Semiochemicals of the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius L. (Hemiptera: Cimicidae), and their potential for use in monitoring and control

Abstract

The recent resurgence of the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius L., has driven an increase in research into the biology and behaviour of this pest. Current control is reliant on the application of insecticides, but, owing to the development of insecticide resistance, there is a need for new tools and techniques. Semiochemicals (behaviour- and physiology-modifying chemicals) could be exploited for management of bed bugs. The aim of this review was to evaluate studies undertaken in bed bug chemical ecology to date, with particular reference to how the research could be exploited for monitoring and control. Bed bugs, like many other insects, have a complex olfactory system. Recent studies have characterised the olfactory sensilla, located on the terminal segment of the antennae, to functional classes by electrophysiological screening. Behavioural studies have revealed the presence of an alarm pheromone and potential airborne aggregation semiochemicals, but it is not yet understood if bed bugs use a sex pheromone during mating. Host location cues have been investigated, and carbon dioxide has been found to be highly attractive both in laboratory and in field studies. Recent field trials have tested blends of other potential kairomones, which have been shown to have an additive effect when used in a heated bed bug trap with carbon dioxide. The trap, which combines heat and kairomones, is the only trap currently available with proven efficacy in the field. In order for semiochemicals to be useful for bed bug management, an increased knowledge and understanding of the biology, behaviour and chemical ecology of this insect is essential.

Bed Bugs: Clinical Relevance and Control Options

“…Other researchers have suggested that pheromones may be used for the control of bed bugs (139,141,316), but such products may be some time off from entering the marketplace.…”

Tracking bed bugs (Cimex lectularius): a study of the effect of physiological and extrinsic factors on the response to bed bug-derived volatiles

“…There are monitoring devices available of both active and passive design. However, there are no commercial products with proven efficacy that are also suitable for wide scale routine surveillance (Weeks et al, 2011a). A better understanding of the chemical ecology of bed bugs could enable the use of semiochemicals, i.e.…”

Bed Bug Detection: Current Technologies and Future Directions

“…81 The use of semiochemicals in monitoring and controlling bed bugs has recently been reviewed. 82,83 Canine inspection. Because of the problems associated with visual inspections, pest control companies and individuals have incorporated canines in their inspection efforts.…”