Bed bug activity during heat treatments, and physiological effects among surviving individuals
Master thesis
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Date
2018Metadata
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- Master’s theses (MINA) [668]
Abstract
Simulated heat treatments with different heating rates were performed in experimental climate chambers to study bed bug behavior during rising heat. In addition, detrimental effects of these short time exposures to sub-lethal heat were recorded. On average, the bed bugs started to move as a reaction to the heat at 40°C. Some bed bugs reacted as early as 37°C, and others as late as 42°C. Heating rate did not affect the temperature that caused the initial movement response to the heat. Activity, measured as number of bed bugs walking at the same time increased from 37 to 42°C, and lower rate of temperature increase in the heat treatments reduced activity. As a consequence of the heat treatment, the bed bugs had a reduction in eggs per female, a reduction in hatching success of the eggs and reduced feeding abilities. The results from my thesis show that during heat treatments, pest controllers should be aware of bed bug activity when the temperature in the harborages passes 38°C, and increasing activity from this point.