ESA Annual Meetings Online Program

Could behavioral responses by bed bugs to insecticide residues influence their efficacy?

Monday, November 12, 2012
Exhibit Hall A, Floor One (Knoxville Convention Center)
Kyle Michael Loughlin , University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
Michael F. Potter , Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
Kenneth F. Haynes , Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
Recently it has been suggested that insecticides be used as a preventative measure to reduce colonization or recolonization of a dwelling.  This tactic would only be effective if bed bugs did not avoid treated surfaces.  We tested some of the most commonly used products in the market for bed bug control including Temprid®, Suspend®, Phantom®, and Transport® at the recommended maximum label rate for each product.  In order to examine this potential issue we used a two choice test to assess individual responses to residues.  We looked at group responses to insecticide treated tents in Pyrex® bowls lined with filter paper.  We will also make use of video recording equipment to determine the mechanism of avoidance for these pesticide formulations.