Resting Site Preferences of Cimex hemipterus (Heteroptera; Cimicidae) in Human Dwelling in Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract

A study was made on the resting site preferences of bedbug Cimex hemipterus in relation to sex, physiological state, developmental stage and monthly abundance in Benin City in August and September, 2005, using BaygonÒ spray insecticide. C. hemipterus was collected from various resting sites: edges of seat, crack in seat, space between plywood and iron frame in seat, surface of seat, surface of table. Male and female C. hemipterus had peak in space between plywood and iron frame in seat, the males being more than females in ratio 2:1. While the freshly blood-fed females peaked in abundance in this site, the gravid had the bulk population in edges of seat in addition to it. The distribution of males followed the pattern of freshly fed females. Again, the nymphs and adults preferred the space between plywood and iron frame although the adult was more than the nymph in ratio 2:1. This favoured site was well represented in August while September exhibited peak abundance in edges of seat in addition to it. The distribution of C. hemipterus from month to month was constant.