Bed BugBed Bug ControlControl ChemicalsChemicals; ; ThenThen andand NowNow

Harold J. Harlan,Harold J. Harlan, Ph.D.Ph.D., , B.C.EB.C.E. . ISDISD , , AFPMBAFPMB , Wash., DC , Wash., DC www.afpmb.org ((Feb., 2010 Feb., 2010 ))

DisclaimerDisclaimer::

-- Opinions expressed during this talk

are those of the speaker ONLY.

-- Mention of any specific

brand name, product or

technique is intended ONLY

to cite an example, and is not

an endorsement by the

speaker, the DoD, or the NPMA.

BackgroundBackground

Bed bugs most likely evolved along with bats and humans in caves in the Middle East or South-Central Asia.

They became efficient nest-dwelling ectoparasites of warm-blooded vertebrates (i.e., certain bats, humans and birds).

They have been a serious problem for humans for at least the past 250, 000 years.

(Usinger 1966)

MedicalMedical Importance of Importance of Bed BugsBed Bugs

- Found naturally infected w/ >28 human pathogens

- Several species feed on humans (including: Common & Tropical Bed Bugs, Bat Bugs, & Poultry Bugs) -- Can cause true allergic reactions, Asthma, and

Anemia in humans -- Salivary proteins cause “sensitivity” to repeated bites by large numbers of bed bugs -- -- 5 stages: no reaction; delayed reaction; both immediate & delayed; immediate reaction only; & finally, no reaction -- -- True hypersensitivity can develop (but it is reversible)

-- Serious stigma to “having” an infestation -- Psychological stress (trauma) of bites

ImmediateImmediate Bite ReactionsBite Reactions

Image by Dr. Mark Feldlaufer, USDA, Beltsville, MDImage by Dr. Mark Feldlaufer, USDA, Beltsville, MD

DelayedDelayed Reactions (> 24 hrs.)Reactions (> 24 hrs.)

Image by Dr. Mark Feldlaufer, USDA, Beltsville, MD Image by Dr. Mark Feldlaufer, USDA, Beltsville, MD

Ancient Ancient Bed BugBed Bug Control Actions Control Actions

Magical potions, incantations, baked soil, etc.

aa.. DemocritusDemocritus – “hang the feet of a hare or of a stag at the foot of the bed.”

bb.. AvicennaAvicenna – “quicksilver ((HgHg)) and oyl of roses applied to the resting places of the bugs [ in the bed or on walls ].”

cc.. PlinyPliny – “On hearing the first Cuckoo of Spring, take soil from under your right foot and [ it will ] drive the bugs & fleas out of the house.” (( Busvine 1976Busvine 1976 ,, Usinger 1996Usinger 1996 ))

Middle Ages Middle Ages Bed BugBed Bug Control Chemicals Control Chemicals

Most chemicals (materials) used to control bed bugs during this period were locally mixed “potions” or “elixars”

Commonest were culturally well-known poisons or biologically active materials.

- [ i.e., elementals (minerals) & / or extracts of plants or other organic matter (wood or fruits, mushrooms, animal secretions, etc.]

Fumigation – by burning “oxe dung” or sulfur

[ & sometimes other local “recipes” ]

Apothecary ShopApothecary Shop ((caca. 1300s -1500s . 1300s -1500s ))

Early PMPs Early PMPs ((caca. 1700 – 1940. 1700 – 1940ss))

Used mainly elemental poisons or chemical products from plant or mineral sources.

-- MercuryMercury compounds

[[e.ge.g., finely-divided HgHg ; Calomel ((HgHgCl Cl ));

or ‘‘corrosive sublimatecorrosive sublimate’’ ((HgHgClCl2 )) ]]

-- PlantPlant parts or extracts

[[e.ge.g., Pyrethrum, nicotine, rotenone,

pine oil, Hellebore, mint oils, &

Stavesacre ((bug-bane)) ]]

Early PMPs Early PMPs [[caca. . 1700-19401700-1940ss ( (continuedcontinued))]]

-- John SouthallSouthall - “NonpareilNonpareil” liquidliquid ((Jamacian)) natural ingredients, mainly plant extracts (1740).

-- Organic oilsOrganic oils & solventssolvents

[e.g., kerosene, turpentine, benzene,

mineral oil, coal tar ]

-- SulfurSulfur (“Brimstone”) fumigation;

-- ExtremeExtreme Temps.Temps. = HeatHeat (or hot water); or

ColdCold ((e.g., vacate unheated Bldg., <0oC >1 wk.))

Some Common Tools & Control MaterialsSome Common Tools & Control Materials

Sulfur Candles for Fumigation Sulfur Candles for Fumigation

Sulfur candles can be burned or sulfur can be burned in a heat-resistant dish. Recommended rate of 2 lbs.2 lbs. sulfursulfur burned perper each 2,000 cu. ft.2,000 cu. ft. to be treated; left for a minimum of 5-6 hrs. (preferably 24 hrs) then ventilated.

(USDA Recommendation in Marlatt 1916)

IIntegrated ntegrated PPest est MManagement [ anagement [ IPM IPM ] ] A pest management program that includes using two (2) or more different techniques to manage (control) any target pestpest population.

That is, some combination of: sanitation, exclusion, physical pest removal, extreme temperature, chemicals, etc .

________________________________________

Current concepts often include a range of formal steps, definitions, and specifications. Many experts claim “their way” is the only true IPM.

Applying “Liquid insecticide” to Wall Crevices in a Applying “Liquid insecticide” to Wall Crevices in a Camp Lee, Va., Barracks Camp Lee, Va., Barracks ((19431943))

Placing Bedding in a Trailer-Mounted Pressure Placing Bedding in a Trailer-Mounted Pressure Steam Chamber at Camp Lee, Va. Steam Chamber at Camp Lee, Va. ((19431943))

Dipping Bed Frames & Springs in a Vat of Strong Dipping Bed Frames & Springs in a Vat of Strong Lysol Solution at Camp Lee, Va. Lysol Solution at Camp Lee, Va. ((19431943))

Releasing HCN Gas to Fumigate a Bed Bug Releasing HCN Gas to Fumigate a Bed Bug Infested Barracks, Camp Lee, Va. Infested Barracks, Camp Lee, Va. ((19431943))

Opening a can of “HCN Discoids” to Release the Opening a can of “HCN Discoids” to Release the Gas to Fumigate a Barracks, Camp Lee, Va. Gas to Fumigate a Barracks, Camp Lee, Va. ((19431943))

Checking for Any Residual HCN Checking for Any Residual HCN ((Using Methyl Using Methyl Orange PapersOrange Papers)) After Airing-Out a Fumigated After Airing-Out a Fumigated

Barracks, Camp Lee, Va. Barracks, Camp Lee, Va. ((19431943))

Synthetic Chemicals Synthetic Chemicals [[caca.. 1943-1972, 1943-1972, ((++))]]

ChlorinatedChlorinated HydrocarbonsHydrocarbons ((CHCH s))

-- DDT, Chlordane, Dieldrin, etc.

OrganophosphatesOrganophosphates ((OPOP s))

-- Malathion, Diazinon, Chlorpyrifos, etc.

CarbamatesCarbamates

-- Methyl carbamate (( Propoxur™ )), Ficam™

SyntheticSynthetic PyrethroidsPyrethroids (( ww// synergists -- PBOPBO, et al.))

-- Allethrin, resmethrin, permethrin, deltamethrin, etc.

FumigantsFumigants -- sulfur, Hydrocyanic gas ((HCNHCN)), COCO22

Some of the first Synthetic PesticidesSome of the first Synthetic Pesticides

Available for Available for Bed BugsBed Bugs NowNow ((caca.. 1975 - present 1975 - present) )

Pyrethroids (synthetic & natural) - Pyrethrums (w/ PBO), β-cyfluthrin, bifenthrin,

permethrin, deltamethrin

Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs) - Hydroprene (Gentrol™), Nylar™, etc.

Chlorfenapyr (e.g., Phantom™)

“Natural” Products [ e.g., Mint oils, cedar oil, octopamine (EcoSmart™ a.i.), etc. ]

Fumigation w/ Sulphuryl Flouride (Vikane™),

- Al Phosphide (AlPH3), carbon dioxide (CO2)

Chemicals for Chemicals for Bed BugBed Bug control w/ Current NSNs control w/ Current NSNs

PyrethroidsPyrethroids

-- beta-cyfluthrin 2 products ((Tempo™))

-- bifenthrin 1 product (( Talstar™ ) )

-- deltamethrin 2 products

(( KillsBedBugs-II™, & D-force™))

-- Lambda-cyhalothrin

(( Demand CS™ & Surrender Pestabs™))

ChlorfenapyrChlorfenapyr (( Phantom™ ))

IGRsIGRs -- (( Hydroprene)) 2 products pending a 3pending a 3rdrd one one

Joint Statement - PendingJoint Statement - Pending

The U.S. EPAU.S. EPA and CDCCDC have recently completed crafting a joint statement that reportedly declares Bed Bugs to be “A Pest of “A Pest of Public HealthPublic Health Importance” Importance” (or very similar wording) and it has been forwarded up their respective organizational chains for signatures by a senior administrator of each of them before it will be “officially released.”

Exemption Request - Propoxur (by O.D.A.) Exemption Request - Propoxur (by O.D.A.)

In Nov. 2009, the Ohio Dept. of Agric. (O.D.A.) submitted a request to the E.P.A., under Section 18, FIFRA (7 U.S.C. 136 p.) asking emergency exemption of three formulations of propoxur be re-instated for use to control bed bugs inside residential buildings and certain other sites.

Nov. 5, 2009, the Pres. of ASPCRO sent a letter to EPA expressing support for the exemption.

At least 18 states/territories want to join the action, and 8 more might join, depending on proposed label language specifics.

On Jan. 6, 2020, EPA requested input from stakeholders NLT 21 Jan., 2010 (FR75-3-858).

QuestionsQuestions ??

A FewA Few SuggestedSuggested ReferencesReferences ((aa.).)

Busvine, J. R.Busvine, J. R., , 19761976. . Insects, Hygiene and HistoryInsects, Hygiene and History. . Athlone Press, London, UK. 262 pp. Athlone Press, London, UK. 262 pp.

Comstock, J. H.Comstock, J. H. 19501950. An Introduction to Entomology. Comstock Publ. Co., Ithaca, NY. 1064 p.

Gerberg, E. J.Gerberg, E. J. 19431943. Bed bug control manual for Camp Lee, Virginia. U. S. Army Medical Field Svc. School, Carlisle Barracks, PA. 83 pp.

Federal RegisterFederal Register, Vol. 75, No. 3, 6 Jan. 20102010. (EPA)

“PropoxurPropoxur; Receipt of application for emergency exemption;

Solicitation of public comment.” pp. 858-859. [[ NLT: 21 Jan.NLT: 21 Jan.]]

A FewA Few SuggestedSuggested ReferencesReferences ((aa.).)

Marlatt, C. L.Marlatt, C. L. 19161916. The bedbug. Farmers’ Bull. No. 754, USDA, Washington, DC. 12 p.

Scott, E. W., W.S. Abbott, and J. E. Dudley, Jr.Scott, E. W., W.S. Abbott, and J. E. Dudley, Jr. 19181918. Results of experiments with miscellaneous substances against bed bugs, cockroaches, clothes moths, an carpet beetles. USDA Bulletin No. 707. Washington, DC. 37 pp.

Snetsinger, R. L.Snetsinger, R. L., 19831983. The Ratcatcher’s Child. FranzK & Foster, Cleveland, OH 294 pp.

Usinger, R.Usinger, R. 19661966. Monograph of Cimicidae. Thomas Say Foundation, Vol. VII, Entomol. Soc. Amer., Lanham, MD .

A FewA Few SuggestedSuggested Web SitesWeb Sites

These sites can be “searched” for more details, images, etc. about Bed Bugs.

AArmed rmed FForces orces PPest est MMgt. gt. BBoard:oard: www.afpmb.org NNational ational PPest est MManagement anagement AAssn.: ssn.: www.pestworld.org

PCT MagazinePCT Magazine web site. web site. www.pctonline.com

Pest Management ProfessionalPest Management Professional web site. web site. www.pestcontrolmag.com (( formerly = Pest Control ))

The The UUniv. niv. ofof KKY Extension Entomology web site.Y Extension Entomology web site. www.uky.edu/Entomology/entfacts/struct/ef636.htm

Coopers’ Pest Solutions www.cooperpest.com

Or, Search for “bed bugs” on www.Google.com [ NoteNote - some “facts” on some websites are wrongwrong !! ]

Fly “Gun” Fly “Gun” ( Low-Tech )( Low-Tech )

Adult Adult FemaleFemale Feeding & Defecating Feeding & Defecating

Image by K. Reinhardt, courtesy of Jonathan PeckImage by K. Reinhardt, courtesy of Jonathan Peck

Eggs and DroppingsEggs and Droppings

Life Life Cycle Cycle of the of the

Bed Bug,Bed Bug,CimexCimex

lectulariuslectularius

Image by Image by

Stephen Stephen

DoggettDoggett

Bed Bed BugBug & &

Rusty Rusty Spots Spots

on on a a

Sheet Sheet

Adult Adult Bed Bed Bugs Bugs

MatingMating

Bed BugBed Bug Biology BiologyFeed only on Blood – Mammals or Birds

Attach small (1 mm long ) whitish eggs to surfaces in harborages where the bugs hide in loose clusters

5 Nymphal instars ( Need >1 blood meal each instar )

Life Cycle takes 4-5 weeks (egg-to-egg) in ‘good’ conditions [ 75-80% RH; 83-90o o FF ]

Female may lay 200-500 eggs in her lifetime (1-3/day )

Adults can survive >>1 yr. w/o feeding [ Nymphs 3-4 mo.]

Mating – “Traumatic” Insemination

Typical Typical BedBed BugBug Behavior Behavior

- Nocturnal, harbor in clusters, but NOT ‘social’

- Hide in daytime in cracks, crevices, behind

baseboards, bed frames, mattress seams, etc.

- Take a blood meal to repletion in 3-10 min.

- “Prefer” humans but feed on other hosts, too

- Can go 5-20 ft. (each way; same night) to feed

- Feed every few days if hosts available

- Often void part of previous meal while feeding

- Can remain fully active at <45o F

[[ if acclimated for 24 hrs at < 60o F ] ]

Bed Bugs Bed Bugs ((CC. . lectulariuslectularius) ) and and C.S.I. C.S.I. ______________________________________________

Blood mealBlood meal

aa.. Might help determine Post-Mortem Interval (p.m.i.) - Can ID human blood <60 days.

bb.. Molecular methods (PCR, RFLP, etc.) might ID specific person at the crime scene

________________________________________

Szalanski, A. L., J. W. Austin, J. A. McKern, T. Szalanski, A. L., J. W. Austin, J. A. McKern, T. McCoy, C. Dayton Steelman, and D. MillerMcCoy, C. Dayton Steelman, and D. Miller. 20082008 . Time course analysis of bed bug, Cimex lectularius L., (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) blood meals with the use of Polymerase chain reaction. J. Agric. Urban Entomol.J. Agric. Urban Entomol. Vol. 00 (2008): 1-5.

CorpseCorpse “crawling” with “crawling” with Bed BugsBed Bugs ( (e.g.e.g.) )

““Watch your back” (Watch your back” (&& legs legs,, arms arms,, etcetc..) )

11.. PMPs cancan (sometimes do) taketake bedbed

bugsbugs homehome from an inspection site.

22.. So can Public Health home visitors, and

outreach workers of all specialties.

33.. So can anyone who is a “First

Responder” ((e.g., PolicePolice, FireFire, EMTEMT )).

44.. Even Technicians who service “home

devices,” like TVs, phones, PCs, etc.

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