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*Judicious use of effective chemical pesticides, beginning with non-repellent types (such as Phantom, where legal).
*Judicious use of effective chemical pesticides, beginning with non-repellent types (such as Phantom, where legal).
===Insecticides===
===Chemical insecticides===
[[Insecticide]]s known to kill bed bugs include synthetic pyrethroids such as allethrin, tetramethrin, permethrin, esfenvalerate, bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, d-phenothrin, imiprothrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, resmethrin, and tralomethrin, though bed bugs have now developed resistance to all pyrethroids labeled to control them. Other chemicals include chlorfenapyr, chlorpyrifos and propoxur, which are not all EPA approved for consumer use due to their hazards to human health. <ref>'Bed Bug Increase Due to Pesticide Regulation?'', University of Illinois Extension, Illinois Pesticide Review, May, 2009</ref><ref>[http://www.bedbugbattleplan.com/content/view/42/33/ Bed Bug Insecticides]</ref>
[[Chemical]] [[Insecticide]]s known to control and kill bed bugs fall into four main different categories, with first being organochlorines, which include DDT. being powerful but also the most notorious class of pesticides is aldrin, chlordane, endrin, endosulfan, dicofol and others. These are typically effective against a broad spectrum of insects, and are relatively low in toxicity to mammals, but they often remain in the environment long after application (especially DDT) and in organisms long after exposure, which led to most of them of them being banned or their use being very restricted.
The second class is the organophosphates (OPs), which include parathion, malathion, diazinon, dichlorvos, chlorpyrifos, pirimiphos methyl (Actellic). These work by effecting over-stimulation of the nervous system which eventually causes the insect to die. While these break down much faster than organochlorines, they have much greater acute toxicity and can effects mammals as well as insects. After the passing of of the Food Quality Protection Act, a 10-year review by the [[Environmental Protection Agency]] (EPA)resulted in 17 of of the 49 of the OP pesticides which had been registered for use in pest control being banned or heavily restricted, including the popular household pesticides diazinon and chlorpyrifos.
The third class is that of carbamates, which include carbofuran, aldicarb (Temik), chlorfenapyr (Propoxur), carbaryl (Sevin), and bendiocarb (Ficam). Carbamates typically degrade faster than organochlorines, and some of them can be just as lethal, while others are seen as less toxic. The use of such is restricted by the EPA, and which has banned the highly toxic carbofuran, while the manufacturer of bendiocarb has voluntarily cancelled its registration, which can cost up to $100 million in order to obtain EPA approval.
Regarding the above classes being registered and intended for bedbug control (among other insects), on researcher (2007) found no organochlolines, and out of 341 organophosphates products, most had been cancelled, and only 24 products were available, with the active ingredient being either malathion or DDVP (dichlorvos), while out of 266 carbamate products, only 76 were still available, with the active ingredient being carbaryl.<ref>[http://waronbedbugs.blogspot.com/2007/03/tracing-cause-of-bedbug-epidemic.html "Tracing the cause of the bedbug epidemic]," The War on Bedbugs, Monday, March 19, 2007</ref>
The third and most widely used class is that of pyrethrins and pyrethroids, which come from the chrysanthemum plant. This class includes synthetic pyrethroids such as allethrin, tetramethrin, permethrin, esfenvalerate, bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, d-phenothrin, imiprothrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, resmethrin, and tralomethrin, and which are contained in a variety of insecticides. This class is one of the least poisonous to mammals, and break down more rapidly (thus being more of a contact killer and having less residual effect) and works to control or kill insects by paralyzing their nervous system. However, these are considered less effective than many organophosphates and carbamates, and might be repellent to bedbugs. In addition bed bugs have now developed resistance to all pyrethroids labeled to control them. <ref>"Bed Bug Increase Due to Pesticide Regulation?'', University of Illinois Extension, Illinois Pesticide Review, May, 2009</ref><ref>[http://www.bedbugbattleplan.com/content/view/42/33/ Bed Bug Insecticides]</ref> <ref>http://newyorkvsbedbugs.org/2009/04/14/worked-17-years-ago/</ref>
Botanical insecticides containing natural pyrethrins are sometimes employed, and repel and can “knock down” bed bugs for a some time, but natural pyrethrins deteriorate quickly and fail to provide the necessary residual action which some other materials supply.
Botanical insecticides containing natural pyrethrins are sometimes employed, and repel and can “knock down” bed bugs for a some time, but natural pyrethrins deteriorate quickly and fail to provide the necessary residual action which some other materials supply.
Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol also works as a contact killer, as do most insecticides while others also provide some degree of residual effectiveness. Insecticides are classified according to their application method: Crease and Crevice, Indoor Surface, Indoor Space, and Fumigation. An additional factor is whether an insecticide repels bed bugs (causing migration if not killed), or not.
Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol also works as a contact killer, as do most insecticides while others also provide some degree of residual effectiveness. Insecticides are classified according to their application method: Crease and Crevice, Indoor Surface, Indoor Space, and Fumigation. An additional factor is whether an insecticide repels bed bugs (causing migration if not killed), or not.
A supplementary type of insecticide are Insect Growth Regulators (IGR’s), such as hydroprene (''Gentrol'') and methoprene, which do not actually kill bed bugs, but instead work to prevent reproduction by disrupting the development of immature bed bugs, resulting in being unable to reproduce. This process takes longer but it can ensure an eventual end of the infestation, if contact with all bed bugs is made, but usually this chemical is used in conjunction with other insecticides.<ref>http://www.bed-bug.org/insectisides-for-bed-bugs/</ref><ref>http://www.zoecon.com/pdfs/GentrolBedBug.pdf</ref>
A supplementary type of insecticide are Insect Growth Regulators (IGR’s), such as hydroprene (''Gentrol'') and methoprene, which do not actually kill bed bugs, but instead work to prevent reproduction by disrupting the development of immature bed bugs, resulting in being unable to reproduce. This process takes longer but it can ensure an eventual end of the infestation, if contact with all bed bugs is made, but usually this chemical is used in conjunction with other insecticides.<ref>http://www.bed-bug.org/insectisides-for-bed-bugs/</ref><ref>http://www.zoecon.com/pdfs/GentrolBedBug.pdf</ref>
The carbamates chlorfenapyr (marketed as ''Phantom'') is a relatively new non-pyrethrin material, which has overall greater long term effectiveness than pyrethrins,<ref>http://newyorkvsbedbugs.org/2010/08/12/the-workmanlike-chlorfenapyr</ref> with bed bug resistance being only a recent development.<ref>http://web.extension.illinois.edu/ipr/i6046_829.html#2</ref> Chlorfenapyr is a non-repellent, slower but virulent long-lasting residual killer.<ref>[http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ps.2002/abstract;jsessionid=0C9A4DABF17CB4DD010C0F263C46D8F3.d01t02 Alvaro Romero, Michael F Potter, Kenneth F Haynes, ''Evaluation of chlorfenapyr for control of the bed bug, Cimex lectularius L''], Pest Management, Science</ref>
Chlorfenapyr is part of a new class of chemicals called ''pyrroles'', which are technically pro-insecticide, meaning the biological activity depends on its activation to another chemical, in the case of bed bugs leads to lethargy and death. However, Phantom is not legal for sale to consumers in AK, CT, NY, MA, SC, and "is intended for use by individuals/ firms licensed or registered by the state to apply termiticide and general pest control products as a spot or crack and crevice spray"<ref>http://store.parsonspestcontrol.com/msds/Phantom_Label.pdf</ref> <ref>http://www.domyownpestcontrol.com/phantom-termiticideinsecticide-p-209.html</ref> And as it may require ten or more days to kill the bugs, during which the insect may still be active and females may wander and deposit viable eggs in other locations.
Chlorfenapyr is part of a new class of chemicals called ''pyrroles'', which are technically pro-insecticide, meaning the biological activity depends on its activation to another chemical, in the case of bed bugs leads to lethargy and death. However, Phantom is not legal for sale to consumers in AK, CT, NY, MA, SC, and "is intended for use by individuals/ firms licensed or registered by the state to apply termiticide and general pest control products as a spot or crack and crevice spray"<ref>http://store.parsonspestcontrol.com/msds/Phantom_Label.pdf</ref> <ref>http://www.domyownpestcontrol.com/phantom-termiticideinsecticide-p-209.html</ref> And as it may require ten or more days to kill the bugs, during which the insect may still be active and females may wander and deposit viable eggs in other locations.
Also reported effective against some pyrethroid-resistant bugs were two pyrethroid-based dusts, (''Tempo Dust;'' ''Drione'') as well as diatomaceous earth.<ref>http://newyorkvsbedbugs.org/2009/05/22/finally-researchers-on-the-efficacy-of-dusts/</ref>
Also reported effective against some pyrethroid-resistant bugs were two pyrethroid-based dusts, (''Tempo Dust;'' ''Drione'') as well as diatomaceous earth.<ref>http://newyorkvsbedbugs.org/2009/05/22/finally-researchers-on-the-efficacy-of-dusts/</ref>
Possibly the most effective agent against bed begs, with long residual effect, is Propoxur (marketed under the registered trademark name Baygon) a carbamate pesticide with a somewhat murky regulatory history. In a test of its effectiveness against bed bugs, while some of today’s leading pesticides could not kill even half of the bugs, propoxur a well as chlorpyrifos (an organophosphate) killed them all in an hour. However, Propoxur is a neurotoxin, toxic to humans if ingested, and [[EPA]] research has found human nervous systems could be harmed, with infants and children being in the most danger. Serious overexposure can also cause death by cardiorespiratory depression.<ref>[http://www.faqs.org/periodicals/201006/2054573271.html ''Bed Bugs: The Pesticide Dilemma'']</ref> It is therefore, like chlorpyrifos,<ref>http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/op/chlorpyrifos.htm</ref> banned by the EPA for use in locations where children may be present (residential buildings and hotels). Recently, the EPA denied a request by the state of Ohio to allow its use therein by licensed exterminators.<ref>http://bedbugger.com/2010/06/11/bed-bugs-cheer-ohios-propoxur-exemption-request-denied/</ref>
Possibly the most effective agent against bed begs, with long residual effect, is propoxur (marketed under the registered trademark name Baygon) a carbamate pesticide with a somewhat murky regulatory history. In a test of its effectiveness against bed bugs, while some of today’s leading pesticides could not kill even half of the bugs, propoxur a well as chlorpyrifos (an organophosphate) killed them all in an hour. However, Propoxur is a neurotoxin, toxic to humans if ingested, and [[EPA]] research has found human nervous systems could be harmed, with infants and children being in the most danger. Serious overexposure can also cause death by cardiorespiratory depression.<ref>[http://www.faqs.org/periodicals/201006/2054573271.html ''Bed Bugs: The Pesticide Dilemma'']</ref> It is therefore, like chlorpyrifos,<ref>http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/op/chlorpyrifos.htm</ref> banned by the EPA for use in locations where children may be present (residential buildings and hotels). Recently, the EPA denied a request by the state of Ohio to allow its use therein by licensed exterminators.<ref>http://bedbugger.com/2010/06/11/bed-bugs-cheer-ohios-propoxur-exemption-request-denied/</ref>
Propoxur volatilizes in the air and can be absorbed into the blood weeks after application. It is also thought to be a cardiovascular or blood toxicant, a possible human carcinogen, a reproductive toxicant, and a neurotoxicant, due to its cholinesterase inhibiting properties, but it is not thought to be bioaccumulative.<ref>http://toxipedia.org/display/toxipedia/Propoxur</ref>
Propoxur volatilizes in the air and can be absorbed into the blood weeks after application. It is also thought to be a cardiovascular or blood toxicant, a possible human carcinogen, a reproductive toxicant, and a neurotoxicant, due to its cholinesterase inhibiting properties, but it is not thought to be bioaccumulative.<ref>http://toxipedia.org/display/toxipedia/Propoxur</ref>
Extensive testing determine the relative safety of insecticides (especially for mammals)is required before chemical insecticides may be registered for use, but which may result in some potentially effective and relatively safe products (perhaps such as Bendiocarb) from never being marketed. Dini M. Miller, Ph.D., an associate professor in Urban Pest Management at Virginia Tech's Department of Entomology, explains that,
<blockquote>
To get an EPA registration, the pesticide product has to be thoroughly tested for acute and chronic effects on mammals (laboratory rats and dogs), the potential effects on birds, fish, and honeybees has to be documented, and the environmental fate (half-life) of these products in water or soil also must be quantified. The cost of having a product registered is now estimated to be around $ 100 million. This cost naturally limits the number of products that make it to the marketplace. In addition, there has been a 10 to 15 year trend in reducing the number of pesticide products that receive registration for use in the indoor environment. In short, it is very hard to get new pesticides registered that are labeled for indoor use (as opposed to agricultural use). <ref>MSNBC Dateline, "Your bed bug questions answered"</ref>
</blockquote>
====Natural insecticides====
====Natural insecticides====
Natural insecticides include orange oil, cedar oil, freshwater food-grade [[Diatomaceous earth]]. The latter rightly applied, can slowly work to control or kill bed bugs by cutting them as they travel, often resulting in their death by dehydration. Silica aerogel (a synthetic desiccant dust) mixed with chemical insecticides has reported to be highly effective,<ref>http://www.mypmp.net/bed-bugs/bed-bugs-are-dusts-bed-bug-bullet</ref> especially when combined with a blend of bed bug alarm [[pheromones.]]<ref>[http://www.bioone.org/doi/abs/10.1603/033.046.0323 Journal of Medical Entomology, Addition of Alarm Pheromone Components Improves the Effectiveness of Desiccant Dusts Against Cimex lectularius]</ref> Lower humidity is recommended for using diatomaceous earth, and the manner of application as well as the source of diatomaceous earth can be a deciding factor in how well it works, and more research is needed to establish its effectiveness.<ref>http://newyorkvsbedbugs.org/2010/01/11/australian-de-trial</ref>
Natural insecticides include orange oil, cedar oil, freshwater food-grade [[Diatomaceous earth]]. The latter rightly applied, can slowly work to control or kill bed bugs by cutting them as they travel, often resulting in their death by dehydration. Silica aerogel (a synthetic desiccant dust) mixed with chemical insecticides has reported to be highly effective,<ref>http://www.mypmp.net/bed-bugs/bed-bugs-are-dusts-bed-bug-bullet</ref> especially when combined with a blend of bed bug alarm [[pheromones.]]<ref>[http://www.bioone.org/doi/abs/10.1603/033.046.0323 Journal of Medical Entomology, Addition of Alarm Pheromone Components Improves the Effectiveness of Desiccant Dusts Against Cimex lectularius]</ref> Lower humidity is recommended for using diatomaceous earth, and the manner of application as well as the source of diatomaceous earth can be a deciding factor in how well it works, and more research is needed to establish its effectiveness.<ref>http://newyorkvsbedbugs.org/2010/01/11/australian-de-trial</ref>
=====The Pesticide resistance issue =====
=====Pesticide resistance=====
Some studies have concluded that resistance to ''many'' of the chemical pesticides currently used is increasing in some bed bug populations in many areas of North America.<ref>http://newyorkvsbedbugs.org/2010/01/21/kdr-pyrethroid-resistance-widespread-in-u-s-bed-bug-populations/</ref><ref>http://www.faqs.org/periodicals/201006/2054573271.html</ref> This Resistance is genetically conferred to subsequent populations which then show resistance to other chemical tools within the same class of chemistry. Thus the problem involves all pyrethroids and is likely only to get worse.<ref>http://termidorpartners.com/store/Downloads/BASF-626-Bed-Bugs-Guide.pdf</ref> According to a report from the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, some of the latest “super bed bugs” can survive for up to 16 days after being directly sprayed with currently used pesticides designed to kill insects immediately.
Some studies have concluded that resistance to ''many'' of the chemical pesticides currently used is increasing in some bed bug populations in many areas of North America.<ref>http://newyorkvsbedbugs.org/2010/01/21/kdr-pyrethroid-resistance-widespread-in-u-s-bed-bug-populations/</ref><ref>http://www.faqs.org/periodicals/201006/2054573271.html</ref> This Resistance is genetically conferred to subsequent populations which then show resistance to other chemical tools within the same class of chemistry. Thus the problem involves all pyrethroids and is likely only to get worse.<ref>http://termidorpartners.com/store/Downloads/BASF-626-Bed-Bugs-Guide.pdf</ref> According to a report from the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, some of the latest “super bed bugs” can survive for up to 16 days after being directly sprayed with currently used pesticides designed to kill insects immediately.