How long after dichlorvos treatment do bedbugs die? - briefly
Bedbugs usually die within 24 hours of exposure to dichlorvos, with most individuals succumbing in 12–48 hours depending on concentration and contact level. Mortality may be slower in hidden or resistant populations, requiring repeat treatments for complete eradication.
How long after dichlorvos treatment do bedbugs die? - in detail
Dichlorvos (DDVP) acts as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, causing rapid nervous‑system failure in bedbugs. Mortality after application depends on concentration, exposure route, life stage, and environmental conditions.
- High‑dose spray (≈0.5 mg cm⁻²) applied directly to adult insects produces immobilization within 5–10 minutes and irreversible death by 30 minutes.
- Moderate dosage (≈0.2 mg cm⁻²) yields visible paralysis in 10–20 minutes; most individuals are dead within 1–2 hours.
- Low residual exposure (e.g., fogger or impregnated surface) may require 4–12 hours for complete mortality, with some nymphs surviving up to 24 hours before succumbing.
Key variables influencing the kill interval:
- Formulation – liquid emulsions penetrate cuticle faster than dusts; micro‑encapsulated products release the active ingredient more slowly.
- Life stage – early instars are more susceptible; eggs are largely resistant and may hatch after the adult population is eliminated.
- Resistance level – populations with documented organophosphate resistance show delayed knock‑down, often extending mortality to 12–24 hours.
- Temperature and humidity – higher temperatures (≥30 °C) accelerate metabolic disruption; low humidity slows insecticide absorption, lengthening the death interval.
Practical assessment: observe knock‑down within the first 20 minutes; confirm absence of movement after 2 hours for high‑dose treatments. For residual applications, monitor activity for at least 24 hours before declaring control complete. If live specimens persist beyond these windows, repeat treatment or integrate alternative chemistries.