‘Bio-pesticide may defeat resistant bed bugs’. A fungal bio-pesticide has shown promise in the control of bed bugs. It is highly effective even against bed-bug populations that are insecticide resistant, according to research conducted by scientists at Penn State and North Carolina State universities.

The study suggests that Aprehend, a myco-insecticide developed at Penn State University, likely will provide an important new tool for managing bed-bug infestations, which have surged in recent years.

“Bed bugs were all but eradicated from the United States and other industrialized nations after World War II, likely due to the use of DDT and other broad-spectrum insecticides,” said study co-author Nina Jenkins, senior research associate in entomology, College of Agricultural Sciences, Penn State. She added “But in the last few decades, they have re-emerged globally as an important public-health pest.”

The researchers noted that pyrethroid insecticides are a mainstay of bed bug control. However, there is compelling evidence that many bed-bug populations have developed resistance. In addition, this resistance may lead to cross-resistance to other classes of insecticides.

The pestcontrol.me.uk technicians scour the news for pest control updates.

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) feast on the blood of mammals. They are small, wingless insects with a flat body that is ideal for hiding in small places called harbourages. Human blood is the bed bug’s favourite food but they enjoy feasting on the blood of pets and rodents. The bed bug is primarily active at night.  During the day, the bed bugs hide in cracks in furniture and skirting boards. Bed bugs are difficult to track down. The following narrative will give you tips on how to inspect your home for evidence of bed bug activity.

Bio-pesticide may defeat resistant bed bugs: Bed bug distribution

Bedbugs are found worldwide. They occur throughout towns and cities but they are most commonly found in densely populated inner city areas.  Bed bugs have become increasingly prevalent in hotels and hostels.

The recent resurgence in bed bug numbers has been attributed to increased rates of migration, international travel, changes in pest control practices and insecticide resistance. In addition, the widespread introduction of central heating has extended the limit of bed bug distribution into areas with colder climates. Consequently, it has become increasingly important to inspect your home for bug activity.

The biology of bed bugs

Bed bugs follow the egg – nymph – adult life cycle. The female produces up to 200 eggs. The eggs will hatch when the atmospheric temperature reaches a consistent 13 degrees celsius and above. The resultant nymphs will take an average of four months to develop. A mature bed bug can live for several months without feeding. However, when they have the opportunity to feed the bugs can ingest eight times their own body weight in blood.

The keys to a successful bed bug inspection

A variety of clues will help you successfully inspect your house for bed bug activity. Bed bugs have a distinctive smell. At low levels of infestation, the smell is said to resemble that of coriander. Hence, the bed bug was once called the coriander bug. The odour is quickly identified by the professionals from pestcontrol.me.uk.

The adult bed bug is about the size and shape of an apple seed. Additional physical evidence includes blood spatters and brown fecal matter.

Bed bugs cannot fly or jump but they are quick crawlers and they can spread throughout a house. Furthermore, bed bugs can move from place to place by hitching a ride on a host. 

Bio-pesticide may defeat resistant bed bugs: Bed bug interactions with humans

Bed bugs have not been identified as carriers of disease. However, their bites cause irritation, moreover, in some cases the bites may cause an allergic reaction. Medical advice for treating bug bites includes:

1. Treat itching and swelling with a cool damp cloth.
2. Clean the affected area.
3. Avoid infection by not scratching the bites.
4. After seeking medical advice use a mild steroid cream.
5. Treat any irritation and itching with antihistamines.

However, bed bug bites will clear up on their own after a few days. 

A biopesticide may defeat resistant bed bugs but a good clean will help.

Cleaning tips from pestcontrol.me.uk

• Clean your mattress using a steam cleaner. Super heated low moisture steam is ideal for sanitising mattresses and soft furnishings. A high quality steam cleaner will remove bed bugs and dust mites. In addition, stains from bodily fluids will be cleaned and the quality of the homeowners sleep will be improved.  This cleaning process should be repeated every two to three months. Allow your mattress to air and fully dry outside, ideally in sunlight, as ultraviolet light will aid the cleaning process.
• Washed used clothing and dry in a tumble drier using a high setting.
• Clean and vacuum regularly. Bed bugs are found in both clean and dirty environments, but regular cleaning will help with early detection.

Conclusion

‘Bio-pesticide may defeat resistant bed bugs’. When it comes to treating a bed bug infestation, call the experts at pestcontrol.me.uk. We offer an effective, and moreover, a discreet service.