Bed bugs (insect) are blood-sucking insects that live in close proximity to humans. They have spread around the world and have become one of the most difficult pests to control indoors. They are nocturnal and use several sensory cues to recognize and orientate towards their human hosts. After ingesting food, usually on a sleeping person, … Read more
Unlike other human pests, bed bugs only feed on their hosts for a short time before hiding until their next meal. British entomologists have found that this behavior is due to triglycerides on human skin that the beetles repel. Photo credit: Matt Barton, UK Agricultural Communications. Entomology researchers at the University of Kentucky found that … Read more
LEXINGTON, Ky. (December 9, 2021) – Entomology researchers at the University of Kentucky found that skin triglycerides, or lipids, prevent bed bugs from staying on human hosts for very long. Their discovery could lead to new management strategies for this important human pest. “We already knew that human body odor, carbon dioxide and heat attract … Read more
LEXINGTON, Kentucky – Entomology researchers at the University of Kentucky found that skin triglycerides, or lipids, prevent bed bugs from staying on human hosts for very long. Their discovery could lead to new management strategies for this important human pest. “We already knew that human body odor, carbon dioxide and heat attract bed bugs to … Read more
LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ / UK Public Relations) – University of Kentucky entomology researchers found that skin triglycerides, or lipids, prevent bed bugs from staying on human hosts for very long. Their discovery could lead to new management strategies for this important human pest. “We already knew that human body odor, carbon dioxide and heat attract … Read more