Increasing awareness of and education about bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) as a public health issue in Hawaiʻi

Abstract

Bed bugs (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) are a severe public health issue with difficult and costly eradication methods. The recent resurgence of bed bugs has received considerable attention and increased research efforts. Humans represent a major contributor to the resurgence in bed bug infestations due to faster and more frequent worldwide mobility. This study sought to identify the lack of knowledge and ability to identify bed bugs in Hawaiʻi by conducting an identification study. Efforts were also focused on raising the self-efficacy among the adult population in Hawaii, on the topic of bed bugs, by providing educational seminars. Accurate identification of an adult bed bug in a vial was 30%, justifying the need for education. The great majority of respondents self-reported an increase in self-efficacy regarding bed bugs. Providing education is an effective prevention measure to help combat the spread of bed bugs by educating the population that contributes toward their dispersal.