Why Bedbugs Just Won't Die

Anyone who's ever had bedbugs knows that the problem isn't the damage they do, but trying getting rid of them. Most pesticides won't kill bedbugs, leading to complicated freezing procedures, followed by doing mounds of laundry and buying a new mattress. Researchers at Ohio State University conducted a genetic analysis of the little bloodsuckers — which they've published in PLoS One — and found that they have developed genes that are resistant to pesticides such as pyrethroids, says New Scientist's Wendy Zukerman. Resistant bedbugs, the researchers say, are producing detoxifying enzymes that render pesticides neutral. Daily Scan's sister publication, GenomeWeb Daily News, has more on the study here. The team is hoping that a better understanding of the resistance mechanisms can lead to better control and eradication methods.