over the last two decades, bed bugs continue to preferentially plague those from low socioeconomic communities because the poor generally could not afford effective control options. As a result, such infestations in poorer communities serve as a reservoir for wider society. This Special Collection of the Perspective on Biology and Management of Bed Bugs presents nine original research papers on bed bug detection, insecticide performance and resistance, nonchemical treatment, fungal biopesticides, and pest management procurement and contracts. We hope that these investigative findings will spur research on safer, more affordable, and effective control options in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chow-Yang Lee
- Department of Entomology, University of California, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Changlu Wang
- Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Nan-Yao Su
- Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Davie, FL 33314, USA
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Kong D, Han D, Zhai R, Wang C, Zhang J, Xia Y, Nian X, Liu C, He Y, Wang D. A Case Study on Tropical Bed Bug, Cimex hemipterus (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) Infestation and Management in Dormitories. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 116:5-11. [PMID: 35511752 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toac055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Numerous bed bug research papers have been published in the past 20 yr as a result of bed bug (Cimex spp.) (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) resurgence in the world. Yet, few of them focused on the management of the tropical bed bug, C. hemipterus (F.). Here, we describe a case of tropical bed bug infestation in two dormitory buildings and effectiveness of a tropical bed bug treatment program. The study site consisted of 125 dormitories in two buildings. An initial building-wide monitoring with ClimbUp interceptors revealed 25 infestations. The spatial distribution of bed bug infested rooms showed a significant aggregated distribution pattern with same infestation status for neighboring units sharing walls. All infested rooms were monitored every 2 wk and treated using a combination of steam and diatomaceous earth (DE) dust application if bed bugs were still found. For the 25 initially identified infested rooms, after 14 wk treatment, 44% of them no longer had bed bugs, and the mean number of bed bugs captured per room decreased by 94.1%. A combination of steam and DE dust treatment is an effective strategy for suppressing tropical bed bug infestations in dormitory environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delong Kong
- Department of Entomology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Engineering Research Center of Biological Control, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Dongliang Han
- Department of Entomology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Engineering Research Center of Biological Control, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Ruyue Zhai
- Department of Entomology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Engineering Research Center of Biological Control, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Changlu Wang
- Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Jingsheng Zhang
- Department of Entomology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Engineering Research Center of Biological Control, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yanwei Xia
- Department of Entomology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Engineering Research Center of Biological Control, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xiaoge Nian
- Department of Entomology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Engineering Research Center of Biological Control, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Chaofeng Liu
- Department of Statistics, Purdue University, 250 N. University St., West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Yurong He
- Department of Entomology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Engineering Research Center of Biological Control, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Desen Wang
- Department of Entomology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Engineering Research Center of Biological Control, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510642, China
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Doggett SL, Lee CY. Historical and Contemporary Control Options Against Bed Bugs, Cimex spp. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 68:169-190. [PMID: 36198396 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ento-120220-015010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Bed bugs (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) are an important group of obligate hematophagous urban insect pests. The global resurgence of bed bugs, involving the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius L., and the tropical bed bug, Cimex hemipterus (F.), over the past two decades is believed to be primarily due to the development of insecticide resistance, along with global travel and poor pest management, which have contributed to their spread. This review examines and synthesizes the literature on bed bug origins and their global spread and the literature on historical and contemporary control options. This includes bed bug prevention, detection and monitoring, nonchemical and chemical control methodologies (and their limitations), and potential future control options. Future research needs are highlighted, especially the factors behind the modern resurgence, the necessity of identifying differences between the two bed bug species relevant to control, and the need to improve insecticide test protocols and management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen L Doggett
- Department of Medical Entomology, NSW Health Pathology-ICPMR, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia;
| | - Chow-Yang Lee
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, California, USA;
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Moshaverinia A, Raouf-Rahmati A, Jarahi L, Bergquist R, Zorrilla-Vaca A, Kiani F, Jadidoleslami A, Doggett SL, Zarean M, Majma A, Reza Youssefi M, Moghaddas E, Kiani B. Geographical patterns and mechanisms of Cimex lectularius Linnaeus, 1758, and Cimex hemipterus Fabricius, 1803 (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) resistance to insecticides: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:1817-1827. [PMID: 35524788 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07530-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to review published scientific literature on bed bugs in countries where insecticide resistance has been reported worldwide from 2000 to 2021. Electronic databases, including Scopus, PubMed, and WOS, were searched. Out of 606 articles found in the initial search, we selected 57 articles, of which 40 articles had reported on Cimex lectularius (C. lectularius), and 22 papers had reported on Cimex hemipterus (C. hemipterus). Most studies on insecticide resistance were carried out on C. lectularius in North America (14, 35%) and C. hemipterus in Asia (16, 72.7%). The most common method used to detect bed bug resistance to insecticides was toxicological bioassay with an overall random pooled effect size of 0.38 (95% CI: 0.23-0.53) in C. lectularius and 0.46 (95% CI: 0.27-0.65) in C. hemipterus. Resistance to pyrethroids was reported against C. lectularius with an overall pooled effect size of 0.75 (95% CI: 0.56-0.94) and C. hemipterus with an overall pooled effect size of 0.81 (95% CI: 0.57-0.93) in 33.40 (82.5%) and 19.22 (86.3%) published articles, respectively. A very high resistance level to pyrethroids in both studied species was observed, and resistance ratios at the highest level were 76389.3 and 315.5 in C. lectularius and C. hemipterus, respectively. Resistance mechanisms against pyrethroids were reported from most locations except Iran and Thailand, but these mechanisms were not studied in other insecticide groups. These reports indicate that chemical control options for bed bugs are limited. Therefore, a combination of chemical and non-chemical strategies is recommended for bed bug control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Moshaverinia
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amene Raouf-Rahmati
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Lida Jarahi
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Robert Bergquist
- Ingerod, Brastad, Sweden (formerly with the UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization), Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Fatemeh Kiani
- Department of Medical Informatics, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Abbas Jadidoleslami
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Stephen L Doggett
- Department of Medical Entomology, ICPMR, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Mehdi Zarean
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amirhosein Majma
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Youssefi
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Babol-Branch, Islamic Azad University, Babol, Iran
| | - Elham Moghaddas
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Behzad Kiani
- Department of Medical Informatics, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Todd DB, Miller DM, Gordon JR. Field Evaluations of Sulfuryl Fluoride Fumigation for Control of the Common Bed Bug (Hemiptera: Cimicidae), Using a 1.9× Dosage Factor in Motor Vehicles and Filled Cargo Trailers. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 114:857-867. [PMID: 33704428 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toab033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the efficacy of using Vikane gas fumigant (sulfuryl fluoride) at the 1.9× dosage rate for eliminating bed bugs (Cimex lectularius L.) in two challenging infestation situations: personal vehicles, and confined spaces densely packed with personal belongings. The vehicles used in this study were large minivans with seating that folded into the floor. The confined spaces were cargo trailers filled to 85% capacity with books, furniture, and other household items. Each van and trailer was equipped with ~90 sentinel bed bugs consisting of three groups of 9-11 bed bug eggs, 10 nymphs, and 10 adults. The Vikane Fumiguide calculator was used to determine the target dosage (g-h/m3) to apply in each replicate (e.g., one van or trailer). Sulfuryl fluoride concentrations were measured throughout the fumigation process using a Spectros SF-ReportIR. Concentration readings were input into the Fumiguide to determine when the accumulated dosage (g-h/m3) was achieved, and when aeration should be initiated. After aeration was complete, the sentinel bed bugs were removed from the replicates and bed bug nymph and adult mortality was recorded. Bed bug eggs were monitored for 23 d to determine latent mortality. Fumigated bed bug mortality for each replication was 100% regardless of life stage. Latent mortality was observed in a single bed bug egg, but the first instar never fully eclosed. This study determined that fumigation with sulfuryl fluoride at the 1.9× dosage factor is an effective method for eliminating resistant bed bugs from vehicles and personal belongings in densely packed situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- D B Todd
- Department of Entomology, Virginia Tech University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - D M Miller
- Department of Entomology, Virginia Tech University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - J R Gordon
- Douglas Products and Packaging Company, LLC, Liberty, MO, USA
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Gaire S, Lewis CD, Booth W, Scharf ME, Zheng W, Ginzel MD, Gondhalekar AD. Bed bugs, Cimex lectularius L., exhibiting metabolic and target site deltamethrin resistance are susceptible to plant essential oils. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 169:104667. [PMID: 32828373 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2020.104667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Pyrethroid resistance has been a major hurdle limiting the effective control of bed bugs (Cimex lectularius L.). Alternative approaches that include the use of plant essential oils (EOs) have been proposed for effective management of bed bugs. However, EO resistance level comparisons between pyrethroid susceptible and resistant bed bug populations have not been previously conducted. The goal of this study was twofold: (i) determine deltamethrin resistance levels and associated resistance mechanisms in the field-collected Knoxville strain and (ii) quantify resistance levels of the Knoxville strain to five EOs (thyme, oregano, clove, geranium and coriander), their major insecticidal constituents (thymol, carvacrol, eugenol, geraniol and linalool) and an EO-based product (EcoRaider®). First, we found that the Knoxville strain was 72,893 and 291,626 fold more resistant to topically applied deltamethrin in comparison to the susceptible Harlan strain at the LD25 and LD50 lethal dose levels, respectively. Synergist bioassays and detoxification enzyme assays revealed significantly higher activity of cytochrome P450 and esterase enzymes in the resistant Knoxville strain. Further, Sanger sequencing revealed the presence of the L925I mutation in the voltage-sensitive sodium channel α subunit gene. The Knoxville strain that possesses both enzymatic and target site deltamethrin resistance, however, did not show any resistance to EOs, their major insecticidal constituents and EcoRaider® in topical bioassays (resistance ratio of ~1). In conclusion, this study demonstrated that a deltamethrin-resistant strain of bed bugs is susceptible to EOs and their insecticidal constituents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudip Gaire
- Department of Entomology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Current address: Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA.
| | - Cari D Lewis
- Department of Biological Science, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK 74104, USA
| | - Warren Booth
- Department of Biological Science, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK 74104, USA
| | - Michael E Scharf
- Department of Entomology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Wei Zheng
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Matthew D Ginzel
- Department of Entomology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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Feston J, Gaire S, Fardisi M, Mason LJ, Gondhalekar AD. Determining baseline toxicity of ozone against an insecticide-susceptible strain of the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius L. under laboratory conditions. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2020; 76:3108-3116. [PMID: 32302460 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Feston
- Department of Entomology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Insects Limited, Inc., Westfield, IN, USA
| | - Sudip Gaire
- Department of Entomology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Mahsa Fardisi
- Department of Entomology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Linda J Mason
- Department of Entomology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Parola
- From the VITROME (Vecteurs-Infections Tropicales et Méditerranéennes) Research Unit, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille (P.P.), and the Parasitology-Mycology Department, Avicenne Hospital, Bobigny (A.I.) - both in France
| | - Arezki Izri
- From the VITROME (Vecteurs-Infections Tropicales et Méditerranéennes) Research Unit, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille (P.P.), and the Parasitology-Mycology Department, Avicenne Hospital, Bobigny (A.I.) - both in France
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Gondhalekar AD. 2018 Highlights of Urban Entomology. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2019; 56:1188-1193. [PMID: 31505667 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjz093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The field of urban entomology is primarily associated with the study of ants, bed bugs, cockroaches, termites, and other occasional invader pests that are found within or near human-made structures. A wide array of peer-reviewed studies were published in 2018. The topics of these articles ranged from genomes and basic biology of urban insects to various applied aspects of pest management. Key findings of these papers are presented and discussed from the perspective of the contributions they make to the discipline of urban entomology. Additionally, potential future research opportunities that are evident from these publications have been outlined.
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Wang D, Wang C, Zha C. Effect of Steam Treatment on Feeding, Mating, and Fecundity of the Common Bed Bug (Hemiptera: Cimicidae). JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2018; 55:1536-1541. [PMID: 30010901 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjy113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Steam application is an effective and environmentally friendly method for controlling bed bugs, Cimex lectularius L. (Hemiptera: Cimicidae). While a few studies documented the bed bug control efficacy of steam treatment, the sublethal effect of steam treatment on bed bug behavior and female fecundity is unknown. In this study, we evaluated the effect of steam treatment on the movement, feeding, mating behavior, and fecundity of female bed bugs in the laboratory. Bed bug adults received a calibrated steam treatment that caused approximately 28% mortality. The surviving bed bugs were observed for their feeding and mating behavior at 1 d posttreatment, female fecundity during a 7-d observation period, and offspring hatching. Steam-treated bed bugs were less active based on the percentage of bed bugs with movement, moving distance during a 10-min observation period, and feeding rate. However, steam treatment had no significant effect on blood intake (amount of blood taken per meal) among the fed bed bugs. After blood feeding, the steam-treated bed bugs had similar mating events and egg production as the control bed bugs. Furthermore, parental steam exposure had no significant effect on the offspring hatching. In conclusion, steam treatment could temporarily decrease bed bug activity levels and feeding rate, but had no significant impact on bed bug mating behavior and female fecundity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
| | - Changlu Wang
- Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
| | - Chen Zha
- Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
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