Repellent effect of DEET on blood-sucking of bedbugs, Cimex lectularius L.

Abstract

The effectiveness of diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) in preventing bedbugs, Cimex lectularius L., was examined by applying DEET on filter paper surrounding a mouse. DEET inhibited blood-sucking in a concentration-dependent manner. A 10 g/m² residue of DEET reduced blood-sucking of bedbugs to 2.1% to 17.7% that of the test bugs for two days, whereas 58.6% to 86.8% of the bugs sucked in the control. It was suggested that DEET treatment exceeding 10 g/m² around bait inhibited blood-sucking of bedbugs.