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 Bedbugs
Resistant to Pyrethroid Insecticides
By
Laura Skillman
LEXINGTON, Ky., (Sept. 6, 2006) – Entomologists at the
University of Kentucky College of Agriculture report finding
some bedbug populations in the United States resistant to
pyrethroid insecticides – commonly used to treat infestations of
the pest.
“Resistance represents a major challenge to the management of
bedbugs and may accelerate the need for alternative tactics,”
said Kenneth Haynes, UK Entomologist and project leader.
“Pyrethroid resistance is likely a factor in the resurgence of
this international problem.”
The UK study found that adult bedbugs collected from four
separate locations in Kentucky and Ohio are more than several
thousandfold resistant to deltamethrin and lambda-cyhalothrin
compared to a susceptible laboratory strain of bedbugs. This
high level of resistance may compromise the efficacy of products
that have pyrethroids as an active ingredient.
 Doctoral
student Alvaro Romero, along with UK scientists Haynes, Michael
Potter and Daniel Potter, conducted the research study.
Using a discriminating dose test with bedbug nymphs, the
researchers further found that seven out of the eight field
populations submitted by pest management firms from across the
country were well above a hundredfold resistant to deltamethrin.
These tests included bedbugs originating from California,
Florida, Kentucky, Ohio and Virginia.
While the results suggest that resistance to pyrethroids is
becoming more widespread, the investigators emphasize that it is
not yet universal and many pest control firms are still
reporting good control with these active ingredients. However,
the findings are significant given that removal of most
carbamate and organophosphate insecticides from the marketplace
has left the industry with few effective alternatives, noted the
UK scientists.
Micahel Potter, a UK Extension entomologist, said bedbugs are
inherently difficult to control, and there are a number of
reasons other than insecticide resistance why pest control
professionals may have difficulty eliminating infestations.
Nonetheless, resistance represents a major challenge to the pest
management industry.
Bedbug resistance to insecticides is not a new phenomenon.
Resistance to DDT was first reported in the late 1940s and was
so widespread a decade later that other products were already
being recommended as alternatives.
Bedbugs have made a rapid comeback in recent years, appearing in
such places as hotels, apartments, single family homes and
college dormitories.
 The
bugs are not known to transmit diseases to humans. Bedbugs
usually bite people at night while they are sleeping. A symptom
of a bedbug problem would be if a person felt fine at bedtime
but awakens with itchy, red mosquito-like welts on them, Potter
said. But it is important to note that not all such symptoms are
bedbugs. Confirmation requires finding and identifying the bugs,
which often requires the help of a professional. Infestations
also may cause anxiety, embarrassment and loss of sleep.
Details of the UK study will be reported in October at the
National Pest Management Association Annual Convention in
Grapevine, Texas. |
Contact: Kenneth Haynes, 859-257-1618
Michael Potter, 859-257-2398 |
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The UK College
of Agriculture, through its land-grant mission, reaches across
the commonwealth with teaching, research and extension
to enhance the lives of Kentuckians. |
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Copyright © 2001-2006 University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture,
Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service |
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