Bed Bug Cimex Research Articles

Human skin triglycerides prevent bed bug (Cimex lectularius L.) arrestment

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) have proliferated globally and have become one of the most challenging pests to control indoors. They are nocturnal and use multiple sensory cues to detect and orient towards their human hosts. After feeding, usually on a sleeping human, they return to a shelter on or around the sleeping surface, but not directly on the host. We hypothesized that although human skin odors attract hungry bed bugs, human skin compounds may also prevent arrestment on hosts. We used arrestment assays to test human skin swabs, extracts from human skin swabs, and pure compounds identified from human skin swabs. When given a choice, bed bugs preferred to arrest on substrates not previously conditioned by humans. These responses were consistent among laboratory-reared and apartment-collected bed bugs. The compounds responsible for this behavior were found to be extractable in hexane, and bed bugs responded to such extracts in a dose-dependent manner. Bioassay-guided fractionation paired with thin-layer chromatography, GC–MS, and LC–MS analyses suggested that triglycerides (TAGs), common compounds found on human skin, were preventing arrestment on shelters. Bed bugs universally avoided sheltering in TAG-treated shelters, which was independent of the number of carbons or the number of double bonds in the TAG. These results provide strong evidence that the complex of human skin compounds serve as multifunctional semiochemicals for bed bugs, with some odorants attracting host-seeking stages, and others (TAGs and possibly other compounds) preventing bed bug arrestment. Host chemistry, environmental conditions and the physiological state of bed bugs likely influence the dual nature behavioral responses of bed bugs to human skin compounds.

Male diet affects female fitness and sperm competition in human- and bat-associated lineages of the common bedbug, Cimex lectularius

Sperm performance can vary in ecologically divergent populations, but it is often not clear whether the environment per se or genomic differences arising from divergent selection cause the difference. One powerful and easily manipulated environmental effect is diet. Populations of bedbugs (Cimex lectularius) naturally feed either on bat or human blood. These are diverging genetically into a bat-associated and a human-associated lineage. To measure how male diet affects sperm performance, we kept males of two HL and BL populations each on either their own or the foreign diet. Then we investigated male reproductive success in a single mating and sperm competition context. We found that male diet affected female fecundity and changed the outcome of sperm competition, at least in the human lineage. However, this influence of diet on sperm performance was moulded by an interaction. Bat blood generally had a beneficial effect on sperm competitiveness and seemed to be a better food source in both lineages. Few studies have examined the effects of male diet on sperm performance generally, and sperm competition specifically. Our results reinforce the importance to consider the environment in which sperm are produced. In the absence of gene flow, such differences may increase reproductive isolation. In the presence of gene flow, however, the generally better sperm performance after consuming bat blood suggests that the diet is likely to homogenise rather than isolate populations.

The Common Bed Bug (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) Does Not Commonly Use Canines and Felines as a Host in Low-Income, High-Rise Apartments.

The common bed bug (Cimex lectularius L.) is a known pest and an obligate blood-feeding ectoparasite. Bed bugs can feed on warm-blooded animals including humans, bats, poultry, and rabbits, but no research has investigated the use of companion animals (canines and/or felines) as a blood source. This study investigates how long known host DNA could be detected in a bed bug and the prevalence of bed bugs feeding on companion animals. Laboratory-reared bed bugs were fed host blood to determine how long DNA of human, feline, canine, and rabbit blood could be detected up to 21 d postfeeding. Additionally, 228 bed bugs were collected from 12 apartments with pets (6: canine, 5: feline, and 1: canine and feline), characterized as engorged or unengorged, and then screened with host-specific primers to identify the bloodmeal. Host meals of human, rabbit, feline, and canine blood were detected up to 21 d after feeding laboratory strains. All bed bugs died after feeding on the canine blood, but DNA could be detected up to 21 d post feeding/death. Of the field-collected bed bugs analyzed, human DNA was amplified in 158 (69.3%) bed bugs, canine DNA amplified in 7 bed bugs (3.1%), and feline DNA amplified in 1 bed bug (0.4%). Results of this study suggest that bed bugs predominately feed on humans and rarely feed on companion animals when they cohabitate in low-income, high-rise apartments. Additionally, results from this study warrant future investigations into host use by bed bugs in different housing structures and socioeconomic environments.

Magnitude and Spread of Bed Bugs (Cimex lectularius) throughout Ohio (USA) Revealed by Surveys of Pest Management Industry.

Simple SummaryBed bugs are small blood-sucking insects that live indoors and feed on humans. They have become a problem in countries worldwide. In this study, the problem in Ohio (Midwest U.S.) was measured based on treatments by licensed pest control companies throughout the state. Results from 2005 showed that Ohio’s bed bug problem likely started in Hamilton County, which includes Cincinnati. Much larger numbers of bed bug treatments were performed in 2011 and again in 2016, especially in counties with large cities. Almost every Ohio county had numerous bed bug treatments in 2016. Most treatments were in apartments/condos and single-family homes. Residents misused many pesticides, especially over-the-counter “bug bombs” and household cleaners, trying to eliminate bed bugs. Many people also threw away unwrapped infested furniture, which may further spread these bugs. More public education is needed to stop such practices. This study shows that bed bug problems can grow and spread quickly. Federal, state, and local officials and the public should immediately deal with bed bugs rather than waiting until they become an even bigger problem.Bed bugs have recently re-emerged as human pests worldwide. In this study, two surveys queried licensed pest management companies in Ohio (Midwest USA) about their experiences managing bed bugs. A primary objective was to assess the magnitude and spread of bed bug infestations statewide based on companies’ treatment records from 2005 and 2011 (first survey) and 2016 (second survey). The survey response rates were 35.6% and 31.6%, respectively. Treatment data from 2005 indicated that Ohio’s bed bug problem likely started in the SW corner of the state in Hamilton County (includes city of Cincinnati), since it totaled five times more treatments (approximately 4500) than second-ranking, centrally located Franklin County (Columbus). In the first half of 2011, more than 15,000 treatments were performed in these two counties. In 2016, treatments reached nearly 38,000 in Franklin County and in NE Ohio in the three combined counties that include Cleveland-Akron-Canton. Bed bug problems expanded statewide during an 11 y period, with an estimated 100+ treatments in 7 counties in 2005, 45 counties in 2011, and nearly all 88 counties in 2016. Apartments/condos and single-family residences comprised the largest share of bed bug work. Residents misused many pesticides and household cleaners trying to eliminate bed bugs. Many also discarded unwrapped infested furniture, which may further spread these bugs. More public education is needed to stop such practices. This study shows that bed bug problems grow and spread quickly; federal, state, and local officials and the public should immediately deal with bed bugs.

30 years of samples submitted to an Australian Medical Entomology Department

AbstractArthropods are the cause of considerable human morbidity. In spite of numerous text books and reviews published on arthropods of medical importance, this is the first paper in the world to present a comprehensive review of specimens sent to a medical entomology laboratory over an extended period. The Department of Medical Entomology at Westmead Hospital is the New South Wales reference laboratory for arthropods of medical importance. In the years 1988–2017, there were 5655 samples submitted for identification. Some 25 orders, 188 families and 177 different genera were recorded, with 170 unique species. The most common specimens included the Australian paralysis tick Ixodes holocyclus (708 specimens submitted), the bird mite Ornithonyssus bursa (506), bed bugs Cimex spp. (149), moth flies Clogmia spp. (135), head lice Pediculus capitis (105), pubic lice Pthirus pubis (91) and scabies Sarcoptes scabiei (57). In 1211 samples submitted, there was no evidence for any life stages of arthropods. For these common samples, data analysed included yearly and seasonal trends, female vs. male patient submissions and the age classes of the patients. Some species such as I. holocyclus, O. bursa, Cimex spp., Clogmia spp. and P. capitis demonstrated strong seasonal trends. In the case of the female vs. male patients, there were significant differences in submissions with O. bursa, P. capitis, P. pubis and with the samples containing no arthropod evidence. Of these, only with P. pubis did more males submit than females. Younger ages classes (<10 years) were more associated with I. holocyclus and P. capitis, older patients >70 years) with scabies, mature females (50–69 years) with samples containing no evidence of arthropods and middle‐aged adults (40–69) with the remainder of the common samples. Key diagnostic features are included for some of the more challenging arthropod species to distinguish and as well as case studies provided of situations involving unique or unusual infestations. The data provides useful information on the risks that arthropods of medical importance pose to the community and will refine educational programs.

Assessment of Contact and Residual Efficacy of Natural-based and Commercial Products for Bed Bug (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) Control

The common bed bug (Cimex lectularius L.) has recently surged in numbers internationally. A variety of plant-based, or “natural”, products that are stated to kill or repel bed bugs are being marketed directly to consumers, even though the efficacy of many of these products remains poorly known. This study was conducted to determine whether some products advertised as natural are potential tools for management of bed bugs. Five natural-based products were applied as direct sprays to insecticide-susceptible (Harlan) and pyrethroid-resistant (Jersey City) strains of bed bug. Products that were most effective as direct sprays were chosen for residual-spray assays, which were compared with an industry-standard insecticide labeled for control of bed bugs. Both assays were conducted for a 2-wk period. For direct-spray assays, Green Bug® was the only product to produce 100% mortality within 1 min–1 hr (based on strain). Bed Bug Patrol® required 1–2 wk (based on strain) to produce 100% mortality, whereas all other products failed to exceed 70% mortality by the end of the 2-wk period. The two natural-based products (Bed Bug Patrol® and Green Bug®) selected for residual-spray assays failed to differ from the control. Zenprox® (0.25%) produced 100% mortality when applied to the insecticide-susceptible (Harlan) strain yet failed to differ from the control when applied to the pyrethroid-resistant (Jersey City) strain. These findings demonstrate that some natural-based products may be ineffective as residual spray applications for bed bug management.

Protein Self-Marking by Ectoparasites: A Case Study Using Bed Bugs (Hemiptera: Cimicidae).

The ability to mark individuals is a critical feature of many entomological investigations, including dispersal studies. Insect dispersal is generally investigated using mark-release-recapture techniques, whereby marked individuals are released at a known location and then captured at a measured distance. Ectoparasite dispersal has historically been challenging to study, in part because of the ethical concerns associated with releasing marked individuals. Here, we introduce the protein self-marking technique, whereby ectoparasites mark themselves in the field by feeding on the blood of an introduced host. We demonstrate the potential of this technique using laboratory-reared bed bugs (Cimex lectularius L.) that marked themselves by feeding on either rabbit or chicken blood. We then used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to detect host-specific blood serum proteins in bed bugs. We assessed these protein markers' ability to 1) distinctively identify marked individuals, 2) persist following multiple feedings on an alternate diet, 3) persist over time across a range of temperatures, and 4) transfer from marked to unmarked individuals. Protein markers were detectable in bed bugs before and after molting, remained detectible after multiple feedings on an alternate diet, persisted regardless of whether an individual was starved or fed on an alternate diet following original mark acquisition, and did not transfer between individuals. The duration of detectability depended on temperature. Our results suggest that protein self-marking is an effective technique for marking bed bugs and holds promise for use in dispersal studies of ectoparasitic insects.

Desiccant dust and the use of CO2 gas as a mobility stimulant for bed bugs: a potential control solution?

The common bed bug (Cimex lectularius, Hemiptera; Cimicidae) infests homes and service industries, and the number of infestations has greatly increased over the past 20 years. At present, no cost-effective control methods are available, and eradication programs are expensive and laborious. We investigated the control potential of desiccant dust in combination with CO2 as a bed bug activity stimulant. An initial experiment with two desiccant dusts was followed by arena studies with varying doses, available hiding places and the presence or absence of host signals. Finally, we conducted a field experiment with Syloid 244FP with or without CO2 gas. Syloid was superior compared to diatomaceous earth, and effective at the concentration of 1.0 g/m2 in the field experiment. The number of harborages and partial application of desiccant dust decreased mortality in the laboratory. Bed bug activation by CO2 appeared of minor importance in the arena studies, but was crucial for the eradication in the student dormitories. In fact, all 5 bed bug-infested dormitories with a combined treatment of desiccant dust and CO2 were freed of bed bugs, whereas eradication was not successful in any of the 6 dormitories with only desiccant dust treatment. The different results in the laboratory and field experiment were most likely caused by the longer activation and higher dose of CO2 used in the field experiment than the laboratory experiment. Our study showed that application of desiccant dust in combination with release of CO2 gas to mimic human presence is a promising option for bed bug control.

Reporting of bedbug treatment exposures to Texas poison centres

Bed bugs are small, blood-sucking insects. The common bed bug (Cimex lectularius) is reddish-brown in colour, with an oval, flattened body 1e6 mm in length when not blood engorged. It feeds on the blood of warm-blooded animals, preferably humans. Bed bugs usually bite people at night while they are asleep. Some people demonstrate little or no reaction to the bites, while others develop a range of dermatological reactions and, in rare cases, anaphylaxis. Bed bugs are not known to transmit infectious agents. Following the introduction of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) in the 1950s, bed bugs virtually disappeared from the USA. However, there has been a resurgence in bedbug infestations in recent years. Pest control companies are reporting more infestations now than 10 years ago. Several explanations have been offered for this resurgence, including increased movement of people within the USA and internationally. In addition, bed bugs have developed resistance to many pesticides. The most common methods to treat bedbug infestations include application of heat, cold and/or pesticides. It is often recommended that management of bedbug infestations should be left to professionals such as pest control companies. However, some pesticide products are advertised directly to

Sleeping with the Enemy

The article discusses the return of bedbugs in the U.S. after a 50-year absence. According to the author, the bedbug (Cimex lectularius) was largely eradicated as a result of the development of broad-spectrum pesticides, such as the insecticide DDT. He notes that bedbug infestation is not limited to crowded, urban areas, but has extended into college dormitories, upscale hotels, and retail establishments. Topics include a historical overview of humanity's struggle with bedbugs, factors influencing their return, such as insecticide resistance, and research identifying several aspects of bedbug biology and behavior that may lead to their successful detection and eradication. INSETS: A Brief History of Bed Bug;Know Thy Enemy.

Bed Bugs (Cimex lectularius) and Clinical Consequences of Their Bites

Bed Bugs (Cimex lectularius) and Clinical Consequences of Their Bites

Encasing Mattresses in Black Plastic Will Not Provide Thermal Control of Bed Bugs, <I>Cimex</I> spp. (Hemiptera: Cimicidae)

The suggestion that bed bug (Cimex spp.; Hemiptera: Cimicidae)-infested mattresses wrapped in black plastic and exposed to sunlight will be heated sufficiently to kill the bed bugs was tested. Two types of mattresses were tested: a thin mattress of solid foam rubber and a thick multilayered inner spring mattress. Temperature probes were placed on both upper and lower sides of the mattresses, which were wrapped in black plastic and placed outside on a summer day for >9 h wherein the ambient temperature peaked at 36.5 degrees C. The maximum recorded temperature on the upper (sun-exposed) sides was 85 degrees C for both mattresses, whereas lower side temperatures for the thick mattress never exceeded 35 degreesC, and some areas of the thin mattress failed to exceed 36.50C. Therefore, with published thermal death points of 40-45 degrees C depending on exposure time, and opportunities for bed bugs to avoid lethal temperatures by retreating from hot zones, this technique seems to be not suitable for bed bug management.

Oxygen tension and sperm migration in the female bed bug.

Common bed bugs (Cimex spp) have an uncommon way of insemination, haemocoelic insemination. Sperm deposited in a pouch, the spermalege (Fig. 1), in the abodomen of the female, migrate to sperm storing organs through the haemocoel which is filled with haemolymph. Highly motile sperm in the haemocoel exhibit directed migration towards their storage sites, the conceptaculae (Abraham, 1934). The sperm, being outside the reproductive organs and surrounded by visceral organs in the haemocoel, must orientate themselves towards the conceptaculae by some mechanism. Abraham (1934) proposed sperm chemotaxis although he did not get evidence that any part of the female reproductive tissue attracted sperm. By comparing the sperm migration in related groups of bugs, it was suggested that an oxygen gradient could be responsible for directed migration of sperm in bed bugs (Carayon, 1966). The aggregated sperm attach themselves to the wall of the lateral oviducts during their migration and drag themselves toward the conceptacula (Davis, 1966). During in vitro experiments, the aggregated sperm masses when introduced into a gradient of oxygen in buffer, move towards the higher concentration of oxygen (Rao and Davis, 1969). Thus the measurement of oxygen tension in the haemolymph has become necessary to establish whether there is an oxygen concentration gradient along the path of migrating sperm in the female bug.

Transfer of radioactive tracer by the bedbug Cimex hemipterus (Hemiptera: Cimicidae): a model for mechanical transmission of hepatitis B virus.

Experiments designed to assess the potential of bedbugs ( Cimex hemipterus ) to mechanically transmit viruses, especially hepatitis B virus, are described. Bedbugs allowed to probe on an artificial feeder containing a highly radioactive solution were then immediately transferred to an identical feeder containing no radioisotope. By measuring the radioactivity of the contents of the 2nd feeder, the amount of liquid transferred was estimated. Each insect transferred an average of 150 to 180 μm3 of fluid. The implication of this result for transmission of hepatitis B virus depends on the titer of virus in the superficial tissue fluids sampled by the insects, and on the infectivity of the virus when inoculated subcutaneously. These factors require further study.

Systemic and Contact Insecticidal Effectiveness of Selected Chemicals Administered Orally or Dermally to Rabbits

Butonate, Monsanto CP 10502(1-(dimethoxyphosphinyl) vinyl dimethyl phosphate), phosphamidon, and Sevin® (1-naphthyl N -methylcarbamate) administered as a single oral dose to rabbits were quite effective against the bed bug (Cimex lectularis L.) taking a blood meal, but were less effective against the Gulf Coast tick (Amblyomma maculatum Koch). Dimethoate and Shell SD 3562 (2-dimethykarbamoyl-1-methylvinyl dimethyl phosphate) applied dermally to rabbits at 100 mg. per kg. were highly effective as systemics against the bed bug for 5 and 48 hours posttreatment, respectively; Bayer 29493 ( O,O -dimethyl O -[4-(methylthio)- m -tolyl] phosphorothioate) was slightly less effective. As a contact insecticide, the residual effectiveness of Sevin was considerably longer than several other compounds tested.

Selective Toxicity and Animal Systemic Effectiveness of Several Organophosphates

The toxicity of 17 organophosphates to rats varied with the substituents surrounding the phosphorus atom and the route of administration. Compounds with the highest rat/house fly toxicity ratios were dimethoate, Dibrom®, ( O, O -dimethyl- O -(1,2,- dibromo-2,2-dichloroethyl) phosphate), and Bayer 29493 (O, O- dimethyl (O) 4-methyl-mercapto-3-methylphcnyl phosphorothioate). Dimethoate, Bayer 29493, Bayer 23453 ( O, O -dimethyl S-2-(ethylsulfinyl)ethyl phosphorodithioate), Bayer 24498 (O, O- dimethyl S-(methylsulfinyl)ethyl phosphorothioate), Bayer 25198 (O,O-dimethyl O-p -methylsulfinylphenyl phosphorothioate), and Shell SD 3562 (3-(dimethoxyphosphinyloxy)- N,N -dimethylcrotonamide) administered orally to rabbits were effective as animal systemics against the bed bug (Cimex lectularius L.) and Gulf Coast tick (Amblyomma maculatum Koch). The residual effectiveness (complete kill of test arthropods) of the systemically active esters was: dimethoate and Shell SD 3562, 2 hours, Bayer 24498, 4 hours; Bayer 25198, 6 hours; Bayer 23453 and Bayer 29493, 14 hours.

Resistance Tests with the Bed Bug and Evaluation of Insecticides for Its Control

Resistance to DDT was demonstrated in bed bugs ( Cimex lectularius L.) from Japan, Korea, Ohio, and two naval vessels. A continuous exposure test for determining the presence of resistance is described. In laboratory tests residues of malathion, Am. Cyanamid 4124, and synergized pyrethrins were effective for the longest periods. Diazinon gave the fastest reduction of natural infestations. Dow ET-57 (sampled as ET-14), Dipterex, Chlorthion, malathion, dieldrin, and DDT gave slower but complete control. Synergized pyrethrins gave complete control in 2 days, but newly hatched nymphs were present after 1 week.

Histopathologic correlation of lesions of papular urticaria and positive skin test reactions to insect antigens.

A SUBSTANTIAL body of evidence indicates that many cases of papular urticaria are related to insect bite sensitivity.*This opinion is based, in part, on the fact that the patients with papular urticaria give positive delayed (tuberculin type) skin test reactions to the intradermal injection of insect antigen. (Figs. 1, 2, and 3). In an effort to determine the validity of this etiologic concept, we have examined a number of lesions of papular urticaria histologically and have compared these findings with those of positive urticarial and delayed tuberculin-type skin reactions to insect antigen, and with ordinary insect bites. These studies have shown a striking similarity of such lesions. METHOD OF STUDY Patients with papular urticaria were given intracutaneous injections of mosquito (Culex pipiens) flea, (Ctenocephalides felis), and bedbug (Cimex lectularius) antigens. These antigens were prepared after the method of Cherney and co-workers14; 0.1 cc. of 1: 5,000

Evaluation of Selected Insecticides and Drugs as Chemotherapeutic Agents against External Bloodsucking Parasites

Lindquist, Knipling, Jones, and Madden (1944) demonstrated that bed bugs (Cimex lectularius L. and C. hemipterus F.) could be killed when fed on rabbits that had been given sublethal oral doses of DDT and pyrethrum. Some toxic action to stable flies (Stomoxys calcitrans (L.)) that had engorged on rabbits given pyrethrum was also apparent. The dosages required to produce insecticidal action in the blood of the host were relatively high, usually over 300 mg per kilogram of body weight. The results showed, however, that bloodsucking insects could be destroyed by internal medication of the host. Recently De Meillon (1946) demonstrated that Aedes aegypti (L.), Cimex lectularius, and Ornithodoros moubata (Murray) were killed or affected when they fed on a rabbit given benzene hexachloride. Parman, Abbott, Culver, and Davidson (1928), Bruce (1940), Creighton, Dekle, and Russell (1943), and Emmel (1942) had previously been unable to demonstrate control of external parasites of animals by internal medication. Investigations by Knipling (1938) and Bruce (1939, 1940) demonstrated that phenothiazine and other chemicals fed to cattle would destroy larvae of the horn fly (Siphona irritans L.) breeding in the manure. Roark (1946), in reviewing some of the published work on internal therapy for plant and animal parasites, expressed a belief that this field of investigation offered promise for the development of effective agents that might be employed in this manner. In June 1946 investigations were initiated by the writers at the Orlando, Fla., laboratory of the Bureau of Entomology and Plant Quarantine to determine the therapeutic value against several bloodsucking insects and arachnids of certain selected insecticides and drugs when administered to rabbits. The results of these investigations are herein reported.

The Influence of certain biological Factors on the Resistance of Bed-bugs (Cimex lectularius, L.) to DDT

The work described below forms part of an investigation to determine the residual toxicity of DDT when applied to the surface of materials commonly used in the construction of buildings. the bed-bug (Cimex lectularius, L.), because of its wide distribution and habit of infesting surfaces, either exposed or hidden, is an eminently suitable subject for such an investigation. In order to compare the residual toxicity of different surfaces after treatment with DDT, it was considered an essential preliminary step to ascertain whether or not the biological condition of the insect influenced its resistance to the insecticide. The present investigation was, therefore, undertaken to establish any possible variations in resistance which could be correlated with one or more of the following biological factors:— 1. starvation for different periods; 2. sex; 3. stage in the life-history; 4. temperature.