The Resurgence of Bed Bugs, Cimex spp. (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) in Australia

Abstract:
From 2001 to 2004, Australia experienced a resurgence in bed bug infestations involving both the common (Cimex lectularius) and Tropical (Cimex hemipterus) species. It was found that all Australian mainland states had experienced an exponential rise in bed bug infestations since 2001, with an overall national increase of 4.5%. A conservative estimate of the economic impact of the resurgence was $AUS100 million. To combat the resurgence, a four point strategy was implemented. The first strategy was to better define the degree of the resurgence through a survey of professional pest managers. The second strategy was the defining of best practice in bed bug management, which led to the development in 2005 of a Code of Practice for the Control of Bed Bug infestations in Australia (CoP) (www.bedbug.org.au). The aims of the CoP were to promote best practice in the eradication of active bed bug infestations and the management of potential infestations. Education of stakeholders affected by bed bugs on best practice management as defined by the CoP was the third strategy and encompassed the production of industry publications and lectures. Research, and investigations have begun in relation to both non-chemical and chemical means of control.