By Bob Hickman, Market Development Specialist
Bed bugs are evolving. For many years, we were able to control them using pyrethroids, but many strains of bed bugs, through natural selection, have developed resistance to pyrethroids. Recent discoveries have identified multiple, gene-regulated mechanisms of resistance — with some strains utilizing more than one. Some affect the exoskeleton, reducing or preventing penetration of pyrethroids. Others limit the effect of the pyrethorid at the internal target site.
Regardless of what the specific adaptation may be, one thing is clear: Bed bugs are becoming increasingly resistant to pyrethroids.
But pest management professionals (PMPs) are adapting as well. New products are being developed to combat bed bug resistance, including some that contain non-pyrethroid chemistry to prevent the insect from producing energy.
Until recently, insecticide treatments for bed bugs have mostly been reactive — aiming to control an infestation after it has already occurred. This process often begins with an inspection, followed by vacuuming or other mechanical means to quickly remove exposed bed bugs. Then spot and crack-and-crevice treatments are applied using direct-contact and residual insecticides.
While this approach can be effective, it only works once the problem has been identified, and is often difficult because of bed bug proliferation. It doesn’t prevent a bed bug outbreak. Taking a more proactive approach can. Instead of dealing with bed bugs after they arrive, proactive treatments work to prevent growth of a new infestation entirely.
How does it work? First, split treatment areas into likely (primary) areas of bed bug infestation — including the headboard, cleat, mattress, box spring, frame and luggage rack. Then group the less-likely (secondary) areas, such as curtains, outlets, chairs, dressers and baseboards. Then use appropriately labeled, non-pyrethroid materials to treat primary areas every six months, and secondary areas every 12 months.
Performing this sort of preventative treatment can:
• reduce customer complaints, litigation and downtime for hotel rooms;
• provide an effective and economical treatment option with two applications per year;
• limit human exposure compared to some curative treatment methods;
• avoid pyrethroid resistance problems; and
• help control other pests, including ants and cockroaches.
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