Utility of ozone as a fumigant for bed bug (Cimex lectularius L.) control

To combat the ever-growing issue of bed bug infestations, new, effective and eco-friendly control methods need to be developed. Ozone gas has been used effectively against insects in stored grain situations and could be used as a management option for bed bug infestations. Ozone is easy to produce, and lacks the residual non-target toxicity of conventional fumigants and other chemical control options. The goal of this study is to investigate the baseline toxicity levels of ozone gas in the common bed bug under lab conditions. This project explores the use of ozone as a bed bug control by determining the ozone concentration and exposure time required to achieve >95% mortality in bed bugs held in a sealed bench top chamber. Overall, this work provides insights into the potential use of ozone gas a tool for bed bug control either in whole rooms or as a spot treatment for treating certain items.