Control and Prevention of Bed Bugs, Cimex lectularius in Military Environments: Narrative review

The bed bug, Cimex lectularius (L, 1758) is one of the most important health pests which have very closely related to the human environment. This study aimed to review and collect information on the identification and control of bed bugs.

In this review, papers found in scientific databases were used after removing old ones as well as duplicate content. The information obtained from Iran and other countries of the world was categorized and presented in the fields of identification, level of infection, ways to control bed bugs and prevent their spread.

Many studies have shown the widespread spread of bedbugs in homes and other places such as student dormitories and military sanatoriums in Iran and other countries. Some factors such as increased travel of people as well as bed bug resistance to pesticides can be effective in the outbreak of this insect. Many methods have been proposed to control and limit the growth and expansion of the population of this insect. Control of this pest in small populations will be very easy and fast, therefore, detection of bed bugs in the early stages of infection is very important.

Contrary to expectations, bedbugs have become very common in urban areas in recent years, and it seems that the spread of this insect is still increasing. Although this insect does not play a role in transmitting a specific pathogen to humans, its bites, especially at night, cause insomnia and loss of comfort, which is sometimes associated with psychological effects. The use of any of the control methods alone is not able to control this insect and a combination of control measures should be used. In addition, regular monitoring of this insect in areas prone to infection can be very effective in preventing the spread and recurrence of bed bugs.