Insecticide resistance in the bed bug: an evolving story

Susceptibility to pyrethroid and neonicotinoid combination insecticides was investigated in populations of Cimex lectularius collected from different regions of the United States. Initial colonies tested were never exposed to combination insecticides but were still resistant when compared to a susceptible strain. Next, strains were selected with an ET80, and susceptibility was evaluated against non-selected controls. Finally, cross resistance to different combination insecticides was examined. Results from the current study and the implications for future pest control will be discussed.