Effects of resident education and self-implementation of integrated pest management strategy for eliminating bed bug infestation in Ahvaz city, southwestern Iran

Background: Bed bugs as blood-sucking insects have become a public health problem in urban communities throughout the world. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of resident education and self-implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy for eliminating bed bug infestation in infected apartments in Ahvaz City, Iran. Methods: This interventional study was conducted in seventy apartments infested with bed bug (Cimex lectularius) in Ahvaz City, southwest Iran, during a 6-month period. The bed bug infestations reported to Health centers were inspected visually and confirmed by medical entomology experts. Then, the heads of the households were received techniques/tools of the IPM program and trained by medical entomology experts before self-implementation of control methods. Finally, the infected apartments were inspected by the experts at 1, 3, and 6 months after intervention and data were recorded in a checklist. Results: From the seventy infected apartments, 57, 28 and 15 were considered as low, moderate, and high level infestation respectively. The bed bug infestation was eliminated from 53 apartments (76) after one month and it reached to 62 apartments (88) by the end of third month. Finally, after six months of applying IPM program, bed bugs infestation was eliminated from all infected apartments (100). Residents expressed their 100 satisfaction with applying the bed bug IPM strategy. Conclusion: Training residents to implement the IPM program can reduce pest control costs, the volume of pesticides consumed, and human exposure to chemical pesticides, resulting in increased human and environmental health and safety. © 2020 Tehran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved

Prevalence and spatial distribution of bed bug, Cimex lectularius, infestation in Southwest of Iran: GIS approach

Background: The common bed bug, a nocturnal bloodsucking insect, is known as a human parasite and public health problem in the world. The prevalence and geographical dispersion of bed bug in Ahvaz City, southwest of Iran was measured. Methods: Spatial distribution of Cimex lectularius was determined by surveying 520 houses in 62 areas of Ahvaz City in 2017. Some information like as infested points, the concern level of the residents and allergic reaction to the insect bite were registered in a form using the secondhand instrument. Results: According to the spatial distribution map, of 62 areas, 27 of them are infested with bed bugs. Infestation is scattered throughout the city, but its focus is on the east of the Karun River. The most bed bug infestation was in Asiabad followed by Manbaab areas. Prevalence of bed bug infestation estimated 9.61 in Ahvaz city. It was 5.4 and 11.6 in apartments and single houses, respectively. The lowest and highest infestation rates based on its source were 1.35 and 9.03 in wallpaper and cracks and crevices, respectively. Bedroom and sitting room were the main harborages for bed bug in the houses. The majority of residents who had bitten by a bed bug showed various allergic reactions like redness skin, papules, vesicles, pustules and blisters. Most of the people in the infested houses (62) were very concern about bed bug infestation. Conclusion: Public education and increasing the knowledge of people can lead to successful management, prevention and elimination of this nuisance pest. © 2020 Tehran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved