Household Insect Pests Research Articles

Understanding pyrethrin biosynthesis: toward and beyond natural pesticide overproduction.

Pyrethrins are natural insecticides biosynthesised by Asteraceae plants, such as Tanacetum cinerariifolium and have a long history, dating back to ancient times. Pyrethrins are often used as low-persistence and safe insecticides to control household, horticultural, and agricultural insect pests. Despite its long history of use, pyrethrin biosynthesis remains a mystery, presenting a significant opportunity to improve yields and meet the growing demand for organic agriculture. To achieve this, both genetic modification and non-genetic methods, such as chemical activation and priming, are indispensable. Plants use pyrethrins as a defence against herbivores, but pyrethrin biosynthesis pathways are shared with plant hormones and signal molecules. Hence, the insight that pyrethrins may play broader roles than those traditionally expected is invaluable to advance the basic and applied sciences of pyrethrins.

Role of Mermithid Nematodes in the Management of Agricultural and Household Insect Pests: A review

The increasing challenges associated with using chemicals in managing agricultural and household insect pests has prompted a re-evaluation of previous approaches and the search for new ones as alternatives or supplements to the present management programmes. The introduction and release of bio-agents, like fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes, and insects for the control of pests is a novel biological control strategy. Among bio-agents, the role of mermithid nematodes in insect-pest management has been considered. Mermithids are prime candidates for biocontrol of insects due to their adaptability to the life cycle of the host, a high degree of host specificity often limited to one or more species of insects, high reproductive potential, free swimming behavior making dissemination of pre-parasitic stage easy, pathogenic ability and high levels of parasitism. Another useful trait favoring their employability is their non-feeding habit soon after emerging from the host body, making their handling simple. The morphological, physiological, and behavioral responses of host insects are significantly disrupted by mermithid infective juveniles often the J2 stage. Many mermithid infections cause abdominal distortion, discolored cuticle/integument, and a decrease in total fat body content of the host. The parasitism by these nematodes can lead to formation of intersexual conditions in the host insects which also create distortion to endocrine system. Owing to such mechanism of parasitism of mermithids, these nematodes are one the best considerations as bio-control agents.

Molecular analysis of acetylcholinesterase gene in field-collected populations of Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae) in Northwestern Iran.

Nowadays, pyrethroid (Py) insecticides are commonly used against household insect pests and housefly. The combination of Py and organophosphates (OP) are also utilized to combat these insects. The resistance status of Iranian housefly populations to them and carbamate (CB) insecticides is uncertain. This study investigates the presence of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) mutations related to the resistance of Musca domestica to OP and/or CB insecticides in Northwestern Iran. Nucleotides 1041-1776, based on their positions in the ACE gene of aabys strain, were amplified and sequenced in houseflies collected from West Azerbaijan, Gilan, and Ardebil Provinces, Iran. Among 12 single-nucleotide polymorphisms detected, 3 mismatches were found at nucleotides 1174 (T/A, G), 1473 (G/T, C), and 1668 (T/A), leading to amino acid substitutions in V260L, G342A/V, and F407Y positions with various combinations. Genotyping results showed that 85% of specimens had at least one of these substitutions. In addition, the Iranian housefly population was composed of 5 insensitive and sensitive alleles. For the first time, the current study reports the presence of V260L, G342A, G342V, and F407Y substitutions in M. domestica specimens collected from Northwestern Iran. The selection of multiple alleles in field populations might be due to the application of various pesticides/insecticides during extended periods in the region. These molecular levels signify the presence of control problems in the area and the need for developing effective control strategies for such populations.

Harmful effects of fipronil exposure on the behavior and brain of the stingless bee Partamona helleri Friese (Hymenoptera: Meliponini)

Fipronil is a pesticide widely used to control agricultural and household insect pests. However, fipronil is highly toxic to non-target insects, including pollinators. In this study, we investigated the acute effects of fipronil on the behavior, brain morphology, antioxidant activity, and proteins related to signaling pathways on the brain of workers of the stingless bee Partamona helleri. The ingestion of fipronil increases both the walking distance and velocity and causes enlarged intercellular spaces in the Kenyon cells and intense vacuolization in the neuropils of the brain. Moreover, fipronil decreases the activity of catalase (CAT) and increases the activity of glutathione S-transferase (GST). However, there is no difference in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity between the control and fipronil. Regarding immunofluorescence analysis, bees exposed to fipronil showed an increase in the number of cells positive for cleaved caspase-3 and peroxidase, but a reduction in the number of cells positive for ERK 1/2, JNK and Notch, suggesting neuron death and impaired brain function. Our results demonstrate that fipronil has harmful effects on the behavior and brain of a stingless bee, which may threaten the individuals and colonies of this pollinator.

Sublethal Effects of Indigenous Plant Extracts on the Biochemical Composition of Midgut of Carpenter ant, Camponotus compressus F. (Hymenoptera : Formicidae)

The sublethal effects of methanolic leaf extracts of some indigenous plant, Azadirachta indica (Neem), Ipomoea carnea (Beshram), Vitex negundo (Nirgudi), Tridax procumbens (Kambarmodi) and Pongamia glabra (Karanj) studied to determine the biochemical and histopathological assay of midgut of household insect pest the carpenter ant, Camponotus compressus F. The methanolic leaf extract of Ipomoea carnea and other plants induced sublethal cyto-morphological changes disturbing the biochemical composition of the midgut of the carpenter ant. During the treatment of formulations, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% methanolic leaf extracts against the group of carpenter ants demonstrate maximum percentage mortality. After the interval of 24, 48 and 72 hours of the treatment the biochemical constituents such as total proteins, carbohydrates and lipids were significantly reduced in concentrations. The biochemical studies and ultra structural changes in the midgut were observed significant variation in biochemical composition with greatly elongated, vacuolated columnar cells and reduce diameter of nucleus. The study on application of the 20% methanolic leaf extracts of Ipomoea carnea followed by other plants suggested the significant sub-lethal effects on the digestion, absorption and bimolecular metabolism in the midgut due to the action of toxicant present in the leaf extracts. The present study evaluates the physiological and biochemical changes induced by the application of natural organic herbal formulations prepared from some easily available indigenous plants to control household insect pests.

Comparative Efficacy of Residual Insecticides against the Turkestan Cockroach, Blatta lateralis, (Blattodea: Blattidae) on Different Substrates.

The Turkestan cockroach, Blatta lateralis (Walker) is an invasive urban pest prevalent throughout the Southwestern United States. Despite the presence of this cockroach in peridomestic areas, there is limited information on strategies that can be utilized by pest management professionals (PMPs) to effectively manage populations of this pest. We evaluated the efficacy of dry residues of liquid insecticides commonly used for household and structural insect pest control: Tandem (0.10% thiamethoxam, 0.03% lambda-cyhalothrin), Transport GHP (0.05% acetamiprid, 0.06% bifenthrin), Temprid SC (0.10% imidacloprid, 0.05% beta-cyfluthrin), Demand CS (0.06% lambda-cyhalothrin), Talstar P (0.06% bifenthrin), and Phantom (0.5% chlorfenapyr) on three different substrates against Turkestan cockroach nymphs. Except for Phantom and Talstar P, all insecticide formulations killed 100% of the cockroaches on concrete, 89–100% on tile, and 77–100% on wood within 4 days. The rate of cockroach mortality varied according to the substrates to which they were exposed. Temprid SC and Transport GHP killed cockroaches faster on tile than wood. Tandem provided a faster mortality rate than Transport GHP and Temprid SC on concrete. Demand CS and Tandem killed cockroaches at similar rates on the three substrates. This study provides information to guide PMPs in their selection of insecticide formulations for the management of Turkestan cockroach infestations.

Laboratory evaluation of toxicity of spinosad tablets and tracer 48 SC insecticides against different stages of American cockroaches (Periplaneta americana L.), in Jeddah governorate

Periplaneta americana is an important household insect pest worldwide and acts as a mechanical vector and reservoir for pathogenic agents. Fermented insecticides are biopesticide, derived from fermentation by the soil-dwelling actinomycete. The aim of this study was to test the susceptibility of Spinosad tablets and Tracer 48 SC against P. americana adults and nymphs using different concentrations. Bioassays were done by feeding and contact toxicity methods. Mortality was recorded after 48 hours of exposure. Mortality data from the replicates was assessed by probit analysis. All tested insects showed high susceptibility for spinosad compared with the control. The effectiveness of fermented insecticides against susceptible different stages of P. americana showed that these formulations can be strongly effective for the control of P. americana.

Influence of the public's perception, attitudes, and knowledge on the implementation of integrated pest management for household insect pests

AbstractHouseholds are mini‐ecosystems that provide a variety of conditions in which a variety of insect species can develop. Whether these insects are considered pests, largely depends on the perception, attitudes, and knowledge of the human inhabitants of the house. If considered unacceptable, residents can attempt to manage the insects themselves, or hire a professional. A pest management professional can provide a quick‐fix solution, often relying on the sole use of insecticides, or a sustainable solution through integrated pest management (IPM). In this review, it is discussed how the public's perception, attitudes, and knowledge affect the implementation of IPM in the household through the following steps: inspection, identification, establishment of a threshold level, pest control, and evaluation of effectiveness. Furthermore, recent and novel developments within the fields of inspection, identification, and pest control that allow to address pest infestations more effectively are described and their implementation in the household environment is discussed. In general, pest management in the household environment is reactive instead of pro‐active. The general public lacks the knowledge of the pest insects’ biology to identify the species, perform a proper inspection and identify causes of pest presence, as well as the knowledge of the available tools for monitoring and pest control. The percentage of individuals that seek professional aid in identification and pest control is relatively low. Moreover, the perception of and attitudes towards household insects generally result in low threshold levels. Current developments of methods for monitoring, identification, and control of insect pests in the household environment are promising, such as DNA barcoding, matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight and RNA interference. Efforts should be strengthened to alter the perception and attitude, and increase the knowledge of the non‐professional stakeholders, so that correct pest management decisions can be taken.

Lethal effect of blue light on strawberry leaf beetle, Galerucella grisescens (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

In a previous study, we found that blue-light irradiation kills insects such as fruit flies, mosquitos, and flour beetles. However, the lethal effects of blue light on coleopteran field crop pests have not been investigated. Chrysomelidae, a major family in phytophagous beetles, includes many species of crop pests. We investigated the lethal effect of blue light on chrysomelid beetles by examining the mortality of the strawberry leaf beetle Galerucella grisescens irradiated with different wavelengths of blue light during the non-mobile egg or pupal stage by using light-emitting diodes. Fifty to seventy percent of beetles irradiated with 407, 417, 438, or 465-nm lights at 15 × 1018 photons·m−2·s−1 during the egg stage died before hatching; ca. 90% of hatchlings irradiated with 438-nm light during the egg stage died before eclosion; and 35–55% of beetles irradiated with 407, 417, 454, and 465-nm lights at the same intensity during the pupal stage died before eclosion. Field crop pests are considered to have high tolerance to blue light because they are usually exposed to sunlight in their natural habitats. However, this study suggests that blue light can kill some field crop as well as household insect pests.

Lip b 1 is a novel allergenic protein isolated from the booklouse, Liposcelis bostrychophila.

Booklice, belonging to the order Psocoptera, are small household insect pests that are distributed worldwide. Liposcelis bostrychophila, a common home-inhabiting species of booklouse, infests old books, sheets of paper, and stored food. Recent entomological and serological studies demonstrated that L. bostrychophila accounted for the majority of detectable insects in house dust and could be a potent inducer of respiratory allergy. Our recent proteomic analysis identified a potent allergenic protein from L. bostrychophila, designated Lip b 1, and determined its partial amino acid sequences. Cloning of cDNAs for Lip b 1 was performed by large-scale transcriptome analysis (RNA-seq) and subsequent reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The full-length amino acid sequences deduced from Lip b 1 cDNAs were bioinformatically analyzed. The recombinant proteins of glutathione S-transferase (GST)-fused Lip b 1 were analyzed by Western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Lip b 1 cDNAs encoding two types of 254-amino acid proteins were cloned. The clones shared 87% identity, and the deduced molecular weights and isoelectric points were consistent with those determined in our previous study. The two types of Lip b 1 proteins in the GST-fused form were similarly reactive with sera from allergic patients sensitized with L. bostrychophila. Lip b 1 is a novel protein possibly causing booklouse allergy.

Transcriptome based identification and tissue expression profiles of chemosensory genes in Blattella germanica (Blattaria: Blattidae)

Blattalla germanica is one of the most notorious household insect pests, and evolutionally more primitive than those well studied moths and flies, regarding the molecular mechanisms of chemosensation. In this study, we sequenced, for the first time, the antennal transcriptome of B. germanica using the Illumina HiSeq™ 2000 platform and then conducted the bioinformatic analysis of the data. In total, we identified 73 putative chemosensory genes, with 62 genes being novel in this species. These chemosensory genes included 48 odorant binding proteins (OBPs), 9 chemosensory proteins (CSPs), 6 sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs), 5 odorant receptors (ORs) and 5 ionotropic receptors (IRs). Notably, Plus-C OBPs account for an exceptionally high proportion (39.58%) of the total 48 OBPs in this primitive insect. To predict the chemosensory functions of the genes, a detailed global tissue expression profiling was investigated by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Most OBP genes showed a chemosensory tissue biased profile, while CSP transcripts were widely and evenly expressed in different tissues. Furthermore, we found that more than half the chemosensory genes were expressed in the cerci, implying the important chemosensory functions of the organ in B. germanica. Taken together, our study provides important bases for elucidation of the molecular mechanisms and evolution of insect chemosensation, and for development of the chemosensation based techniques to control B. germanica.

Molecular Detection of Knockdown Resistance (kdr) inBlattella germanica(Blattodea: Blattellidae) From Northwestern Iran

Pyrethroid insecticides are highly insecticidal compounds that are widely used against the German cockroach, a significant household insect pest. In several insect species, there is a point mutation in the para-type sodium channel gene associated with knockdown resistance (kdr). In the current study, genomic DNA was analyzed in the region where the kdr and super-kdr (an enhanced form of pyrethroid resistance) mutations reside in Blatella germanica (L., 1767) (Blattodea: Blattellidae) collected from Iran. Studies on the extracted DNA from hand-captured German cockroach specimens were conducted by polymerase chain reaction and sequencing to detect related mutations. The kdr mutation, substitution of G for C (L1014F), which results in amino acid replacement (leucine with phenylalanine), was detected in all 18 sequenced specimens from three different locations. However, the super-kdr mutation (M918T), which is detected in super-kdr house flies, was not found in the sequences of the current study. The high ratio of the kdr mutation in a field population of B. germanica in Urmia confirms that the individuals are homozygous. These data should be helpful in designing and implementing a control program and resistance management.

Decaleside: a new class of natural insecticide targeting tarsal gustatory sites

Natural sources for novel insecticide molecules hold promise in view of their eco-friendly nature, selectivity, and mammalian safety. Recent progress in understanding the biology of insect olfaction and taste offers new strategies for developing selective pest control agents. We have isolated two natural insecticidal molecules from edible roots of Decalepis hamiltonii named Decalesides I and II, which are novel trisaccharides, highly toxic to household insect pests and stored-product insects. We have experimentally shown that insecticidal activity requires contact with tarsi on the legs but is not toxic orally. The insecticidal activity of molecules is lost by hydrolysis, and various sugars modify toxic response, showing that the insecticidal activity is via gustatory sites on the tarsi. Selective toxicity to insects by virtue of their gustatory site of action and the mammalian safety of the new insecticides is inherent in their chemical structure with 1-4 or 1-1 α linkage that is easily hydrolyzed by digestive enzymes of mammals. Decalesides represent a new chemical class of natural insecticides with a unique mode of action targeting tarsal chemosensory/gustatory system of insects.

Allergenicity and Cross-Reactivity of Booklice (Liposcelis bostrichophila): A Common Household Insect Pest in Japan

Background: Booklice (Liposcelis bostrichophila) are a common household insect pest distributed worldwide. Particularly in Japan, they infest ‘tatami’ mats and are the most frequently detected insect among all detectable insects, present at a frequency of about 90% in dust samples. Although it has been hypothesized that they are an important indoor allergen, studies on their allergenicity have been limited. Methods: To clarify the allergenicity of booklice and the cross-reactivity of this insect allergen with allergens of other insects, patients sensitized to booklice were identified from 185 Japanese adults with allergic asthma using skin tests and IgE-ELISA. IgE-inhibition analysis, immunoblotting and immunoblotting-inhibition analysis were performed using sera from these patients. Allergenic proteins contributing to specific sensitization to booklice were identified by two-dimensional electrophoresis and two-dimensional immunoblotting. Results: The booklouse-specific IgE antibody was detected in sera from 41 patients (22% of studied patients). IgE inhibition analysis revealed that IgE reactivity to the booklouse allergen in the sera from one third of booklouse-sensitized patients was not inhibited by preincubation with extracts from any other environmental insects in this study. Immunoblotting identified a 26-kD protein from booklouse extract as the allergenic protein contributing to specific sensitization to booklice. The amino acid sequence of peptide fragments of this protein showed no homology to those of previously described allergenic proteins, indicating that this protein is a new allergen. Conclusions: Sensitization to booklice was relatively common and specific sensitization to this insect not related to insect panallergy was indicated in this population.

Susceptibility of Field Populations of Blattella germanica (Blattaria: Blattellidae) to Spinosad

The German cockroach is an important household insect pest worldwide and acts as a mechanical vector and reservoir for pathogenic agents. The aim of this study was to examine the basic laboratory toxicity of Blattella germanica to spinosad. The M, T, A22, AZAR4, BOOSTAN7 and ABAN21 strains were collected from field populations of six infested kitchen student dormitories and the SAMAN strain was collected from a residential area after insecticide spraying control failure in Tehran, Iran. Technical grade spinosad was delivered in 0.5 microL acetone to the first abdominal sternum of briefly CO2-anesthetize adult male cockroaches by topical application bioassay. Treated males monitored for mortality. Mortality data from the replicates was assessed by probit analysis. The average LD50 of susceptible strain was 494.3, 148.8 and 55.1 ng per insect after 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively. The LD50 of spinosad decreased with time in the field population strains. All German cockroach strains showed a similar susceptibility or lower tolerance (1.6-folds) for spinosad compared with the susceptible laboratory strain and the steep slopes of dose-response curves indicated that the field population of these German cockroach strains was homogenous in response to spinosad. These results indicated that the spinosad was relatively slow-acting in topical application bioassay, with LD50 values decreasing until 72 h and becoming stable thereafter. The effectiveness of spinosad against susceptible and the field population German cockroach strains in laboratory condition showed that spinosad probably could be useful for the control of the German cockroach.

Gas chromatography active ingredient control of aerosol insecticide from Algerian market

Household insecticide products are common and a popular mode of personal protection against household insect pests in all parts of the world. A chromatographic method for the control of aerosol insecticide active ingredient content was developed to be simple and rapid for the inspection of the numerous products for professional and private uses proposed in the Algerian market. Throughout, the most sold aerosol insecticides only two over eight were fair to the label declaration. However, the product labels need the addition of some details, like the active ingredients concentrations.

True fungi isolated from insects collected in food-related facilities in Aichi Prefecture, Japan

Insects are potential mechanical vectors and carriers of pathogenic microorganisms. True fungi (Eumycota), associated with insects, may be harmful to humans as an allergen and cause contamination in the food industry. A total of 47 dead or live insects comprising 21 different families were collected from 4 study sites (baking factory, rice cracker factory, rice processing factory and central kitchen) in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. True fungi isolated from the body surface of household or industrial insects were evaluated. In this study, 10 genera of true fungi (Cladosporium spp., Penicillium spp., Alternaria spp., Aureobasidium spp., Rhizopus sp., Aspergillus spp., Nigrospora sp., Phoma sp., Curvularia sp. and Fusarium sp.) were isolated from 35 (74.5%) of 47 collected specimens. These isolated true fungi are common in human environments. Among the 10 genera of true fungi, Cladosporium spp. were most frequently found in the study sites. There was almost no correlation between insect body sizes and colony forming units (CFU) (Spearman rs=0.195, p=0.189). Dead and live insects may provide an ideal environment for the growth of true fungi in food manufacturing environments. Therefore, good sanitary practices should be implemented to eliminate industrial and household insect pests.

Wash resistance and residual efficacy of long-lasting polyester netting coated with α-cypermethrin (Interceptor) against malaria-transmitting mosquitoes in Assam, northeast India

Malaria is endemic in Assam, northeast India, with low-to-moderate transmission of the causative parasites, mostly by Anopheles minimus. Plasmodium falciparum is the predominant parasite (>60%), with remaining cases being due to P. vivax. As an alternative intervention for malaria control, long-lasting insecticidal nets [Interceptor coated with alpha-cypermethrin 10% suspension concentrate (SC), 0.667% w/w, 0.2g/m(2)] underwent field evaluation for laboratory wash resistance and residual efficacy in field conditions against malaria-transmitting mosquitoes. Based on entomological observations, the Interceptor net intervention was the most effective, corresponding to the lowest mosquito vector density in experimental villages. There was virtual disappearance of A. minimus in Interceptor net villages in contrast to the untreated net intervention and the no-net control. Contact cone bioassay tests revealed 100% mortality in the A.minimus group of mosquito species in the community using the Interceptor net, which was consistent during the follow-up monitoring period (October 2006 to April 2007) in field conditions. Similar levels of mortality were observed in laboratory-washed nets compared with unwashed nets, and wash resistance was consistent even after the 20th serial wash at fortnightly intervals. Community compliance and acceptance of the Interceptor net was high, with decreased nuisance due to biting mosquitoes and other household insect pests being reported.

Insecticide-Treated Nets, the Key Element for Rolling Back Malaria in North-Eastern India: Policy and Practice

For decades of attempted control using DDT indoor residual spraying and increased allocation of resources, malaria continues to deter the socio-economic development in the north-eastern states of India. Focal disease outbreaks are recurring and all death cases are ascribed to Plasmodium falciparum malaria. As an alternative strategy to DDT, vil- lage scale filed trials with insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) were conducted in malaria endemic pocket of Assam during 1988-1990 that were evaluated to be a success story by the Technical Advisory Committee of the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme of Government of India. Based on the research findings, a pilot project was undertaken under centrally sponsored scheme to assess the operational feasibility and sustainability of this intervention through primary health care services in the northeast sector for which National Institute of Malaria Research of Indian Council of Medical Research served as the nodal agency for technology transfer. Under this scheme, one hundred thousand insecticide-treated nets were distributed gratis beginning1996 in communities living below poverty line that were identified by the respective state health directorate of seven states of the northeast. For reporting states of Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh for which data were analyzed, the results were promising in reducing disease transmission, and public response was over- whelming. The communities clearly preferred ITNs against DDT spraying and reported collateral benefits for decreased nuisance due to other household insect pests. Since then provision of ITNs is a continuing activity including impregnation of community-owned nets. We provide data on technology transfer and transmission reduction, and issues related to chal- lenges and prospects for malaria control using ITNs as evidence-based intervention are discussed.

Cold hardiness of black carpet beetle larvae

In North America, the black carpet beetle, Attagenus unicolor (Brahm) (Coleoptera: Dermestidae), is a common household insect pest that feeds on many animal-origin and grain products. It overwinters as a larva, and the entire life cycle generally takes about 1 year. No information exists on its overwintering biology or cold hardiness (Fields 1992). In this experiment, the supercooling point (SCP) and survival rate of initially overwintering A. unicolor larvae collected in the nests of tree swallows, Tachycineta bicolor (Vieillot) (Aves: Hirundinidae), were measured. Changes in SCP and cold hardiness were determined for larvae held at 15 and –15°C. The cold hardiness of A. unicolor larvae collected from a feed mill in British Columbia was also measured.