Insects 2011, 2(2), 96-111; doi:10.3390/insects2020096
Review

Bed Bugs: The Australian Response

Stephen L. Doggett 1,* email, Christopher J. Orton 2 email, David G. Lilly 3 email and Richard C. Russell 4 email
1 Department of Medical Entomology, ICPMR, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia 2 School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia 3 Ecolab Pty Ltd, Pest Elimination Division, 6 Hudson Ave, Castle Hill, NSW, 2154, Australia 4 Department of Medical Entomology, University of Sydney at Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
* Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Received: 15 March 2011; in revised form: 8 April 2011 / Accepted: 12 April 2011 / Published: 15 April 2011
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bed Bugs: An Emerging Pandemic)
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Abstract: Australia has experienced a sudden and unexpected resurgence in bed bug infestations from both Cimex lectularius L. and Cimex hemipterus F. A survey in 2006 revealed that infestations had increased across the nation by an average of 4,500% since the start of the decade. In response, a multi-disciplinary approach to combat the rise of this public health pest was implemented and involved the coordinated efforts of several organizations. The key components of the strategy included the introduction of a pest management standard ‘A Code of Practice for the Control of Bed Bug Infestations in Australia’ that defines and promotes ‘best practice’ in bed bug eradication, the development of a policy and procedural guide for accommodation providers, education of stakeholders in best management practices, and research. These strategies continue to evolve with developments that lead to improvements in ‘best practice’ while bed bugs remain problematic in Australia.
Keywords: Australia; bed bugs; Cimex; management  

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Cite This Article

MDPI and ACS Style

Doggett, S.L.; Orton, C.J.; Lilly, D.G.; Russell, R.C. Bed Bugs: The Australian Response. Insects 2011, 2, 96-111.

AMA Style

Doggett SL, Orton CJ, Lilly DG, Russell RC. Bed Bugs: The Australian Response. Insects. 2011; 2(2):96-111.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Doggett, Stephen L.; Orton, Christopher J.; Lilly, David G.; Russell, Richard C. 2011. "Bed Bugs: The Australian Response." Insects 2, no. 2: 96-111.

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