Socioecological impacts on population structure in a host-dependent urban pest, the common bed bug (Cimex lectularius)

While urban ecology is focused on the influence of anthropogenic change on species survival and distribution, very little information is available on the interplay of human socioeconomics and urban species ecology and evolution. While data shows disparities in healthcare access and health outcomes among different socioeconomic groups, no study to date has assessed the relationship between socioeconomics and indoor urban pest population structure. Utilizing genome-wide SNP markers from Cimex lectularius infestations across multiple US cities in combination with census tract data, we assess 1) population structure across multiple median income groups and demographics and 2) infer pest reservoirs based on the presence of genetic clusters over time. We argue that, based on these data, bed bug infestations are a community-wide problem and require community-wide solutions.