Author
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Feldlaufer, Mark |
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Submitted to: American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 10/10/2012 Publication Date: 4/1/2013 Citation: Feldlaufer, M.F. 2013. Bed bug detection: Current technologies and future directions. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 88(4):619-625. Interpretive Summary: Early detection of bed bug infestations, though crucial for effective control, is difficult because bed bugs spend most of their life in cracks, crevices, and similarly concealed areas. We have reviewed current detection methods and have included research results on detection by bed bug sniffing dogs. Our results indicate that dogs trained to detect live bed bugs will also alert to specific chemicals produced by bed bugs, and that these bed bug-produced compounds form the underlying chemical basis of scent detection by dogs. This information will benefit the general public by providing them with information about the options available for detecting bed bug infestations in their home or apartment. Technical Abstract: This study evaluates current technologies used to detect bed bug infestations, and presents new information regarding the underlying chemical basis of canines scent detection. The manuscript also reports new and future devices that may play a part in bed bug detection in the future. |
