Evaluating the Efficacy of <i>Dieffenbachia picta</i> (Araceae) Leaves Insecticidal Activity Against <i>Cimex lectularius </i>in Arba Minch Town

Abstract

The common bed bug, Cimex lectularius, is an age-old human parasite. Recognizing bed bugs as a significant public health concern, the Environmental Protection Agency highlights the need for effective strategies to address infestations and protect people's well-being. Therefore, the aim of this investigation was to evaluate the efficacy of <i>Dieffenbachia picta</i> leaf extracts against bedbugs under laboratory conditions. Insecticidal bio-assay and phytochemical analysis were performed using topical methods and a qualitative analytical protocol. This study demonstrated that extracts obtained from the dumb cane plant using various solvents (methanol, ethanol, distilled water, and acetone) exhibited significant insecticidal activity against bedbugs. Among the solvent extracts, the methanol extract showed a 100% mortality rate, the ethanol extract showed 80%, the acetone extract showed 80%, and the distilled water extract showed 70% mortality at a concentration of 1g/l. A mixture experimental design was used to investigate how the formulation components of the solvent extracts (methanol, ethanol, acetone, and distilled water) affected the synergistic effect and mortality rate. It was found that a combination of 25% methanol, 30% ethanol, 25% acetone, and 20% distilled water effectively demonstrated the optimal synergistic effect of the extracts against bedbug spp. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that extracts from <i>Dieffenbachia picta</i> have the potential to serve as a natural solution for controlling bedbugs.