No more itching! Scientists discover a 'cocktail of chemicals' that lures bedbugs into traps – and keeps them there

Pheromones lure bedbugs into a trap where chemicals immobilise them A cocktail of six different chemicals was needed to make an effective lure Researchers hope to have commercial trap available within the next year Wife of scientist leading the study acted as the host who fed the bedbugs during tests with her own blood She believes she has been bitten 180,000 times in the hunt for the lure

By Richard Gray for MailOnline

Published: 11:39 EST, 23 December 2014 | Updated: 11:51 EST, 23 December 2014

22 shares

14

View comments

They are among the most dreaded and persistent pests to invade our homes, but groundbreaking research has provided a new way to combat bedbugs.

Scientists have discovered a set of pheromones, the chemical signals given off by insects, that can lure bedbugs into traps.

They have also identified an extra component that can then, crucially, keep the biting insects in the trap and away from their human food.

Bedbug infestations cause misery for millions around the world but scientists have developed a new lure that can trap the insects by mimicking pheromones that the parasites release to signal they are in a 'safe haven'

Link:
No more itching! Scientists discover a 'cocktail of chemicals' that lures bedbugs into traps - and keeps them there