Fumigation activities of methyl benzoate and its derivatives against the common bed bug (Hemiptera: cimicidae)

Authors: LARSON, NICHOLAS - Towson University; Zhang, Aijun; Feldlaufer, Mark

Submitted to: Journal of Medical Entomology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/20/2019
Publication Date: 7/20/2019
Citation: Larson, N., Zhang, A., Feldlaufer, M.F. 2019. Fumigation activities of methyl benzoate and its derivatives against the common bed bug (Hemiptera: cimicidae). Journal of Medical Entomology. https://doi.org/10.1093/jme/tjz138.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/jme/tjz138

Interpretive Summary: The common bed bug is a pest of humans, and new methods are constantly needed to control this blood-sucking pest. We have tested a new chemical that is considered to be environmentally-friendly, and report the efficacy of this chemical used as a fumigant against the common bed bug, and compare efficacy with that of a commercially-available product. This information will be used by industry and other personnel trying to develop new chemical weapons effective against bed bug infestations.

Technical Abstract: Methyl benzoate and several analogs were used in laboratory fumigation tests (both flask assays and bag assays) to determine the effectiveness of these compounds against mixed stages of common bed bugs. While methyl benzoate was very active in killing bed bugs in the flask assay, it was not as effective as a widely-available commercial product (Cirkil®) in the bag assay. Since the amounts of methyl benzoate used in the bag assay were based upon the dosage of commercially-available product, the amount of methyl benzoate used may need to be increased to yield increased efficacy. Despite this finding, fumigation may not allow for bed bugs to avoid any of the chemicals employed for their control.