Morphological Identification and Plant-Based Control of Bed Bugs Cimex lectularius in Sana’a City, Yemen

Abstract

Bed bugs, Cimex lectularius; Hemiptera:Cimicidae, are blood-sucking insects that cause significant public health hazards. This study investigated the detection, morphological identification, and insect control using plant extracts. Adult insects were collected from infested locations in Sana'a City and reared in the laboratory. Using light microscopy, the insects were identified by their morphological characteristics through standard pictorial keys. Ethanolic and acetonic extracts of Mentha spicata, Ocimum basilicum, and Cinnamomum cassia were prepared and evaluated against the adult bed bugs. Different concentrations of 250,500, 800, 1000, 1500, and 2000 ppm of each plant extract were prepared to evaluate botanical control possibilities. Mortality rates differed considerably among treatments at p < 0.05. The O. basilicum extracts proved most effective with LC?? values of 812.09 ppm for ethanolic and 879.67 ppm for acetonic. M. spicata was less active but more consistent, with LC?? values of 1064.15 ppm for ethanolic and 1147.59 ppm for acetonic extract, while C. cassia was the least active, LC?? > 2000 ppm. These results show the potential of plant compounds, particularly O. basilicum, as sustainable methods for controlling bed bugs. Future research should focus on molecular identification and integrated control methods to enhance sustainable management strategies.