Development of semiochemicals and diatomaceous earth formulations for bed bug pest management

Abstract

Bed bugs are obligate blood feeders on humans. In recent years, bed bug, Cimex lectularius L., (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) infestations have increased dramatically in many parts of the world including Canada and the USA, leading to a renewed interest in the chemical ecology of these pests to design better control options. According to Health Canada, bed bugs can now be found everywhere from homeless shelters to five-star hotels and from single-family dwellings to public transportation. Given that bed bugs are among the most difficult pests to eradicate, along with their demonstrated resistance to conventional insecticides and ease of transport, the key objective of our research is to facilitate the development of products for management of bed bugs, based on semiochemicals - nontoxic behavior-modifying substances or natural products such as diatomaceous earth. A more thorough understanding of how such chemicals influence bed bugs will inform the most effective uses of the formulated products as part of a bed bug pest management system. Although the consumer market is currently flooded with products of dubious composition and efficacy, these products are rarely adopted by pest management practitioners due to the lack of scientific data supporting claims of control. Our research involves helping our industry partners advance to the forefront in the development of safe and effective products for management of these public health pests. We have identified lead compounds as repellents as well as attractants and have developed specific diatomaceous earth (DE) dust formulations as part of a bed bug management strategy.