Bed bug (Cimex lectularius L.) survivorship at various temperatures

The effect of temperature on the survival of the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius L., will be studied using pyrethroid resistant strains and a pyrethroid susceptible laboratory strain. Insects will be exposed to temperatures ranging from approximately 7 to 29 °C. These temperatures are intended to represent conditions similar to those seasonal temperatures found in outdoor storage facilities or garages in Virginia. Bed bugs will not be fed to further represent conditions of isolation. The practical application of this study will provide the pest management community with specific lengths of time that bed bug infested bags of personal belongings must remain closed in order to prevent a secondary introduction or reinfestation.