Gaseous chlorine dioxide as an alternative for bedbug control

objective. This study evaluated the efficacy of gaseous chlorine dioxide (ClO ₂) for extermination of bedbugs (Cimex lectularius and Cimex hemipterus). background. Bedbugs have received attention because of recent outbreaks. Bedbug eradication is difficult and often requires a timeconsuming multifaceted approach. setting. Laboratory and hospital room. methods. Bedbugs were exposed to concentrations of ClO ₂ of 362, 724, and 1,086 parts per million (ppm) in an exposure chamber. Bedbug mortality was then evaluated. The ability of ClO ₂ to penetrate various spaces in a hospital room was evaluated using Bacillus atropheus as a surrogate organism. results. Concentrations of 1,086 and 724 ppm of ClO ₂ yielded 100% bedbug mortality assessed immediately after exposure. Live young were not observed for any eggs exposed to ClO ₂ gas. ClO ₂ at a concentration of 362 ppm for 1,029 parts per million hours (ppm-hours) achieved 100% mortality 6 hours after exposure. A ClO ₂ concentration of 362 ppm for 519 ppm-hours had 100% mortality 18 hours after exposure. Up to a 6-log reduction in B. atropheus spores was achieved using similar concentrations of ClO ₂ in a hospital room, indicating that the concentrations needed to kill bedbugs can be achieved throughout a hospital room. conclusions. ClO ₂ is effective at killing bedbugs in the laboratory, and similar concentrations of ClO ₂ gas can be achieved in a hospital room. ClO ₂ can be removed from the room without residuals.