Bed Bug
- The limited number of target bedbug species favours biological control
- The domestic and commercial settings of bedbug infestations favour the use of biological agents due to a number of factors, including high population densities, low levels of ultraviolet light, and sheltered environmental settings
- The use of biological control agents for insects is well-established, and suitable agents are known (and used) for other insect species
- The use of a control agent in domestic and other human-occupied settings favours an approach that minimises the use of conventional pesticides
- Regulatory processes are in place for the approval of biological insecticides, which are viewed favourably by the US Environmental Protection Agency
- Public pressure has the potential to support adoption in commercial premises
- Agent isolation procedures, formulation and delivery will be similar to that used for an acaricide product, with which a bed bug product will have significant potential for market synergy

Resistance by bedbugs to existing pesticides is already becoming apparent. In addition, they do not have communal nests and have shown limited response to available baits. This means that contact with conventional pesticides can be very limited. In addition, recolonisation following even successful clearance efforts is both rapid and difficult to avoid.

A document handed out on the street in New York
A biological agent able to multiply and spread within the infested environment would have a significant advantage. In addition, the demonstrated ability of biological agents to persist in the environment and to produce long-term control would be advantageous. Perception of this as a “green”, environmentally friendly option would also aid uptake, especially if supported by organic certification. Public revulsion will also support sales of such a product (see above).