Management of bed bugs using desiccant dust and CO2 activation, a laboratory study and a field trail

Abstract

This study takes a closer look at the effect of desiccant dusts on bed bug mortality and behaviour. The effect of CO2 as a kairomon to improve desiccant dust treatments is investigated. In a small scale Petri dish experiment it was found that Syloid 244 fp (a synthetic amorphous silica gel) outperformed Myrnix (a diatomaceous earth dust) when comparing for mortality on bed bugs. This study then looked closer at the effects of Syloid 244 fp in an arena study, and arena field simulation. Finally a method was developed to use this desiccant dust effectively in a field trail. The result of the field study was eradication of bed bugs in 5 apartments where Syloid 244 fp was combined with CO2 stimuli in only 7 days. In 6 apartments where only Syloid 244 fp was used for 7 days all treatments failed. This study demonstrates that desiccant dust in combination with CO2 shows potential for bed bug control.