Bifenthrin and chlorfenapyr resistance monitoring in common bed bug

With the global resurgence of the pest insect Cimex lectularius, the common bed bug, effective elimination of their infestations continues to be a challenge for the pest management industry. However, the use of integrated pest management (IPM) programs to control bed bugs has been effective. A key part of an IPM program is the choice of insecticide to be applied. Some factors limiting insecticide use are that many cannot be applied indoors and bed bugs have resistance to certain classes of insecticides.  Currently, two insecticides that are effective in controlling bed bugs are Chlorfenapyr and Bifenthrin. Chlorfenapyr is a relatively safe, environmentally friendly, chlorinated pyrrole that has a unique mode of action. Bifenthrin is a type one pyrethroid that can be applied indoors, but is also available to the public and may be used improperly. Development of insecticide resistance reduces the efficacy of Chlorfenapyr & Bifenthrin and is a consequence of insecticide use. Due to the impending threat of insecticide resistance we will survey bed bug populations across the United States to determine susceptibility/ resistance levels to Chlorfenapyr and Bifenthrin. Thus, the central goal of this study is to develop and implement a diagnostic bioassay- based susceptibility monitoring program to estimate chlorfenapyr and bifenthrin susceptibility/ resistance levels in bed bug field populations.  From the data generated we will create susceptibility/ resistance profiles which we will use to make insecticide resistance management recommendations. These bed bug specific recommendations will be aimed at slowing the development of insecticide resistance in populations, maintaining the long term efficacy of these insecticides, and delaying the onset of insecticide resistance control failures. Results of this study will be shared with the pest management industry at training conferences and workshops, published in extension announcements, in pest management magazines, and peer-review scientific journals.