Simple, rapid and cost‐effective technique for the detection of pyrethroid resistance in bed bugs, Cimex spp. (Hemiptera: Cimicidae)

A ready to use d-allethrin impregnated mat (‘Mortein Odourless Mozzie Zapper’, Reckitt Benckiser) was used to detect pyrethroid resistance in bed bugs, Cimex spp. Bed bugs of different species, stages and strains were confined on the mat and knockdown measured over 24 h. The insecticide-susceptible ‘Monheim’ strain of Cimex lectularius was significantly (P < 0.001) more sensitive than the insecticide-resistant ‘Sydney’ strain of C. lectularius and the ‘North Queensland’ strain of C. hemipterus. Based on the results, a protocol to rapidly diagnose pyrethroid resistance is suggested whereby, unless 100% of 10 bed bugs (irrespective of the life stage) are knocked down after 1 h exposure to the d-allethrin impregnated mat at room temperature of 23 ± 1°C, the population can be considered resistant. This protocol was validated using six Australian field-collected strains of C. lectularius, which were known to possess ‘kdr’-type resistance mechanisms, of which there was no mortality at 1 h exposure. Thus, the protocol developed in this study can be used to monitor pyrethroid resistance in bed bug populations and should assist pest managers in determining the most appropriate control strategies for managing bed bug infestations.