Bed bugs becoming more resistant to pesticides, experts say

If bugs make you squeamish, then bad news. The much-hated bedbug may be becoming more resistant to pesticides used to kill them, ABC News reported.

The standard bed bug, Cimex lectularius, is usually resistant to many chemicals used to kill them. Now those bugs are able to live through being exposed to insecticides that had been successful.

Bifenthrin and chlorfenapyr were used on bed bugs from Virginia, Ohio, Tennessee and other states.

A quarter of the bugs exposed to bifenthrin survived. Many also survived being exposed to chlorfenapyr, Time reported.

But all hope isn’t lost when battling bugs.

Experts pointed out to Time that while the Cimex lectularius survived the poisons, other types of bed bugs succumbed to the chemicals.

So what can you do to protect yourself, your family and your home from the invaders?

The study, which appeared in the Journal of Economic Entomology, says a two-front approach will help: not only using the pesticides but also taking steps like setting traps and encasing mattresses. Scientists also remind to be careful and alert when visiting hotels to keep the pests out of your home, Time reported.