Research Accomplishment Reports 2007

Potential for Evolution of Resistance to Synthetic Pheromone

K.F. Haynes
Department of Entomology

 

Project Description

Infestations of the bed bug, Cimex lectularius L. (Heteroptera: Cimicidae), are increasing around the world at an alarming rate and have become a major public health concern. The evolution of insecticide resistance could be a primary factor in explaining this resurgence. Extremely high levels of resistance to two pyrethroid insecticides, deltamethrin and lambda-cyhalothrin, relative to a susceptible strain, were detected in populations collected from human dwellings in Kentucky and Ohio. In addition, pyrethroid-resistant populations have been found in populations from California, Florida, Massachusetts, New York and Virginia. Susceptible or moderately susceptible populations have been found in California and New Jersey. It appears that pyrethroid resistance is widespread. Behavioral responses of bed bugs to insecticide residues could also influence their efficacy.

The aim of this work is to evaluate the behavioral responses of bed bugs to a pyrethroid, deltamethrin, and a pyrrole, chlorfenapyr, two of the most commonly used insecticides in bed bug control in the US. In two-choice tests, insects tested both individually or in groups of ten, avoided resting on tents treated with deltamethrin. In contrast, insects did not avoid tents treated with a chlorfenapyr. Harborages containing feces and eggs, and treated with a deltamethrin-based product, remained attractive for individuals from a population resistant to pyrethroids. Video recording of bed bug activity indicated that insects increased kinesis upon contact with sublethal doses of deltamethrin deposits. Insecticide barriers of chlorfenapyr or deltamethrin did not prevent bed bugs from reaching a warmed blood source and acquiring blood meals.

Impact

Resistance of bed bugs to the most commonly used insecticides indicates that a priority should be placed on finding alternative approaches for bed bug control. This should be a priority for future research. Our finding that bed bugs avoid pyrethroid-treated surfaces under some conditions suggests that not only would the pyrethroids be ineffective, but their use might contribute to population spread.

Publications

Romero, A., Potter, M. F., Potter, D.A. and Haynes, K. F. 2007. Insecticide Resistance in the Bed Bug: A Factor in the Pest's Sudden Resurgence. J. Med. Entomol. 44:175-178.

Haynes, K. F., McLaughlin, J.R., Stamper, S., Rucker, C., Webster, F.X., Czokajlo, D. and Kirsch , P. 2007. Pheromone Trap for the Eastern Tent Caterpillar Moth. Environ. Entomol. 36:1199-1205.

Potter, M. F., Romero, A., Haynes, K. F. and Hardebeck, E. 2007. Killing then softly. battling bed bugs in sensitive accounts. Pest Control Technology. January :24-32.

Romero, A., Potter, M. F. and Haynes, K. F. 2007. Insecticide-resistant bed bugs: implications for the industry. Pest Control Technology July: 42-50