University of Ohio Researchers Look for Genetic Link to Bed Bugs’ Pesticide Resistance

March 14, 2011 - PRLog -- Scientists at the University of Ohio recently conducted the first-ever genetic study of bed bugs, looking for a genetic link to bed bugs’ increased resistance to common pesticides.

According to the study, which was published in January 2011 in the scientific journal PLoS ONE, initial evidence suggests that pesticide-resistant strains of bed bugs possess genetic sequencing that may make them immune to certain chemicals.  In turn, this would allow populations to flourish and multiply, almost completely unchecked.  

Until more research is conducted and new pesticides are developed that can circumvent bed bugs’ pesticide-resistant genes, a combination of both chemical and non-chemical pest control methods are currently the best way to treat bed bug infestation, as confirmed by studies at the University of Kentucky and University of California - Berkeley.

One such non-chemical method is bed bug heat remediation.  In this service, concentrated heat is used to naturally kill bed bugs and their eggs, essentially dehydrating the parasites until they perish.  Furthermore, heat remediation is capable of penetrating wall voids, mattresses, furnishings as well as cracks and crevices where bed bugs may hide, rendering entire structures bed bug free in a single treatment without the use of toxic chemicals.

“Currently, heat along with other controls are the most effective means of killing bed bugs,” says Donnie Shelton, President & CEO of Triangle Pest Control, a Raleigh, NC-based pest control and bed bug elimination services company.  “Whereas chemical-only treatments can take weeks to months to work and are marginally effective, bed bug heat remediation treatments along with other controls can wipe out bed bugs in a matter of days -- if not hours.”

Preventative tools, such as bed bug mattress covers, also are necessary in the fight against bed bug infestation.

“Bed bugs feed on human blood, and while they can live other places in your home, they are commonly found in beds,” explains Shelton.  “So if bed bug infestation already exists, bed bug mattress and box spring encasements are necessary to trap bed bugs inside a mattress and keep them from coming out at night to feed.  In time, they starve, and the infestation is terminated.”

Shelton also notes that bed bug mattress and box spring covers can prevent new bed bugs from invading bedding.

“Mattress and box spring covers, specifically Protect-A-Bed mattress covers with Bug Lock, provide an air-tight seal around the mattress and box spring.  So even the tiniest bed bug nymphs can’t find a way to invade a mattress.”

Triangle Pest Control has been offering bed bug heat elimination services as well as Protect-A-Bed bed bug mattress and box spring covers since 2010.

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Founded in 2003, Triangle Pest Control is the state leader in Bed Bug Management. A Raleigh extermination company, Triangle Pest Control specializes in an integrated pest management process that includes both elimination and prevention. The company has a firm commitment to working only with materials that have maximize the safety of families, children, and pets and is ranked #1 in customer service among Raleigh pest control companies.