Acta Entomologica Sinica ›› 2016, Vol. 59 ›› Issue (9): 1021-1032.doi: 10.16380/j.kcxb.2016.09.013

• RESEARCH PAPERS • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Current research on the resurgence, biology and control of bed bugs

WANG Lei1, WANG Chang-Lu2,*, XU Yi-Juan1, ZENG Ling1,*   

  1.  (1. College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; 2. Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA)
  • Online:2016-09-20 Published:2016-09-20

Abstract: Since the mid-1990s, many developed countries and regions experienced a resurgence of bed bugs. In this article, we reviewed the researches on bed bugs, including the resurgence causes, their biology and behavior, artificial rearing techniques, insecticide resistance, and monitoring and management techniques. We summarized the studies on the common bed bug (Cimex lectularius L.) and the tropical bed bug (C. hemipterus (F.)) during the past 15 years. The recent resurgence of bed bugs was likely to be caused by high levels of insecticide resistance of bed bugs and frequent travel. Simple and inexpensive artificial membrane blood-feeding techniques were developed for mass rearing and maintenance of bed bugs. Integrated pest management (IPM) was shown to be the most effective and sustainable management strategy of bed bugs which includes education, proactive inspection, nonchemical treatments (laundering, encasing mattresses and boxsprings, steaming, installing intercepting devices), chemical treatments, and follow-up service visits until elimination is confirmed. Some areas in China, such as the Pearl River Delta area in Guangdong province, are also experiencing  risingincidences of bed bug infestations. Infestations were primarily found in migrant worker dormitories and passenger trains. It is urgent to monitor the occurrence of bed bugs and their insecticide resistance in China. Effective monitoring tools and control methods suitable for the unique environment in China are also needed. Establishing standards for the control of bed bug infestations will be very important. Government-organized community-wide bed bug education and control campaigns should be considered to increase public awareness and curb the current bed bug resurgence.

Key words: Bed bugs, resurgence, biology, behavior, insecticide resistance, spread, integrated pest management