Bed bugs are found everywhere from homeless shelters to five-star hotels, single family dwellings to public transportation. Anyone can get an infestation of bed bugs and this does not mean a lack of cleanliness.
The consumer market is currently flooded with products of dubious composition and efficacy, rarely adopted due to the lack of scientific data supporting their claims.
This is where DX13 stands above the rest.
Effect of Particle Size on Mortality and Weight Loss of Bed Bugs
Two different sizes of DX13 were used. One dish contained 10mg of DX13 with 11μm particles. 7 bed bugs were then introduced into each dish. The insects were weighed before exposure to DX13 and after mortality to determine weight loss.
UBC Studies
Studies at the University of British Columbia were done to assess the toxic effects of diatomaceous earth (DX13) against adult bed bugs and nymphs. They were also used to test the effect of particle size on mortality and weight loss of bed bugs.
Current Control Methods
Presently, bed bug control is reliant on residual insecticide treatment, usually with pyrethroids or neonicitoids. Pyrethoid resistance in bed bugs and the withdrawal of several insecticides registered for bed bugs from the UK and US markets has further reduced the options for control.
DX13 is a natural, non-toxic, odour free aerosol spray designed to kill bed bugs. It is made from diatomaceous earth which is harvested from the fossilized remains of diatoms & clay particles. Diatomaceous earth is safe enough that it is even sold as a health food product for humans.
Horizontal Transfer of Diatomaceous Earth from a Single Bug to Conspecifics
One bed bug was exposed to 20mg of diatomaceous earth 51, a mixture of diatomaceous earth 51 (10mg) and red dye (10mg), or 20 mg of red dye. The bug was then placed with 5 unexposed bed bugs. In the chart above/below, LT50 represents the time required to kill 50% of the untreated bugs. There was no mortality in the control group.
Effects of DX13 Dust-Treated Mattress
In this study, 60 bed bugs were introduced on the mattress and covered with a lid. The mortality rate was assesed after 24 hours.
Residual Effects of DX13
To test the residual effects of DX13, 25 glass Petri dishes were sprayed in a hood. 5 Petri dishes were then transfered to the lab bench and bed bugs were introduced into each. Every 7 days, bed bugs were introduced into the Petri dishes. Mortality was assessed 24 hours after introduction.
Horizontal Transfer of DX13
Here, 5 dead bed bugs from the DX13-treated mattress were placed with 5 untreated adults/nymphs in Petri dishes. Their mortality was assessed after every 24 hours for 4 days.
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