4 pp. / Bed bugs can cause anxiety, bite reactions, and financial hardship. The University of Arizona Community IPM Program and partnering research institutions are working to battle the recent bed bug resurgence. Researchers hope to determine the real social cost of bed bugs, as well as the significant causes of infestations. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach is the most likely strategy to result in successful elimination of bed bugs.

The common bed bug has reemerged as a major pest in the United States. Pest management professionals need reliable up-to-date information on how to manage bed bug infestations. My study was intended to evaluate the efficacy of several insecticides currently labeled for bed bug control. In product efficacy tests, field strain bed bugs were found to be 99-450 times less susceptible than laboratory strain bed bugs to several pyrethroid products. The non-pyrethroid products tested, chlorfenapyr and a non-toxic desiccant dust, killed laboratory strain bed bugs, but were extremely slow acting taking greater than 9 days to kill 50%. None of the insecticides tested, including the pyrethroids, were repellent to laboratory or field strain bed bugs. A field test was conducted comparing 2 pesticide treatments regimens (traditional and novel) for bed bug control in low income apartments. Both the traditional and novel combinations caused significant reductions in bed bug populations. Both treatments reduced the number of bed bugs by the end of the test period, but neither treatment combination completely eliminated the bed bug infestations, even after an average of 1.3 gallons of product was applied in each apartment. Laboratory assays were conducted to determine the effect of hydroprene exposure on bed bug development. Although hydroprene did not appear to interfere with nymphal development, fifty percent of the bed bugs died during the final molt. The bed bugs which survived to adulthood showed no reduction in fecundity when compared to control groups. / Master of Science in Life Sciences

Bed bugs were once considered eliminated from the United States, so recent resurgence of this pest has been cause for concern. Presence of these troublesome insects has resulted in the proposal of controversial policies. For example, the state of Ohio petitioned the EPA for a FIFRA Section 18 emergency exemption to use the insecticide propoxur, a neurotoxin, to treat bed bug infestations in the state. In this thesis, I analyzed public comments for the exemption, task force reports, and media to examine how health and the urban indoor environment are framed in this decision-making process. Though bed bugs carry stigma, those who have them are not overtly blamed for the pest. However, an inability to eliminate them effectively is situated as a lack of personal responsibility. A political ecology of health analysis and healthism are used to understand how narratives of health and personal responsibility justify use of this pesticide.

This study quantifies the rate of bed bug nymphal development, mortality, fecundity and survivorship during starvation for wild caught resistant populations. I then compare some of these characteristics with two susceptible strains. I found that resistant populations develop faster and exhibit less mortality per life stage than susceptible populations. However, there were no significant differences in the total number of eggs produced by the resistant females from the field strains during the 13 feedings/oviposistion cycles (P = 0.106). On average, resistant females from the field strains produced 0.74 eggs per day. Susceptible strains survived a significantly longer time without feeding (89.2 d and 81.4 d) than the resistant strains (RR, ER). The mean duration of adult life (from the day the female becomes an adult until the day she dies) for (RR) strains was 118.7 d ° 11.8 SE. The intrinsic rate of increase r or average daily output of daughter eggs by female was 0.42. The net reproductive rate Rₒ, indicated that one live female egg would, on the average, be replaced by approximately 35 females. Resistant and susceptible populations were found to be different in terms of development, survivorship, and fecundity. The differences between susceptible and resistant strains could be explained by a trade-off between the alleles that confer resistance and the fitness in the population. When compare the stable age distribution of a pyrethroid susceptible strain (HS) and a resistant strain (RR) there were not significant differences (?°= 9.0066, df = 6, P = 0.1732) in the stable age distribution, basically both strains were dominated by the egg stage. No significant difference was found in the expected reproductive contribution of the various life stages to future population size between the two strains (?°= 1.5458, df = 6, P = 0.9564). Despite this, the reproductive contributions of life stages other than eggs were generally higher for the HS strain than for the RR strain. For both strains changes in P? for the adult stage are expected to have the greatest impact on?? compared with changes in P? for the other life stages. The key to the reduction of the populations of bed bugs lies with the reduction of survival of the adults. / Master of Science in Life Sciences

In the United States, we have been battling the bed bug (Cimex lectularius L.) resurgence for over ten years. Current treatment methods are labor intensive, time consuming, and very expensive. Many studies have evaluated the efficacy of treatment methods, but few have focused on bed bug suppression in multi-unit housing. Low income, multi-unit housing residents lack basic bed bug knowledge and are particulary vulnerable to bed bug infestations because they are unable to afford conventional treatment. In this study, diatomaceous earth (D.E.), an inexpensive desiccant dust labeled for bed bug control, was evaluated for its efficacy in killing bed bugs, and determined to be successful. A proactive bed bug suppression program that included D.E. was implemented in a low-income housing facility in Harrisonburg, VA. The program consisted of inexpensive, low toxicity, integrated bed bug management methods, including a novel strategy for applying a perimeter barrier of D.E. in apartment units (n = 121). Over the course of one year, both the number of initial infestations and the costs associated with bed bug treatments were reduced. Low-income, multi-unit housing residents (n = 479) from three cities (Harrisonburg and Richmond, VA; New Orleans, LA) were surveyed before and after an educational seminar to assess their bed bug. After attending the seminar, residents (n = 112) significantly improved (P < 0.0001) their bed bug knowledge, and were able to correctly answer more bed bug-related questions than they had before the educational seminar. / Master of Science in Life Sciences

Depuis les années 90, on constate une augmentation mondiale des nuisances par punaises de lits (Cimex lectularius). En 2008 en France, peu d'observations et de recherche sont recensés. Cette thèse a eu pour objectif de mettre en place un groupe de recherche multirégional (Nice, Marseille, Toulon, Montpellier, Bobigny, Créteil) via un Projet Hospitalier de Recherche Clinique (PHRC 09-API-01). Sur le plan entomologique nous avons décrit 81 cas d'infestations, et nous avons récolté sur le terrain 2891 punaises Nous avons mis en place un élevage pérenne en laboratoire de Cimex lectularius nourries sur membrane par sang humain. Des investigations microbiologiques on été mené a partir de 339 punaises collectés précédemment, l'ADN et l'ARN ont été extrait pour évaluer leur portage virologique et bactériologique. En virologie, avec les sondes virales : Flavivirus, Arenavirus, Hantavirus, Phlebovirus aucune positivité a été observée. En bactériologie, 32 punaises ont été positives pour un agent infectieux soit 9.4% des punaises, 29 punaises ont été positives pour Acinetobacter, 3 pour Wolbachia, 3 pour Ehrlichia et 2 pour Coxiella. La sensibilité aux insecticides a été testée lors d'une collecte de 192 appartements de St Ouen (93). Au total 564 punaises ont été recueillies. L'ADN extrait pour 124 spécimens étaient homozygote pour le gène de résistance aux pyréthrinoïdes L925I kdr-gène. Ce taux élevé indique que le phénomène résistance est déjà bien établi. La pertinence de l'utilisation des pyréthrinoïdes pour contrôler les punaises de lit en France doit être discutée. / Since 90's, bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) infestations are increasing all over the world. Upon 2008, in France, very rare informations and researches on bedbugs are investigated. The objectives of this thesis work were to organise and manage a research project (PHRC 09-API-01) with french research laboratories (Nice, Marseille, Toulon, Montpellier, Bobigny, Créteil). About entomological project, we describe 81 infestations and collected 2891 bed bugs. A bed bugs maintenance of laboratory colony has been established without any animals, only on an artificial membrane with human blood. About Infectious research, 339 bedbugs have been studies for their virological and bacteriological pathogens. In virology, with the molecular probes targeted for Flavivirus, Arenavirus, Hantavirus, Phlebovirus no postivity has been observed. In bacteriology, 32 bedbugs have been positive for a bacteria dispatched as follow: 29 bed bugs for Acinetobacter, 3 for Wolbachia, 3 for Ehrlichia and 2 for Coxiella. Resistance to insecticide has been evaluated for 192 apartments in Saint Ouen City (France-93). 534 bed bugs have been collected. A total of 564 bed bugs were collected in the infested units. Bioassays and DNA sequencing showed a high frequency of resistance to pyrethroids; all bed bugs tested (n= 124) had homozygous L925I kdr-like gene mutation. The high levels of pyrethroid resistance indicate that this phenomenon is already established and prompt the need to reevaluate the wide use of pyrethroids to control bed bugs in France. Genetic analysis of french bed bug populations are still ongoing. First steps for biomolecular markers validations are finish.

Os percevejos de cama são insetos pertencentes a ordem Hemiptera e a família Cimicidae, com metamorfose hemimetábola, possuem comportamento antropofílico e exercem a hematofagia nas fases de ninfa e adulto, o que desperta interesse em saúde pública. O reaparecimento desta praga tem levado diversas pessoas a buscarem nas empresas especializadas uma forma de exercer o controle. O presente estudo teve como objetivo identificar, no período de maio de 2013 a maio de 2015, as formas de controle e produtos utilizados, bem como o perfil das empresas especializadas no controle de vetores e pragas urbanas instaladas no Brasil. O estudo foi realizado por meio de uma enquete enviada a 2136 empresas brasileiras e questionário eletrônico enviado para as empresas. Foram encaminhadas 2136 cartas convites para participação. Como resultado foi obtido 158 enquetes respondidas e estas empresas foram então convidadas a responder um questionário com perguntas direcionadas ao controle de percevejos de cama. Apenas 13 questionários foram recebidos de empresas localizadas na região Sul, Sudeste, Centro-Oeste e Nordeste. A maioria das empresas que realiza o controle de percevejos de cama está na área de controle de pragas urbanas a mais de 21 anos e utiliza preferencialmente pesticidas para o controle dos insetos. Quase 50 por cento dos responsáveis técnicos dessas empresas não fizeram qualquer treinamento sobre controle de cimicídeos nos últimos dois anos e informações sobre o inseto e seu manejo não são passadas ao cliente. O baixo retorno dos questionários preenchidos nesta pesquisa pode ser devido ao pouco conhecimento que as empresas têm sobre o controle de percevejos de cama, o que pode tê-las inibido em fornecer informações. Desta maneira, informações técnicas e treinamentos sobre o controle de percevejos de cama se faz necessário, uma vez que o controle ainda está pautado na utilização de produtos químicos e que esta estratégia pode incorrer em riscos de intoxicação quando feita de maneira inadequada principalmente pela falta de capacitação dos responsáveis técnicos. / Bed bugs belong to the order Hemiptera and family Cimicidae with hemimetabolous metamorphosis; they show anthropophilic behavior and are hematophagous at nymph and adult stages, which causes interest in public health. The reappearance of this pest has led many people to seek for pest control companies to control it. This study aimed to identify, from May 2013 to May 2015, which are the control strategies and used products as well as the profile of the pest control companies in Brazil. The study was made through an electronic survey sent to 2136 Brazilian companies, One hundred and fifty eight companies answered the survey and were invited to fill in a questionnaire on bed bug control. Only 13 questionnaires were received from companies located in the South, Southeast, Midwest and Northeast regions of Brazil. Most companies that make bed bug control are in the area for more than 21 years and they use mainly pesticides to control the insects. Almost 50 per cent of the technical managers of these companies did not attend to any training on bed bug control in the last two years, and information on their management is not given to their clients. The few questionnaires received are probably due to the little knowledge that pest control companies have on bed bugs, which may have inhibited them to provide information. In this way, technical information and training on the bed bug control is necessary, since the control is still founded on the use of chemicals and that this strategy may incur intoxication risk when done improperly mainly by lack of training of technical experts.

Bed bugs are making a large international comeback. While people from all economic and social backgrounds can experience a bed bug infestation, the social impacts on the lives of low-income people are potentially far greater given the condition of their living accommodations as well as the financial costs associated with dealing with an infestation. Utilizing the Community Economic Development and Social Determinants of Health approaches, this thesis argues that the experience of a bed bug infestation poses a significant threat to inner-city residents—economically, socially, and in terms of human health. Interviews with 16 inner-city residents, 2 landlords, 1 property manager, 2 By-Law Enforcement Officers, and 5 representatives of inner-city agencies in Winnipeg are drawn upon in developing this argument. In addition, relevant policy documents and other secondary sources are utilized to assess the effectiveness of policies and practices in place to respond to this issue and to offer a more comprehensive approach for responding to the social impacts of bed bugs in the city of Winnipeg.

Bed bugs are making a large international comeback. While people from all economic and social backgrounds can experience a bed bug infestation, the social impacts on the lives of low-income people are potentially far greater given the condition of their living accommodations as well as the financial costs associated with dealing with an infestation. Utilizing the Community Economic Development and Social Determinants of Health approaches, this thesis argues that the experience of a bed bug infestation poses a significant threat to inner-city residents—economically, socially, and in terms of human health. Interviews with 16 inner-city residents, 2 landlords, 1 property manager, 2 By-Law Enforcement Officers, and 5 representatives of inner-city agencies in Winnipeg are drawn upon in developing this argument. In addition, relevant policy documents and other secondary sources are utilized to assess the effectiveness of policies and practices in place to respond to this issue and to offer a more comprehensive approach for responding to the social impacts of bed bugs in the city of Winnipeg.

Os percevejos de cama são insetos pertencentes a ordem Hemiptera e a família Cimicidae, com metamorfose hemimetábola, possuem comportamento antropofílico e exercem a hematofagia nas fases de ninfa e adulto, o que desperta interesse em saúde pública. O reaparecimento desta praga tem levado diversas pessoas a buscarem nas empresas especializadas uma forma de exercer o controle. O presente estudo teve como objetivo identificar, no período de maio de 2013 a maio de 2015, as formas de controle e produtos utilizados, bem como o perfil das empresas especializadas no controle de vetores e pragas urbanas instaladas no Brasil. O estudo foi realizado por meio de uma enquete enviada a 2136 empresas brasileiras e questionário eletrônico enviado para as empresas. Foram encaminhadas 2136 cartas convites para participação. Como resultado foi obtido 158 enquetes respondidas e estas empresas foram então convidadas a responder um questionário com perguntas direcionadas ao controle de percevejos de cama. Apenas 13 questionários foram recebidos de empresas localizadas na região Sul, Sudeste, Centro-Oeste e Nordeste. A maioria das empresas que realiza o controle de percevejos de cama está na área de controle de pragas urbanas a mais de 21 anos e utiliza preferencialmente pesticidas para o controle dos insetos. Quase 50 por cento dos responsáveis técnicos dessas empresas não fizeram qualquer treinamento sobre controle de cimicídeos nos últimos dois anos e informações sobre o inseto e seu manejo não são passadas ao cliente. O baixo retorno dos questionários preenchidos nesta pesquisa pode ser devido ao pouco conhecimento que as empresas têm sobre o controle de percevejos de cama, o que pode tê-las inibido em fornecer informações. Desta maneira, informações técnicas e treinamentos sobre o controle de percevejos de cama se faz necessário, uma vez que o controle ainda está pautado na utilização de produtos químicos e que esta estratégia pode incorrer em riscos de intoxicação quando feita de maneira inadequada principalmente pela falta de capacitação dos responsáveis técnicos. / Bed bugs belong to the order Hemiptera and family Cimicidae with hemimetabolous metamorphosis; they show anthropophilic behavior and are hematophagous at nymph and adult stages, which causes interest in public health. The reappearance of this pest has led many people to seek for pest control companies to control it. This study aimed to identify, from May 2013 to May 2015, which are the control strategies and used products as well as the profile of the pest control companies in Brazil. The study was made through an electronic survey sent to 2136 Brazilian companies, One hundred and fifty eight companies answered the survey and were invited to fill in a questionnaire on bed bug control. Only 13 questionnaires were received from companies located in the South, Southeast, Midwest and Northeast regions of Brazil. Most companies that make bed bug control are in the area for more than 21 years and they use mainly pesticides to control the insects. Almost 50 per cent of the technical managers of these companies did not attend to any training on bed bug control in the last two years, and information on their management is not given to their clients. The few questionnaires received are probably due to the little knowledge that pest control companies have on bed bugs, which may have inhibited them to provide information. In this way, technical information and training on the bed bug control is necessary, since the control is still founded on the use of chemicals and that this strategy may incur intoxication risk when done improperly mainly by lack of training of technical experts.