Field evaluations of sulfuryl fluoride (Vikane®) fumigation at a 1.9x dosage rate for control of bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) in motor vehicles and cargo trailers filled to 85% capacity

Fumigation using sulfuryl fluoride applied at a 1x dosage rate has been widely used for decades to control drywood termites and other wood boring pests; however, it is a relatively underutilized technology for bed bug control in some areas of the U.S.. In laboratory trials evaluating the efficacy for sulfuryl fluoride for controlling bed bugs it was found that bed bugs eggs were the most difficult life stage to kill and required a 1.9x dosage rate. This study reports the efficacy of using the 1.9x sulfuryl fluoride dosage rate for eliminating bed bugs and their eggs in personal vehicles, and confined spaces densely packed with personal belongings. The vehicles used in this study were large caravan-type vans with seating that folded into the floor. The confined spaces were cargo trailers filled to 85% capacity with bags of clothing, books, furniture, and other household items. Each vehicle and cargo trailer was supplied with sentinel bed bug eggs, nymphs, and adults. All vehicle and cargo trailer replicates were then fumigated with sulfuryl fluoride at the 1.9x rate and monitored using the Vikane® Fumiguide. After the fumigation, sentinel bed bug mortality was recorded. Bed bug eggs were monitored for 23 days to determine latent mortality. Overall, mortality for each replication was 100%. Only a single bed bug egg in one replicate lived long enough to partially hatch (egg cap was removed and the head emerged) prior to mortality.