Limitations in bed bug management technologies

Authors: DOGGETT, STEPHEN - Westmead Millenium Institute Centre For Diabetes And Obesity; Feldlaufer, Mark

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/3/2016
Publication Date: 2/23/2018
Citation: Doggett, S.L., Feldlaufer, M.F. 2018. Limitations in bed bug management technologies. Advances in the Biology and Management of Modern Bed Bugs. 311-321. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119171539.ch31.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119171539.ch31

Interpretive Summary: The common bed bug and the tropical bed bug are obligate blood-feeding insects that attack primarily humans. Detection of a bed bug infestation and the subsequent control of an infestation are paramount to mitigating the impact of these blood-sucking pests. This current manuscript discusses the limitations currently faced by detection and control personnel, and includes information on the use of canines specifically trained to detect bed bug infestations. This information will be useful to federal, university, and industry people trying to design an effective detection procedure for bed bugs, as well as personnel attempting to eliminate and control bed bug infestations.

Technical Abstract: The general global resurgence of bed bugs has been well-documented in the literature, and in the United States, revenue derived by pest control companies related to bed bug infestations rose to nearly $600 million in 2015. The two linchpins in mitigating the impact of Cimex lectularius and C. hemipterus revolve around detection -“Is a bed bug infestation actually present?” – and control –“What is the best way to eliminate a bed bug infestation?” Despite advances in detection and control of bed bugs, certain limitations still exist and this manuscript addresses many of these limitations, including the use of canines trained to detect bed bug infestations.