Penn State scientists develop new remedy for bedbugs – WJAC Johnstown

Bedbugs can be an enormous problem for homeowners and hotels. (WJAC)

UNIVERSITY PARK - Bedbugs can be an enormous problem for homeowners and hotels, because when there's an infestation present, it's not always easy to see.

They're good at hiding and even if someone's sleeping with hundreds of them at night, it's possible to have no idea.

Nina Jenkins, a senior research associate for the Penn State entomology department, is the head of the bedbug research team.

"it's everyone's worst nightmare to know that you have introduced bedbugs into your home." said Jenkins. "You can have quite the infestation without even realizing it because only 50 percent of the population reacts to the bedbug bites."

Getting rid of them is hard because like other insects, bedbugs are developing a resistance to chemicals used for pest control.

"Most of the off-the-shelf products are not very effective despite what they say."

Jenkins new bio-pesticide, known as "Aprehend," has squashed that problem.

Unlike other products, the spray is made from fungus, making it almost impossible for anything to become resistant to it. Once the bug comes in contact with the bio-pesticide, the chemical penetrates its body, killing the host, and any other bug that comes in contact with one that's infected.

They hope to have "Aprehend" available for commercial use by the end of the year.

See the article here:
Penn State scientists develop new remedy for bedbugs - WJAC Johnstown