Could Genetics Hold the Key to Beating Bedbugs?

Are Genetics The Key?
Are Genetics The Key?

Bedbugs have been on the rise in recent years, prompting many calls to our Freehold exterminators. Unfortunately, these pests are getting harder to eliminate in some cases.

Certain types of pesticides have proven ineffective at destroying these pests, which has prompted researchers to study better ways of handling them. Thanks to a group of scientists at Purdue University, safer and more effective methods of killing bedbugs might be in development soon.

Researchers at Purdue University recently succeeded in sequencing the genome of the common bedbug. This work made it possible for scientists to discover that these pests have unique antioxidant genes that could contribute to the development of better bedbug control methods.

These genes contain proteins and enzymes that allow bedbugs to detoxify pesticide chemicals that they have ingested, making these products ineffective at eliminating them. In fact, these are the same proteins and enzymes that bedbugs use to remove toxins from any human blood they ingest.

Researchers believe that the increased resistance to pesticides that has occurred in recent years could be linked to a high amount of inbreeding among these pests. With additional studies, researchers could end up developing pesticide products that bedbugs are unable to remove toxins from.

If you need help with bedbugs in your home, contact Allison Pest Control. Our Freehold exterminators use safe and effective ways to destroy bedbugs and stop other infestations from occurring.