Mortality of Bedbugs on Rabbits Given Oral Dosages of DDT and Pyrethrum1

Abstract

Adult bedbugs, Cimex lectularius and C. hemipterus, were killed when allowed to feed on rabbits previously given oral dosages of 228-537 mg. of DDT and 250-400 mg. of pyrethrins per kg. of body wt. In some instances 100% mortality occurred. Stableflies which fed on a few of the rabbits showed typical pyrethrum paralysis in < 1 min. Some DDT dosages showed toxic effect on the rabbit but pyrethrum dosages did not.