How do bedbugs behave after cold fog disinfection? - briefly
Cold‑fog applications incapacitate bedbugs, halting feeding and causing the majority to die within one to two days. Survivors display markedly reduced movement and remain hidden.
How do bedbugs behave after cold fog disinfection? - in detail
Cold‑fog pesticide applications expose bedbugs to a fine aerosol that remains suspended at temperatures near ambient, typically 10–15 °C. The immediate impact is a rapid decline in mobility; insects lose the ability to climb vertical surfaces within minutes of contact with the fog particles. Mortality rates reported in laboratory trials range from 70 % to 95 % after 24 hours, depending on formulation concentration and exposure time.
Sub‑lethal exposure produces several observable changes:
- Reduced locomotion – surviving individuals display sluggish movement and spend longer periods in sheltered crevices.
- Feeding inhibition – blood‑feeding attempts decrease markedly for the first 48 hours; insects often refrain from host contact despite the presence of a suitable host.
- Altered aggregation – groups disperse from established harborage sites, seeking cooler microhabitats that may offer protection from residual fog particles.
- Reproductive suppression – egg‑laying activity drops by up to 60 % during the first week post‑treatment, with a delayed onset of oviposition observed in surviving females.
Behavioral adaptations persist for several days. Bedbugs that survive the initial exposure tend to avoid areas where fog concentration was highest, opting for deeper cracks or insulated furniture. This avoidance can lead to a temporary shift in infestation patterns, with new hotspots emerging in previously low‑density zones.
Residual effects of the aerosol extend the control window. The fine droplets settle on surfaces, creating a thin layer of insecticide that remains active for up to two weeks. During this period, any bedbug that contacts the residue experiences delayed mortality, often within 12–24 hours, reinforcing the initial decline in population.
Re‑infestation risk remains if untreated refuges exist. Bedbugs capable of moving to untreated rooms or external environments can re‑establish colonies once the residual activity wanes. Therefore, comprehensive coverage and follow‑up monitoring are essential to maintain the behavioral suppression achieved by the cold‑fog method.