Procurement Competence and Framework Agreements for Upgraded Bed Bug Control [Cimex lectularius (Hemiptera: Cimicidae)].

The prevalence of bed bugs (Cimex lectularius L.) is increasing worldwide. Due to this increase, low-income housing owners and managers need an efficient method for controlling the pests without excessive resource use.

Identification of hepatitis C virus in the common bed bug - a potential, but uncommon route for HCV infection?

During an ongoing virome metagenomics project we identified hepatitis C virus (HCV) in a pool of recently blood-fed common bed bug () nymphs sampled from domestic residences in Europe. Additional PCR and genomic analysis revealed that the virus was a member of HCV genotype 3A, one of the most prevalent genotypes in Europe. Although the role of the common bed bug in the transmission of human hepatitis viruses remains unclear, our study suggests that it merits additional investigation.

Desiccant dust and the use of CO gas as a mobility stimulant for bed bugs: a potential control solution?

The common bed bug ( Hemiptera; Cimicidae) infests homes and service industries, and the number of infestations has greatly increased over the past 20 years. At present, no cost-effective control methods are available, and eradication programs are expensive and laborious. We investigated the control potential of desiccant dust in combination with CO as a bed bug activity stimulant.