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Bed Bug Research

Bed bug research publications by Rutgers University scientists.
For more information, please contact Dr. Changlu Wang.

2024

  1. Kong, D., Y. Xie, Z. Wang, D. Shi, Q. Liang, M. Fan, L. Lyu, X. Xu, H. Guo, and C. Jia. 2024. Efficacy of steam and diatomaceous earth dust against the tropical bed bug Cimex hemipterus (F.) under laboratory and field conditions. Pest Management Science 80:5026–5034. DOI 10.1002/ps.8227

2023

  1. Yu, J.-J., S. Ranabhat, C. Wang. 2023. Insecticide resistance of Cimex lectularius L. populations and the performance of selected neonicotinoid-pyrethroid mixture sprays and an inorganic dust. Insects 14: 133.
  2. Sked, S., R. Ramos, R. Cooper, S. Abbar, X. Pan, S. Ranabhat, C. Wang. 2023. In case of encasements. Pest Control Technology. 51(3): 78-83.

2022

  1. Lee, C.-Y., C. Wang, and N.-Y. Su. 2022. Perspective on biology and management of bed bugs: Introduction. Journal of Economic Entomology.
  2. Wang, C., D. Wang, R. S. Ramos, R. Cooper, D. Kong. 2022. Steaming up - Two studies show steam treatment is an effective method for bed bug management. Pest Control Technolog.y (12): 92-96.
  3. Wang, C., R. Cooper, K. Vail, A. D. Gondhalekar, D. H. Gouge. Pandemic pests. Pest Control Technology. 50(10): 64-65, 68, 70-71.
  4. Ramos, R. S., R. Cooper, T. Dasgupta, N. E. Pashley, and C. Wang. 2022. Comparative efficacy of superheated dry steam application and insecticide spray against common bed bugs under simulated field conditions. Journal of Economic Entomology. doi: 10.1093/jee/toac070.
  5. Kong, D., D. Han, R. Zhai, C. Wang, J. Zhang, Y. Xia, X. Nian, C. Liu, Y. He, and D. Wang. 2022. A case study on tropical bed bug, Cimex hemipterus (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) infestation and management in dormitories. Journal of Economic Entomology. doi: 10.1093/jee/toac1055.
  6. Kong, D., D. Shi, C. Wang, R. Zhai, L. Lyu, Y. He, and D. Wang. 2022. Identification and validation of reference genes for expression analysis using qRT-PCR in Cimex hemipterus (Hemiptera: Cimicidae). Insects 13: 784.
  7. Abbar, S., R. Cooper, S. Ranabhat, X. Pan, S. Sked, and C. Wang. 2022. Prevalence of cockroaches, bed bugs, and house mice in low-income housing and evaluation of baits for monitoring house mouse infestations. Journal of Medical Entomology 59: 940–948.

2021

  1. Zhang, J., Q. Liang, Y. Xia, D. Kong, C. Wang, S. Mo, Y. He, and D. Wang. 2021. Behavioral Response of the Tropical Bed Bug, Cimex hemipterus (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) to Carbon Dioxide. Journal of Economic Entomology 114: 2198-2203.
  2. Shi, X., C. Wang, J. E. Simon, W. Reichert, Q. Wu. 2021. Repellency of novel catnip oils against the bed bug (Hemiptera: Cimicidae). Journal of Medical Entomology 58: 528–534.
  3. Potts, R., P. Vincent, D. M. Agany, E. Z. Gnimpieba, R. Cooper, C. Wang, J. E. Pietri. 2021. Molecular analysis of the blood meals and bacterial communities of bed bugs (Cimex lectularius L.) to assess interactions with alternative hosts. Parasitology Research. 120: 1209-1217.

2020

  1. Zhang, J., Xia, Y., Wang, C., Han, D., Ren, D., Zheng, J., Xu, X., He, Y., Wang, D. 2020. Morphological and molecular identification of tropical bed bugs from two cities of the pearl river delta in China. Journal of Medical Entomology doi.org/10.1093/jme/tjaa155.
  2. Abbar, S., C. Wang, R. Cooper. 2020. Evaluation of a non-chemical compared to a non-chemical plus silica gel approach to bed bug management. Insects 11(7): 443. 
  3. Ranabhat, S. and C. Wang. 2020. Effect of moisture on efficacy of selected insecticide dusts against the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius (Hemiptera: Cimicidae). Journal of Economic Entomology

2019

  1. Wang, C., A. Eiden, R. Cooper, C. Zha, and D. Wang. 2019. Effectiveness of building-wide integrated pest management programs for German cockroach and bed bug in a high-rise apartment building. Journal of Integrated Pest Management 10, doi: 10.1093/jipm/pmz031.
  2. Sked, S., C. Wang, K. Hacker, M. Levy. 2019. A case study of Cimex lectularius L. (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) infestations in an office environment. Journal of Economic Entomology. doi: 10.1093/jee/toz1108.

2018

  1. Cooper, R. and C. Wang. 2018. Chapter 27. Detection and monitoring. In Doggett, Miller, and Lee (eds), Advances in the Biology and Management of Modern Bed Bugs. CABI International. pp. 241-255.
  2. Cooper, R. and C. Wang. 2018. Chapter 33. Bed bug control in specific situations: low-income housing. In Doggett, Miller, and Lee (eds), Advances in the Biology and Management of Modern Bed Bugs. CABI International. pp .333-339.
  3. Lee, C. Y., H. Motokazu, C. Wang, and Y. J. Xu. 2018. Chapter 6. Bed bug resurgence in Asia. In Doggett, Miller, and Lee (eds), Advances in the Biology and Management of Modern Bed Bugs. CABI International. pp. 69-79.
  4. Sharififard, M. I. Alizadeh, E.Jahanifard, C. Wang, M. E. Azemi. 2018. Chemical composition and repellency of origanum vulgare essential oil against Cimex lectularius under laboratory conditions. Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 12: 387–397.
  5. Zhu, J. J., Zhu, J., Cermak, S. C., Kenar, J. A., Brewer, G., Haynes, K. F., Boxler, D., Baker, P. D., Wang, D., Wang, C., Li, A.Y. 2018. Better than DEET repellent compounds derived from coconut oil. Scientific Reports 8: 14053. doi:10.1038/s41598-018-32373-7
  6. Wang, D., C. Wang, G. Wang, C. Zha. 2018. Effect of steam treatment on feeding, mating, and fecundity of the common bed bug (Hemiptera: Cimicidae). Journal of Medical Entomology; doi: 10.1093/jme/tjy113
  7. Wang, D., C. Wang, G. Wang, C. Zha, A. L. Eiden, R. Cooper. 2018. Efficacy of three different steamers for control of bed bugs (Cimex lectularius L.). Pest management science; doi: 10.1002/ps.4933

2017

  1. Wang, C., P.-H. Chang, C. Zha 2017. Bed bug lure increases efficacy of pitfall-style interceptors. Pest Control Technology 45 (12): 88-97.
  2. Wang, C., A. Eiden, N. Singh, C. Zha, D. Wang, R. Cooper 2017. Dynamics of bed bug infestations in three low-income housing communities with various bed bug management programs. Pest Management Science; doi: 10.1002/ps.4830.
  3. Zha, C., C. Wang, J. M. Sheele. 2017. Effect of moxidectin on bed bug feeding, development, fecundity, and survivorship. Insects. 8, 106; doi:10.3390/insects8040106.
  4. Zha, C., C. Wang, A. Li. 2017. Toxicities of selected essential oils, Slicone oils, and paraffin oil against the common bed bug. Journal of Economic Entomology; doi: 10.1093/jee/tox285.
  5. Singh, N., C. Wang, D. Wang, C. Zha, R. Cooper, M. Robson. 2017. Testing a threshold-based bed bug management approach in apartment buildings. Insects 8(3), 76; doi:10.3390/insects8030076.
  6. Wang, D., C. Wang, N. Singh, A. Eiden, R. Cooper, and C. Zha. Effect of hunger level and time elapsed from field collection on the locomotion behavior and response to stimulation in the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius. Journal of Economic Entomology; doi: 10.1093/jee/tox148.

2016

  1. Wang, D., C. Wang, N. Singh, R. Cooper, C. Zha, and A. Eiden. 2016. Effect of mating status and age on the male mate choice and mating competency in the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius (Hemiptera: Cimicidae). Journal of Economic Entomology; doi: 10.1093/jee/tow077.
  2. Wang, C., N. Singh, C. Zha, and R. Cooper. 2016. Bed bugs: prevalence in low-income communities, resident’s reactions, and implementation of a low-cost inspection protocol. Journal of Medical Entomology; doi: 10.1093/jme/tjw018
  3. Wang, C., N. Singh, C. Zha, and R. Cooper 2016. Efficacy of selected insecticide sprays and aerosols against the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius (Hemiptera: Cimicidae). Insects.  Doi:10.3390/insects7010005.
  4. Wang, L., C. Wang, Y. Xu, L. Zeng. 2016. Review of current research on bed bugs and its implications for bed bug management in China. Acta Entomologica Sinica 59: 1021-1032.
  5. Minocha, R., C. Wang, K. Dang, C. E. Webb, P. Fernández-Peñas, and S. L. Doggett. 2016. Systemic and erythrodermic reactions following repeated exposure to bites from the Common bed bug, Cimex lectularius (Hemiptera: Cimicidae). Austral Entomology; doi: 10.1111/aen.12250.
  6. Singh, N., C. Wang, D. Wang, R. Cooper, C. Zha. 2016. Comparative efficacy of selected dust insecticides for controlling Cimex lectularius (Hemiptera: Cimicidae). Journal of Economic Entomology; doi: 10.1093/jee/tow129.

2015

  1. Bennett, G. W., A. D. Gondhalekar, C. Wang, G. Buczkowski, T. J. Gibb. 2015. Using research and education to implement practical bed bug control programs in multifamily housing. Pest Manag. Sci; doi: 10.1002/ps.4084.
  2. Singh, N., C. Wang, and R. Cooper. 2015. Post-treatment feeding affects mortality of bed bugs exposed to insecticides. Journal of Economic Entomology; doi: 10.1093/jee/tov293.
  3. Cooper, R., C. Wang, and N. Singh. 2015. Effects of various interventions, including mass trapping with passive pitfall traps, on low-level bed bug populations in apartments. Journal of Economic Entomology; doi: 10.1093/jee/tov337.
  4. Cooper, R., C. Wang, and N. Singh. 2015. Mark-release-recapture reveals extensive movement of bed bugs (Cimex lectularius L.) within and between apartments. Plos One 10(9): e0136462; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0136462
  5. Singh, N., C. Wang, and R. Cooper. 2015. Effectiveness of a sugar-yeast monitor and a chemical lure for detecting bed bugs. J. Econ. Entomol. 108; doi: 10.1093/jee/tov061.
  6. Cooper, R., C. Wang, and N. Singh. 2015. Evaluation of a model community-wide bed bug management program in affordable housing. Pest Management Science 71; doi: 10.1002/ps.3982
  7. Wang, C., N. Singh, and R. Cooper. 2015. Field study of the comparative efficacy of three pyrethroid/neonicotinoid mixture products for the control of the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius. Insects 6: 197-205; doi: 10.3390/insects6010197
  8. Singh, N., C. Wang, and R. Cooper. 2015. Role of vision and mechanoreception in bed bug, Cimex lectularius L. behavior. Plos One. 10(3): e0118855.

2014

  1. Cooper, C. Wang, and R. Singh. 2014. Accuracy of trained canines for detecting bed bugs (Hemiptera: Cimicidae). Journal of Economic Entomology 107: 2171-2181; doi: 10.1603/EC14195
  2. Singh, N., C. Wang, and R. Cooper. 2014. Potential of essential oil-based pesticides and detergents for bed bug control. Journal of Economic Entomology 107: 2163-2170.
  3. Wang, C., N. Singh, and R. Cooper. 2014. Efficacy of an essential oil-based pesticide for controlling bed bug (Cimex lectularius) infestations in apartment buildings. Insects 5: 849-859.
  4. Wang, C., N. Singh, R. Cooper. 2014. What causes bed bug control failure - the resident factor. Pest Control Technology 42(8): 86-95.
  5. Phillips, T. W., M. J. Aikins, E. Thomas, J. Demark, and C. Wang. 2014. Fumigation of bed bugs (Hemiptera: Cimicidae): effective application rates for sulfuryl fluoride. Journal of Economic Entomology 107(4): 1582-1589. 
  6. Wang, C., K. Saltzman, A. Gondhalekar, T. Gibb, G. Bennett. 2014. Building-wide bed bug management. Pest Control Technology 42(3): 70-74.

2013

  1. Wang, C., L. Lü, and A. Zhang. 2013. Efficacy of selected repellents against bed bugs. Journal of Economic Entomology 106: 2522-2529. Doi: 10.1603/EC13155
  2. Olson, J., M. Eaton, S. A. Kells, V. Morin, C. Wang. 2013. Cold tolerance of bed bugs and practical recommendations for control. Journal of Economic Entomology 106: 2433-2441. Doi: 10.1603/EC13032
  3. Singh, N., C. Wang, and R. Cooper. 2013. Effectiveness of a reduced-risk insecticide based bed bug management program in low-income housing. Insects 4: 731-742. Doi: 10.3390/insects4040731
  4. Singh, N., C. Wang, and R. Cooper. 2013. Effect of trap design, chemical lure, carbon dioxide release rate, and source of carbon dioxide on efficacy of bed bug monitors. Journal of Economic Entomology 106: 1802-1811. Doi: 10.1603/EC13075
  5. Singh, N., C. Wang, R. Cooper. 2013. Natural pesticides for bed bug control: Do they work? Pest Control Technology 41(3): 28, 30, 32.
  6. Wang, C., N. Singh, R. Cooper, C. Liu, and G. Buckowski. 2013. Evaluation of an insecticide dust band treatment method for controlling bed bugs. Journal of Economic Entomology 106: 347-352.

2012

  1. Wang, C., L. Lu, and M. Xu. 2012. Carbon dioxide fumigation for control of bed bugs. Journal of Medical Entomology 49: 1076-1083.
  2. Booth, W., V. Saenz, R. G. Santangelo, C. Wang, C. Schal, and E. L. Vargo. 2012. Molecular markers reveal infestation dynamics of the bed bug (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) within apartment buildings. Journal of Medical Entomology 49: 535-546.
  3. Wang, C., R. Cooper. 2012. The future of bed bug monitoring (PDF). Pestworld 2012 (Janurary/February): 1-6.
  4. Singh, N., C. Wang, R. Cooper, and C. Liu. 2012. Interactions among carbon dioxide, heat and chemical lures in attracting the bed bug, Cimex lectularis L. (Hemiptera: Cimicidae). Psyche. doi:10.1155/2012/273613.
  5. Wang, C., K. Saltzmann, T. Gibb, G. Bennett. 2012. Comparison of three bed bug management strategies in a low-income apartment building. Insects. 2012 (3): 402-409.

2011

  1. Wang, C., R. Cooper. 2011. Detection tools and technologies. Pest Control Technology 39(8): 72, 74, 76, 78-79, 112.
  2. Wang, C., and R. Cooper. 2011. Environmentally sound bed bug management solutions. In P. Dhang (ed.), Urban Pest Management: An Environmental Perspective. CABI International.  pp. 44-63.
  3. Wang, C., Wen X. 2011. Bed bug infestations and control practices in China: implications for fighting the global bed bug resurgence. Insects. 2: 83-95.
  4. Wang, C., W. Tsai, R. Cooper, and J. White. 2011. Effectiveness of bed bug monitors for detecting and trapping bed bugs in apartments. Journal of Economic Entomology 104: 274-278. Doi: 10.1603/EC10141

2010

  1. Wang, C., K. Saltzmann, E. Chin, G. W. Bennett, T. Gibb. 2010. Characteristics of Cimex lectularius (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) infestation and dispersal in a high-rise apartment building. Journal of Economic Entomology 103: 172-177. Doi: 10.1603/EC09230
  2. Wang, C., K. Saltzmann, E. Chin, G. W. Bennett, and T. Gibb. 2010. Understanding bed bug infestations and dispersal patterns. Pest Control Technology, 38(3): 94-96.

2009

  1. Wang, C., T. Gibb, G. W. Bennett, and S. McKnight. 2009. Bed bug attraction to pitfall traps baited with carbon dioxide, heat, and chemical lure. Journal of Economic Entomology 102: 1580-1585. Doi: 10.1603/029.102.0423
  2. Wang, C., T. Gibb, and G. W. Bennett. 2009. Evaluation of two least toxic integrated pest management programs for managing bed bugs (Heteroptera: Cimicidae) with discussion of a bed bug intercepting device. Journal of Medical Entomology. 46: 566-571.
  3. Wang, C., T. J. Gibb., and G. W. Bennett. 2009. Interceptors assist in bed bug monitoring. Pest Control Technology 37(4): 112, 114.

2007

  1. Wang, C., M.  M. Abou El-Nour, G. W. Bennett. 2007. Controlling bed bugs in apartments – A case study. Pest Control Technology 35(11): 64, 66, 68, 70.