What was used to poison bedbugs in Soviet times? - briefly
The Soviet household pest‑control relied chiefly on DDT, applied as a powder or spray to eradicate bedbugs. In later years, organophosphate agents such as dichlorvos were also introduced for the same purpose.
What was used to poison bedbugs in Soviet times? - in detail
During the Soviet period, pest‑control services relied chiefly on synthetic insecticides derived from organochlorine, organophosphate and carbamate families. The most widely distributed agent was DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane), supplied in powdered form for dusting mattresses, upholstery and floor coverings. DDT particles adhered to the exoskeleton of Cimex lectularius, disrupting nervous function and causing rapid mortality. Formulations typically contained 5–10 % DDT mixed with inert carriers such as talc or chalk, allowing easy spread by hand or with simple mechanical applicators.
In the 1960s and 1970s, the Soviet Union introduced organophosphate compounds to complement DDT, especially where resistance emerged. Malathion and parathion were sold as liquid concentrates (often 25–50 % active ingredient) for dilution in water and application with sprayers. These chemicals acted as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, leading to overstimulation of the insect nervous system. The standard protocol prescribed a 0.5 % solution for thorough spraying of sleeping areas, followed by a 24‑hour ventilation period before re‑occupation.
Carbamate insecticides, notably carbaryl (trade name Sevin), entered the market in the late 1970s. Delivered as granules or powders, carbaryl provided a faster knock‑down effect than DDT and was less persistent in the environment. Typical usage involved a 1 % mixture applied to cracks, crevices and bed frames, where the granules released the active ingredient slowly, maintaining lethal concentrations for several weeks.
From the 1980s onward, synthetic pyrethroids such as permethrin and deltamethrin supplemented earlier agents. These compounds offered high potency against bedbugs with reduced mammalian toxicity. Formulated as aerosol cans or impregnated fabric strips, the recommended dosage was 0.1 % for direct spray on infested surfaces and 0.05 % for prolonged exposure via treated textiles.
All chemicals were regulated by state‑run sanitary‑epidemiological services, which issued guidelines on dosage, protective equipment for applicators, and required post‑treatment ventilation. Documentation emphasized the need for repeated applications at two‑week intervals to break the life cycle of the insect, which includes eggs resistant to single‑dose exposure.