Pest Management Science (2018) 74, 2030-2037

Desen Wang, Changlu Wang, Guohong Wang, Chen Zha, Amanda L. Eiden and Richard Cooper (2018)
Efficacy of three different steamers for control of bed bugs (Cimex lectularius L.)
Pest Management Science 74 (9), 2030-2037
Abstract:
Background
Bed bugs, Cimex lectularius L., have become one of the most difficult urban pests to control. Steam treatment is reported to be an effective method to kill bed bugs and is considered to be an important component of bed bug integrated pest management (IPM). We evaluated and compared the efficacies of two affordable consumer-grade commercial steamers and a commonly used professional-grade steamer for killing bed bugs.
Results
In laboratory experiments, the consumer-grade steamers at affordable prices achieved the same high control efficacy as the professional-grade steamer for treating bed bugs exposed on mattresses (100% bed bug mortality for all steamers), located beneath a fabric cover (>89% bed bug mortality for all steamers), or hiding in cracks (100% bed bug mortality for all steamers). Bed bugs located behind a leather cover did not suffer significant mortality from steam treatment regardless of the type of steamers used and the treatment duration.
Conclusion
Proper use of steamers can kill all life stages of bed bugs. Affordable consumer-grade steamers are as effective as professional-grade steam machines for eliminating bed bugs resting on mattresses and hiding behind fabric materials or in cracks.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Changlu Wang

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
control - general

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Cimex lectularius