How does dichlorvos help against bed bugs? - briefly
Dichlorvos, an organophosphate insecticide, interferes with acetylcholinesterase activity in bed‑bug nerves, causing rapid paralysis and mortality; applied as a vapor or spray, it provides both immediate knockdown and residual control of infestations.
How does dichlorvos help against bed bugs? - in detail
Dichlorvos, an organophosphate insecticide, interrupts the nervous system of bed‑bug adults and nymphs. The compound binds to acetylcholinesterase enzymes, preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine at synaptic junctions. Accumulated acetylcholine causes continuous neuronal firing, leading to paralysis and death within minutes of contact.
When applied as a spray, fogger, or impregnated surface, dichlorvos penetrates the insects’ exoskeleton and reaches the central nervous system. Its volatility allows rapid distribution in confined spaces, such as mattress seams and cracks around bed frames, where bed‑bugs typically hide. The vapor phase remains active for several hours, extending the lethal window beyond the initial spray.
Key aspects of its efficacy include:
- Rapid knock‑down: Visible immobilization occurs within 5–10 minutes after exposure.
- Broad developmental coverage: Eggs, early instars, and mature stages are susceptible because acetylcholinesterase is essential at all life stages.
- Residual action: Residual deposits on treated surfaces continue to affect crawling insects for up to 48 hours, reducing reinfestation risk.
Safety considerations demand strict adherence to label instructions. Protective equipment (gloves, goggles, respirator) minimizes operator exposure, while ventilation after treatment lowers residual airborne concentrations. Because dichlorvos is toxic to mammals and beneficial insects, it is unsuitable for widespread residential use in many jurisdictions; alternative control methods are often preferred where regulations prohibit its application.
In summary, the insecticide’s mode of action—acetylcholinesterase inhibition—produces swift neurotoxic effects that eradicate bed‑bug populations when applied correctly, while its volatility and residual properties enhance coverage in typical harborages.