Chemical attraction – new pheromone-based bed bug lure to help better detect infestations
26 January 2021 London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine https://lshtm.ac.uk/themes/custom/lshtm/images/lshtm-logo-black.png
BugScents™ mimicks the natural pheromone that signals bed bugs to gather on mass. Placed in monitors or traps, the lure will attract bed bugs, improving the detection and monitoring of early-stage infestations. This offers a sustainable, effective and affordable solution for pest controllers and retail customers.
The new technology is based on more than a decade of scientific research by world-leading experts in medical entomology and chemical ecology at LSHTM, originating from a collaborative research project with Rothamsted Research.
Bed bug infestations are a significant public health issue, causing a variety of negative physical health, mental health and economic consequences. Widespread resistance to insecticide amongst other factors has resulted in a recent re-emergence of bed bug infestations.
Professor Elena Lurie-Luke, Vecotech CEO, said: “BugScents™ uses a composition based on the natural bed bug aggregation pheromone – it is a unique research-led product. The long-lasting formulation allows for continuous use for up to 3 months, and its versatile design makes it compatible with a variety of different monitoring devices available to both pest controllers and retail customers.
“In a COVID-19 world, businesses more than ever need to do more than adapt and optimize. This innovation is multidimensional, involving technological innovation and operational model innovation. The Vecotech team has embraced the challenge and, in collaboration with UK-based partners, brought a new product to the market.”
BugScents™ can be purchased directly from distribution partner Killgerm Chemicals, the UK’s leading pest control product supplier and provider of training and technical support. For more information about the product, please visit www.bugscents.com.
The development of this product was supported by an Innovate UK accelerator grant.
Vecotech Ltd. is a technology-driven company uniquely place to translate game-changing research into product innovation, driving both commercial and social impact to address the world’s biggest public health challenges
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