D3167: Effects of common body soaps on host-seeking behavior of bed bugs

Monday, November 11, 2024

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM MST

Location: Phoenix Convention Center, Exhibit Hall 6, PCC

Presenting Author(s)

AZ

Allen Yixing Zhao (he/him/his)

Undergraduate Student
University of California, Riverside
Berkeley, California

Co-Author(s)

Dong-Hwan Choe

Associated CE Specialist / Associate Professor
University of California
Riverside, California
Michael K. Rust

Retired Professor of Entomology
University of California
Hemet, California
Chow-Yang Lee, BCE

Professor & Endowed Presidential Chair in Urban Entomology
University of California
Riverside, California

We used a Y-shaped tube to investigate the effects of several commercial body soaps on the host-
seeking behavior of the common bed bug (Cimex lectularius) and the tropical bed bug (Cimex
hemipterus). One arm of the human volunteer was washed with the soap, while the other arm served as a
control. The number of bed bugs attracted to each arm was compared. The implication of this study on
using soap as a personal protection method against bed bugs is discussed.