Dust materials reduce the escape ability of bed bugs from pitfall style monitors

Bed bugs (Cimex spp.) are challenging to find due to their nocturnal and secretive behavior. Many commercial bed bug monitors are available for detecting bed bugs. But few studies have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy of bed bug monitors and factors affecting their efficacy. In our previous study, the Climbup Interceptor is effective compared to Bed bug Coaster, Blackout, ActivVolcano (SenSci), Nattaro, and 1st Defense. However, bed bugs can escape from pitfalls style monitors. In this study, we evaluated different dust insecticides (Cimexa, Dinotefuran, and Deltamethrin) and talcum powder for preventing the escape of a field strain common bed bug (C. lectularius) from monitors. Results showed 3^rd to 5^th instar nymphs and adults of C. lectularius were unable to escape from the monitors when talcum powder and other dust insecticides were applied into the inner wall of the Climbup interceptors during 4 d observation period. Whereas, 48 ± 15% of the bed bugs escaped in the control that without any dust in the inner wall. Cimexa and Dinotefuran caused 100% mortality after 24 h of exposure. Talcum and Deltamethrin caused an average 88 and 16% corrected mortality during the 4 d observation period, respectively. Despite having a lower toxicity than Cimexa and Dinotefuran, talcum powder is less harmful to the environment and humans. So, talcum powder is recommended to be used for pitfall style bed bug monitors. Results also suggest that adding a dust insecticide to bed bug monitors will help kill faster and reduce escape of C. lectularius.