Cimex lectularius (Heteroptera: Cimicidae): investigação, divulgação e primeiro registro para o Nordeste do Brasil

Abstract

The insects of the family Cimicidae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) are known by the generic name of 'bedbugs'’. These ectoparasites arouse great interest in public health due to their high anthropophilia, and the species Cimex lectularius and Cimex hemipterus are of major medical importance. In recent years, several authors have reported the resurgence of these insects in various parts of the world, probably due to the increase of international tourism and their resistance to most existing insecticides. The objective of this project was to survey the species of Cimicidae present in the city of Natal / RN. A retrospective study of the presence of cimicids was carried out in the municipality from 2010 to 2019 through service orders granted by the pest control companies of the city. Current cases were also searched, in partnership with the zoonosis control center, in strategic locations such as shelters and public shelters in the city. Hotels and inns were also visited, and finally, the people involved in the study were raised, technicians from the zoonosis control center and pest control companies. The species found was C. lectularius with infestations present in two hotels located in the south of the city and an apartment in the west of the city. The foster homes were not infested. Five service orders were assigned by four companies. The training was conducted through a lecture with a presentation of an educational booklet that was made available to participants electronically. This study made the first record of cimicids in the municipality of Natal, thus contributing to studies of the prevalence of these insects in the country, which are currently few and provided data on the biology, behavior and epidemiology of these insects in that city.