The new strain of bed bugs have evolved 729 mutations that make them immune to insecticides and have developed thicker shells that repel standard bug sprays
Scientists have unearthed a new strain of bed bugs that are a staggering 20,000 times more resistant to extermination. These virtually indestructible critters have evolved 729 mutations that render them immune to insecticides and have developed thicker shells that repel standard bug sprays.
Researchers from Hiroshima University’s Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life discovered these superbugs to be 19,859 times more resistant to pyrethroids, the most commonly used insecticide against them, surpassing previously identified superstrains. Experts hope this information will aid in developing new methods to eradicate these pests, which are becoming increasingly prevalent across Britain.
Bed bugs are common in the US, with one in five Americans having already had a bed bug infestation or knowing someone who has. The city of Philadelphia reportedly has the most bed bug infestations in America, while Ohio is considered to be the state with the most bed bugs.
Europe and the UK have also had their fair share of nasty bed bug infestations. During the Paris Olympics earlier this year, tube trains in London underwent nightly cleaning to prevent outbreaks spreading to the UK from Paris ahead of the Olympics.
The bugs, capable of traveling on clothing and luggage and surviving on planes and trains, have invaded the French capital. Rentokil reported a 60% increase in infestations ranging from hotels to train seats, reports the Express US.
Eradicating bed bug infestations is a notoriously tough battle. Female bugs can lay up to five eggs daily, totaling 200 to 500 in their lifetime.
The bugs are almost 20,000 stronger than typical insecticide used to k!ll them (
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(Image: Getty Images))
Experts warn that these critters can survive for months without feeding, but their increasing resistance to chemical treatments poses a significant threat. A groundbreaking new study featured in the journal Insects highlights a major advancement in combating these pests.
The research indicates that insecticides, including the once-common DDT, nearly eradicated bed bugs in the ’60s. However, bans on potent pesticides and genetic mutations have led to a resurgence.
The study found that this super strain of bed bugs has developed resistance through detoxifying enzymes and thicker skins that repel chemicals. Lead author Kouhei Toga observed that they had studied the DNA of ‘insecticide-resistant bed bugs which exhibited 20,000-fold greater resistance’.
“We identified a large number of genes likely involved in insecticide resistance many of which have not been previously reported as being associated with resistance in bed bugs,” Toga remarked. To exterminate bed bugs, experts suggest raising indoor temperatures to suffocating levels, though this may also be uncomfortable for humans.
