American Academy of Entomological Sciences
Knowledge, Experience, Commitment
June 30, 2011
Mr. Bent Williams
Technical Director
Silvandersson
Sweden
Via Email
RE: Report Number One (1) Labeled SE SILV-01 For Field Trials against Cimex lectularius using Cryonite “Cryogenic” System.
Mr. Williams:
The following is the first report for field testing the efficacy and documentation against wild populations of bed bugs; Cimex lectularius using the cold induced Cryonite System. Reports for sites numbered SL SLIV 02 and SL SLIV 03 will following accordingly.
Abstract: The American Academy of Entomological Sciences was contracted to test the efficacy against bed bugs, Cimex lectularius using the cold induced Cryonite System from Silvandersson of Sweden. Three sites were selected using the criteria of (1) C. lectularius population, (2) availability of sites for before and after treatment sampling, (3) follow post sampling over extended periods of time, (4) relative distance from researchers’ locations, and (5) cooperation from owners and tenants. The findings enclosed are only reported on the first site labeled as SE SILV-01 against C. lectularius and the Cryonite treatment. Site SE SILV 01 was an apartment complex in Florida with units of approximately 1,000 sq. ft (92.90 meters sq.). Pre-sampling using CO2 traps was conducted to approximate population of C. lectularius and treated with cold induced the Cryonite system and repeated within twenty-four 24 hours post first treatment. Pre-sampling with CO2 traps caught a total of sixty-nine (69) bed bugs; of these ten (10) bed bugs were held in a separate three (3) gallon container and treated with the Cryonite system to test the pre-treatment of the Cryonite system and to establish familiarity with the mechanics of the equipment. All bed bugs exhibited immediate mortality (died) after treatment of the bed bugs in the three (3) gallon container. Post-sampling with CO2 traps continued for two (2) weeks post-second treatment and recorded. Post-sampling with CO2 traps for two (2) weeks caught no bed bugs of C. lectularius where the cold induced Cryonite system had been used.
P O Box 2503 Ridgeland, MS 39158 jeffrey@entomologyacademy.com www.entomologyacademy.com
Site Description and Initial Assessment: The initial test site was treated on 21 April, 2011. The apartment complex has a history of sustained bed bug problems in many of the residential units. Conventional pesticide treatments with a variety of materials were the principle management methods but to date none of these produced satisfactory results. The level of preparation for each of the apartments varied from excellent to almost non-existent. The unit chosen for this test was 1,214 sq. ft (112.78 meters sq.) in a two (2) story townhome. The upstairs bed rooms were heavily infested by visual observations and had “large” amounts of clutter. The tenant was removed from the unit and “clean up” or preparation process began. All clutter was removed and thrown away in order to prevent re-infestation. If items were to be brought back into the treated furnished area it was explained that this would likely lead to re-infestion. It was therefore advised that the apartment be furnished with new uncontaminated furnishings. To prevent the further spread of infestation, a dumpster was brought in specifically for the unit and removed before the discarded contaminated items could be scavenged by other tenants thereby bringing potentially infested materials into their own apartments. All clothes removed from the dressers were placed in a hot dryer for twenty (20) minutes and no more than forty (40) minutes then stored in plastic bags. Once the unit was cleaned of clutter, it was assessed for bed bugs and potential harborages identified. At the completion of the visual assessment on 21 April 2011, an appointment was set to install BDS sticky bed bug traps in the unit.
Verification of Live Bed Bug Activity: On 05 May 2011, BDS bed bug traps were installed in the apartment. BDS traps are adhesive traps designed for monitoring bed bugs by catching them moving from place to place. In preparation for the trapping and service all wall socket covers and switch covers were removed throughout the apartment site. All drawers were removed from cabinets and all spaces opened to allow access. Installation of BDS traps were as follows:
Location Numbers of Traps
NW rear bedroom- BDS 2 per wall, north, east and west walls 6
BDS traps at the three walls of closet 3
NE rear bedroom- BDS 2 per wall, north, east and west walls 6
BDS traps at the three walls of closet 3
Front bedroom- BDS 2 per wall, north, south, east and west walls 8
BDS traps at the three walls of closet 6
Master bath- BDS trap at the front of the sink cabinet 1
Upstairs bath- BDS trap at the front of the sink cabinet 1
Upstairs hall- BDS traps along the walls 3
Living room- BDS 2 per wall at the north, south, east, and west 8
Downstairs bath- BDS trap at the front of the sink cabinet 1
Kitchen and dining areas-BDS traps 2 per wall north, south, east and west 8
Laundry room- BDS traps at all three walls 3
Total number of BDS traps placed 57
These traps were checked and maintained throughout the process from 05 May 2011 through the final pickup of the CO2 traps on 03 June 2011. Assessment dates were 11, 12, 18, 19, 20 May 2011 and 03 June, 2011. No bed bugs were captured moving during the entire process.
CO2 traps were installed on 11 May 2011. CO2 traps were constructed using inverted dog food bowls for the base and one (1) gallon cooler jug for each containment vessel for the dry ice used to produce the CO2 plume for each location. The exterior of the bowl was covered with masking tape to create a climbing textured surface for the bed bugs and a paper ramp was added to each unit to enhance accessibility for the insects. Each jug contained approximately four (4) pounds of dry ice pellets to produce the CO2 plume. One (1) CO2 traps was installed in each of the three (3) bedrooms of the apartment. The traps were evaluated the next day,12 May 2011. Bed bugs were found in the traps.
Results:
NW bedroom-Nineteen (19) captured. Eleven (11) second or third instar nymphs
Eight (8) adults were found on the side of the trap
NE bedroom-Twelve (12) captured. Twelve (12) second or third instar nymphs
Master bedroom-Thirty-eight (38) Twenty-two (22) third instar nymphs, seven (7) adults
Nine (9) adults were found on the side of the trap
Total bed bugs caught in the CO2 traps - Sixty-nine (69 minus 10 bed bugs used to test the Cryonite unit = 59 bed bugs) were captured, released and allowed to “equilibrate” back into the areas where they were captured.
Treatment: The first of two (2) complete treatments with the Cryonite system was performed on 18 May 2011. The Cryonite unit was brought in with a full twenty (20) pound cylinder of CO2 in place. The unit was used first to treat the ten (10) captured live bed bugs in various life stages inside a 3 gallon drink style cooler. All these insects died from contact with the Cryonite “snow” and did not revive. The treatment began in the kitchen and progressed through the unit in a systematic manner. All carpeting was pulled back around the wall perimeter junctures in each room. The treated areas included all floor to wall junctures, sockets and switch cavities,
pipe chase openings, cabinet areas, ducting systems, central systems, installed fixtures, i.e. shelving units, blinds and drapes, refrigerators, stoves, etc.
During the first treatment, the entire twenty (20) pound cylinder was used and a second cylinder was attached to complete the treatment. Total CO2 usage on the first service was twenty-two (22) pounds. The entire process was repeated on 19 May 2011. In this instance, having gained familiarity with the unit, only eighteen (18) pounds of CO2 was used.
No further bed bugs of C. lectularius were captured after both the first and second treatments with Cryonite were completed.
A final observation of the CO2 traps was completed on 3 June 201. Because no bed bugs were found in any traps nor were any observed under visual inspection, the CO2 traps were removed.
No pesticides or any toxic materials were applied at any time to the test site or to bed bugs during the assessment or testing period. The sole interventions employed were the trapping devices BDS and CO2 for assessment and the Cryonite unit for the treatment of the site SE SILV-01.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey K. Brown
Jeffrey K. Brown, Ph.D., R.P.E., B.C.E.
American Academy of Entomological Sciences
850.499.7961
