Behavioral Responses of Bed Bug (Cimex lectularius) to Beauveria Bassiana (Apprehend)

Bed bugs remain one of the most difficult indoor pests to control. Their recent resurgence has led to the use of a variety of control tactics, including the organophosphate (OP) dichlorvos (Nuvan ProStrips), which is commonly used indoors by both professional and homeowners. Therefore, it is critical to evaluate novel bed bug control strategies. One such strategy is the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Apprehend). While entomopathogenic fungi are not new, their indoor residual use is. Therefore, I propose to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of Beauveria bassiana (Apprehend), evaluating bed bug behavioral responses to residually applied Aprehend. This work will provide critical information to support the use of a new OP- alternative bed bug management active ingredient