Optimal Fabric Preference for Bed Bugs
Faculty Mentor Name
Corraine McNeill
Format Preference
Poster
Abstract
Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are cryptic, nocturnal insects that prefer to aggregate in color specific harborages. Although it has been documented that bed bugs prefer coarse surfaces to smooth surfaces, there is very little research that exists on what fabric textures they prefer. In this study, four different red fabrics (100% polyester fleece, 100% polyester knit, 100% polyester microfiber, 600-count 100% Egyptian cotton) were used to determine fabric texture preferences for male and female adult bed bugs. This was accomplished by conducting 362 behavioral bioassays involving four fabric options. The four fabric harborages were randomly placed in a circle in the middle of a petri dish, so that bed bugs had an equal chance of choosing any of the four harborages. An individual bed bug was placed in the center of the four fabric options and given 10 minutes to make a choice. The majority of males (33% and 30%) preferred Egyptian cotton and knit fabric textures respectively, compared with microfiber and fleece. The majority of females (37% and 34%) also preferred Egyptian cotton and knit respectively compared with microfiber and fleece. Understanding bed bug fabric preferences can lead to a novel form of bed bug control that would allow the pest control industry to design traps enhanced by fabric textures.
Optimal Fabric Preference for Bed Bugs
Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are cryptic, nocturnal insects that prefer to aggregate in color specific harborages. Although it has been documented that bed bugs prefer coarse surfaces to smooth surfaces, there is very little research that exists on what fabric textures they prefer. In this study, four different red fabrics (100% polyester fleece, 100% polyester knit, 100% polyester microfiber, 600-count 100% Egyptian cotton) were used to determine fabric texture preferences for male and female adult bed bugs. This was accomplished by conducting 362 behavioral bioassays involving four fabric options. The four fabric harborages were randomly placed in a circle in the middle of a petri dish, so that bed bugs had an equal chance of choosing any of the four harborages. An individual bed bug was placed in the center of the four fabric options and given 10 minutes to make a choice. The majority of males (33% and 30%) preferred Egyptian cotton and knit fabric textures respectively, compared with microfiber and fleece. The majority of females (37% and 34%) also preferred Egyptian cotton and knit respectively compared with microfiber and fleece. Understanding bed bug fabric preferences can lead to a novel form of bed bug control that would allow the pest control industry to design traps enhanced by fabric textures.