Resurgence of Tropical bed bug, Cimex hemipterus (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) Infestation in Malaysia: Control strategies and challenges faced by Urban Pest Control Operator (PCO)

Abstract

Bed bugs cases have been at alarming rate in Malaysia. An online survey was conducted among Pest Control Operators in Malaysia to investigate the often used technique in treating bed bugs infestation. The forms were distributed via online. Other preferences such as type of premises, number of cases, number of successful treatment and resistance in bed bugs after residual treatment were also included in the questionnaires. From the survey, Pest Control Operators preferred chemical and spray method for treatment (66.7%) especially in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor which also had the highest infestation of bed bugs in their premises. Most companies prefer MYR 500-1000 (USD 100 – 300) as service cost per treatment site. Although professionals hardly find resistance bed bugs in their treatment cases (75%), but number of complete eradication per site is very low (41.7%). Improvements of bed bugs treatment required to prevent widespread of bed bugs infestation in Malaysia.