Bed Bugs and Bat Bugs

Abstract

Bed bugs (Cimicidae) and bat bugs (Polyctenidae) are blood-sucking ectoparasites adapted to feed on homoeothermic vertebrates. However, Cimicidae members are temporary parasites with a range of hosts, and the Polyctenidae family is only composed of permanent parasites of bats. Since some bed bugs species live in association with humans, many studies were undertaken for their relevance as urban pests. The host-parasite interaction with humans has a long story signed by several attempts for prevention and control. As a result, failures in control practices and continuous re-infestations were often reported. In the last two decades, the re-emergence of bed bugs Cimex lectularius L. and Cimex hemipterus F. was reported worldwide, and the widespread of insecticide resistance is a significant factor involved in the current increase of infestations. In this scenario, the development of new insecticide formulations and the design of alternative strategies like repellents as well as attractants to develop proper monitoring, mass-trapping, and lure and kill tools are needed to tackle quick pesticide resistance development and to improve the efficacy of Integrated Pest Management programs against bed bugs and bat bugs.