In a recent study published in the journal Scientific Reports , researchers explored the public health implications of infestations of bed bugs, such as Cimex lectularius L. and Cimex hemipterus F., and the associated misuse of chemical insecticides in urban areas.
Their findings indicate that non-professionals' increased use of potentially harmful insecticides has led to a rise in poisoning incidents, highlighting the urgent need for safer and more sustainable pest management strategies. Study: Trends in poisoning associated with the use of insecticides for bed bug infestations: a 20-year retrospective study in France . Image Credit: Tomasz Klejdysz / Shutterstock Background Bed bugs are significant pests, particularly in temperate and tropical regions.
They were common in the early 20th century but became rare in developed countries with the introduction of powerful insecticides. Since the late 1990s, bed bugs have seen a resurgence globally due to resistance to these insecticides, inadequate pest control methods, and increased international travel. While bed bugs do not spread diseases, their bites cause itchy skin reactions and significant mental distress, affecting quality of life and creating financial burdens.
Chemical insecticides are widely used but have led to resistance problems. Misuse of these insecticides can result in poisoning, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. About the study Due to concerns about insecticide poisoning, researchers analyzed reports o.