Investigating bed bug (Cimex lectularius) behavior in response to common insecticides using arrestment and live-tracking assays

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are hematophagous ectoparasites that can cause significant negative physical and mental health effects in humans. Infestations can be extremely persistent, particularly due to the cryptic nature of these pests. Residual insecticides are necessary in any complete bed bug control program, but the behavioral interactions between these products and bed bugs are not fully understood. This project examines bed bug behavior in response to a variety of insecticides across several different potential substrates. First, bed bug behavior is monitored over the course of seven days in small, divided arenas with one side being treated with insecticide. Then, in order to capture more small-scale behavioral changes, bed bugs were tracked using EthoVision XT software to monitor time spent in treated zones. This experiment should help to deduce more information on how these products can be effectively applied.