Squashed that Bug
- Pic from Internet
- wong chee tat :)
Showing posts with label bed bug. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bed bug. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 18, 2017
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
SMRT：中国司机获调薪 基薪千一元
新闻视频
SMRT管理层星期一与中国籍司机举行对话会，宣布他们的起薪调整到1100元。SMRT强调，上调25元薪金原本就在计划中，原定这个月向员工宣布消息，这项举措不是受非法罢工的影响。公司也考虑允许司机把年假折换成现金。
SMRT在对话会上，向中国籍司机解释了长期和短期雇佣合约在薪金上的差异。总裁郭木财指出，公司每月承担中国籍司机近300元的交通、住宿和水电费，同没有获住宿安排的马来西亚籍车长、薪金相等，条件是公平的。
SMRT解释，公司无需为合约员工加薪，但为跟进市场标准，公司还是调整了司机的薪金。7月前加入的车长都获得75元加薪。公司也准备在11月中旬，上调多25元，并且让这项调整追溯到7月起生效。
也就是说，今年7月起，中国籍车长的薪金上调了100元。而加上多数中国籍司机，每月平均加班60个小时，总收入可达1800元。
郭木财承诺改善沟通，加强同员工的互动，确保住宿条件获改善。针对宿舍和车厂距离太远，因轮班不同而干扰其他房客的休息等课题，SMRT将在物色新住宿环境时，一并考虑在内。
另外，兀兰巴士转换站，星期一运作如常。早上尖峰时段，由SMRT经营的巴士路线，候车时间似乎不受车长人数减少所影响。
一司机认罪监六周 被告庭上洒泪向各造致歉
在另一边厢，一名SMRT中国籍巴士司机今天面控。他承认非法罢工，被判坐牢六个星期。现年38岁的包锋善，被控在上星期一参与非法罢工表示认罪。他是五名被控中国籍巴士司机中，第一个认罪的司机。
控状指他在上星期一清晨6点至7点间，在兀兰宿舍参与罢工，控方以华语念出控状。育有一名女儿的被告没有聘请律师，他承认罢工带来负面影响，并通过通译员深表忏悔，还含泪向新加坡政府、SMRT及他的家人道歉。
被告被指在11月26日拒绝上班，而事前并没有表明有意要在26日和27日罢工。控方指出被告虽然不是罢工煽动者，但也并非只是一个被动的参与者。法官强调，被告的行动妨碍了交通服务。
尽管在SMRT和人力部的劝导下，被告隔天还是没有回到工作岗位，他还发出威胁的言论，警告如果诉求未获得回应，将进一步罢工。不过，对于被告求情从轻发落，法官给予确认，因被告在面控后就深表悔意并认罪。被告自2008年就开始为SMRT服务。
其他四名涉嫌教唆非法罢工的中国籍巴士司机，已经在上星期四被控。
- wong chee tat :)
SMRT says no further adjustments of pay for China bus drivers
SMRT says no further adjustments of pay for China bus drivers
By Sharon See | Posted: 03 December 2012 1854 hrs
SINGAPORE: SMRT will not make further adjustments to the salaries of its drivers from China, despite an illegal strike last week over pay and living conditions.
But the company will look into the possibility of allowing its drivers to encash their unused leave.
This was the decision communicated to drivers by SMRT CEO Desmond Kuek at a townhall meeting on Monday morning.
Describing what has been a difficult week for everyone in SMRT, Mr Kuek said the management team is surprised and saddened that the situation had reached the point of an illegal strike.
He stressed that the existing compensation and contract terms are fair.
He also said SMRT reviews the salaries of its drivers regularly to keep pace with the market.
This year, it raised the starting pay of those who joined before July by $75, even though there's no contractual obligation to do so for short-term contract workers.
In mid-November, it decided on a second increment of $25 to their basic salary out of goodwill, backdated to July.
This is being communicated to the drivers and will be implemented in December.
Mr Kuek said the full monthly increase in salary from July 2012 would therefore be $100, and this will be implemented as planned.
With these increments, their starting pay is now $1,100.
He stressed that the remuneration package is fair and equitable, including transport, accommodation and utilities amounting to about $275 borne by the company.
Drivers from Malaysia, said Mr Kuek, are not provided accommodation by the company.
With many drivers clocking an average of 60 hours in overtime a month, their gross pay can reach $1,800 or more.
Member of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Transport, Mr Lim Biow Chuan, told Channel NewsAsia he agreed with SMRT's decision not to raise the pay of drivers from China.
Mr Lim said: "What the CEO has done is the right thing. From the perspective of the employee, if you feel that your salary is not right, you should actually speak to your employers about it. And if at the end of the day, employers are not prepared to increase the salary, you should then look for other employment.
"I think it is also a wrong signal to send if the company adjusts its salary upwards because of actions by employees to force their opinion on their employer to make adjustments to the salary."
Mr Lim said many drivers from China came to Singapore initially satisfied with their salary, and that it is not right for them to compare with their colleagues later and demand a change in the terms of employment.
"When you take up an employment with any company, you don't know what your future colleagues will be earning. You look at what you're offered, and you ask yourself, am I happy with this salary that I'm getting. If you say "yes", then you go in with your eyes open that this is the salary you take when you start work," he said.
Addressing complaints from some drivers about misrepresentation by agents in China who had hired them, Mr Kuek said SMRT will raise this matter with the relevant agencies to investigate further.
He also urged drivers to use the right and proper channels of communication and feedback to voice their unhappiness.
SMRT, he said, acknowledged that its managers and supervisors down the line could have been more sensitive and responsive to the needs of drivers.
It will address this shortcoming with priority and is strengthening its staff communications and engagement.
Turning to the living conditions of the drivers, Mr Kuek said he visited the drivers' rooms and surroundings recently and agreed with them that things can be improved.
As for bed bugs, the dormitory rooms were fumigated last month and again last week.
Mr Kuek said this appears to be a more persistent problem and SMRT will continue to monitor and act on this.
The Singapore Human Resources Institute said companies that employ a large number of foreign workers can do more to ease them into life in Singapore, such as through induction programmes and English lessons.
Mr David Ang, Executive Director of Singapore Human Resources Institute, said: "It is also very important that companies also explain to them that if you are working in the industry which is very important to the public, such as the essential services, then the rules and regulations as well as the law governing work in a company that is providing essential services should be explained to them."
Mr Ang added that companies' communications plan should not only include employment terms and the law, it should also explain their pay structure.
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat :)
By Sharon See | Posted: 03 December 2012 1854 hrs
SINGAPORE: SMRT will not make further adjustments to the salaries of its drivers from China, despite an illegal strike last week over pay and living conditions.
But the company will look into the possibility of allowing its drivers to encash their unused leave.
This was the decision communicated to drivers by SMRT CEO Desmond Kuek at a townhall meeting on Monday morning.
Describing what has been a difficult week for everyone in SMRT, Mr Kuek said the management team is surprised and saddened that the situation had reached the point of an illegal strike.
He stressed that the existing compensation and contract terms are fair.
He also said SMRT reviews the salaries of its drivers regularly to keep pace with the market.
This year, it raised the starting pay of those who joined before July by $75, even though there's no contractual obligation to do so for short-term contract workers.
In mid-November, it decided on a second increment of $25 to their basic salary out of goodwill, backdated to July.
This is being communicated to the drivers and will be implemented in December.
Mr Kuek said the full monthly increase in salary from July 2012 would therefore be $100, and this will be implemented as planned.
With these increments, their starting pay is now $1,100.
He stressed that the remuneration package is fair and equitable, including transport, accommodation and utilities amounting to about $275 borne by the company.
Drivers from Malaysia, said Mr Kuek, are not provided accommodation by the company.
With many drivers clocking an average of 60 hours in overtime a month, their gross pay can reach $1,800 or more.
Member of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Transport, Mr Lim Biow Chuan, told Channel NewsAsia he agreed with SMRT's decision not to raise the pay of drivers from China.
Mr Lim said: "What the CEO has done is the right thing. From the perspective of the employee, if you feel that your salary is not right, you should actually speak to your employers about it. And if at the end of the day, employers are not prepared to increase the salary, you should then look for other employment.
"I think it is also a wrong signal to send if the company adjusts its salary upwards because of actions by employees to force their opinion on their employer to make adjustments to the salary."
Mr Lim said many drivers from China came to Singapore initially satisfied with their salary, and that it is not right for them to compare with their colleagues later and demand a change in the terms of employment.
"When you take up an employment with any company, you don't know what your future colleagues will be earning. You look at what you're offered, and you ask yourself, am I happy with this salary that I'm getting. If you say "yes", then you go in with your eyes open that this is the salary you take when you start work," he said.
Addressing complaints from some drivers about misrepresentation by agents in China who had hired them, Mr Kuek said SMRT will raise this matter with the relevant agencies to investigate further.
He also urged drivers to use the right and proper channels of communication and feedback to voice their unhappiness.
SMRT, he said, acknowledged that its managers and supervisors down the line could have been more sensitive and responsive to the needs of drivers.
It will address this shortcoming with priority and is strengthening its staff communications and engagement.
Turning to the living conditions of the drivers, Mr Kuek said he visited the drivers' rooms and surroundings recently and agreed with them that things can be improved.
As for bed bugs, the dormitory rooms were fumigated last month and again last week.
Mr Kuek said this appears to be a more persistent problem and SMRT will continue to monitor and act on this.
The Singapore Human Resources Institute said companies that employ a large number of foreign workers can do more to ease them into life in Singapore, such as through induction programmes and English lessons.
Mr David Ang, Executive Director of Singapore Human Resources Institute, said: "It is also very important that companies also explain to them that if you are working in the industry which is very important to the public, such as the essential services, then the rules and regulations as well as the law governing work in a company that is providing essential services should be explained to them."
Mr Ang added that companies' communications plan should not only include employment terms and the law, it should also explain their pay structure.
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat :)
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Police round up more than 20 SMRT bus drivers
Police round up more than 20 SMRT bus drivers
Posted: 01 December 2012 1420 hrs
SINGAPORE: More than 20 SMRT bus drivers have been taken from their dormitories on Saturday morning to a processing centre at Admiralty West Prison.
They are believed to have taken part in the illegal strike on Monday and Tuesday.
SMRT said it is assisting police with investigations.
On Monday, 171 SMRT bus drivers took part in the illegal strike over pay dispute at Woodlands Dormitory and 88 of them continued with the strike on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, 20 SMRT bus drivers were called in by police to help with investigations.
- CNA/xq/ck
- wong chee tat :)
Posted: 01 December 2012 1420 hrs
SINGAPORE: More than 20 SMRT bus drivers have been taken from their dormitories on Saturday morning to a processing centre at Admiralty West Prison.
They are believed to have taken part in the illegal strike on Monday and Tuesday.
SMRT said it is assisting police with investigations.
On Monday, 171 SMRT bus drivers took part in the illegal strike over pay dispute at Woodlands Dormitory and 88 of them continued with the strike on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, 20 SMRT bus drivers were called in by police to help with investigations.
- CNA/xq/ck
- wong chee tat :)
Saturday, December 1, 2012
SMRT's CEO Kuek visits China bus drivers at Serangoon dormitory
SMRT's CEO Kuek visits China bus drivers at Serangoon dormitory
Posted: 30 November 2012 2146 hrs
SINGAPORE: President and CEO of SMRT Desmond Kuek on Friday visited the workers' dormitory at Serangoon and spoke to China bus drivers there.
An SMRT statement said Mr Kuek's visit was to understand at first hand their concerns and appreciate their current living conditions.
It said Mr Kuek noted that the conditions in the dormitories could certainly be better, and said feedback had been given to the dormitory operators to improve the living conditions there.
Fumigation works to tackle complaints of bedbugs in some dormitory rooms was done last month, and again this week. SMRT said alternative housing arrangements will be made earlier if conditions do not improve.
Earlier in the morning, Mr Kuek visited the Ang Mo Kio bus depot to monitor the situation of bus operations and to ensure that all bus services continue to be maintained and run normally.
Commenting on the four drivers from China who have been arrested and charged in court on Thursday, Mr Kuek said SMRT is managing the morale of the other drivers who are understandingly anxious about the outcome.
Mr Kuek said the drivers he met in the afternoon had assured him that they will continue to work hard to serve their passengers.
Thanking them for their positive attitude, Mr Kuek assured the drivers that SMRT values their service and will improve its management, communication and engagement efforts to be more responsive and sensitive to their needs.
As for those who took part in the strikes on Monday and Tuesday, Mr Kuek reiterated that SMRT takes a serious view of their illegal actions, and said that they should have used the proper channels to raise their concerns and feedback.
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat :)
Posted: 30 November 2012 2146 hrs
SINGAPORE: President and CEO of SMRT Desmond Kuek on Friday visited the workers' dormitory at Serangoon and spoke to China bus drivers there.
An SMRT statement said Mr Kuek's visit was to understand at first hand their concerns and appreciate their current living conditions.
It said Mr Kuek noted that the conditions in the dormitories could certainly be better, and said feedback had been given to the dormitory operators to improve the living conditions there.
Fumigation works to tackle complaints of bedbugs in some dormitory rooms was done last month, and again this week. SMRT said alternative housing arrangements will be made earlier if conditions do not improve.
Earlier in the morning, Mr Kuek visited the Ang Mo Kio bus depot to monitor the situation of bus operations and to ensure that all bus services continue to be maintained and run normally.
Commenting on the four drivers from China who have been arrested and charged in court on Thursday, Mr Kuek said SMRT is managing the morale of the other drivers who are understandingly anxious about the outcome.
Mr Kuek said the drivers he met in the afternoon had assured him that they will continue to work hard to serve their passengers.
Thanking them for their positive attitude, Mr Kuek assured the drivers that SMRT values their service and will improve its management, communication and engagement efforts to be more responsive and sensitive to their needs.
As for those who took part in the strikes on Monday and Tuesday, Mr Kuek reiterated that SMRT takes a serious view of their illegal actions, and said that they should have used the proper channels to raise their concerns and feedback.
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat :)
Thursday, November 29, 2012
20 SMRT bus drivers assisting police in investigations
20 SMRT bus drivers assisting police in investigations
By Kimberly Spykerman, Vimita Mohandas | Posted: 28 November 2012 1745 hrs
SINGAPORE: Most of the bus drivers involved in an illegal strike over a pay dispute have returned to work except for six who had valid medical reasons.
Providing an update at a media conference, transport operator SMRT said that 20 bus drivers from China and SMRT personnel are assisting the police in their investigations.
SMRT added that disciplinary action will be taken against those who didn't turn up for work and didn't have valid reasons but did not disclose what the disciplinary action would include.
At the conference, SMRT also clarified the pay of their bus drivers which was at the heart of illegal strikes this week.
It said drivers from China are hired on two-year contracts unlike those from Malaysia who are employed on a permanent basis.
SMRT said while the starting pay for drivers from China is lower, the company provides them with accommodation and utilities, as well as transport to the workplace.
In July, bus drivers on permanent employment received an increment in their starting pay while a special increment of S$75 was given to China nationals out of goodwill.
Another round of salary adjustments for those on permanent employment was made in October and a similar adjustment of S$25 per month for China nationals was finalised last week.
Unfortunately, the illegal strike took place even before the bus drivers knew about their salary adjustments.
In a statement, labour movement NTUC said management should recognise the positive role the union can play.
NTUC added that the majority of foreign bus drivers in SMRT have not joined the union.
SMRT's executive vice president for roads & commercial, Mr Teo Chew Hoon, said: "We encourage our drivers to join the unions so that they can be represented. Perhaps we didn't do enough to encourage them.
SMRT pointed out that drivers had been given a special increment before this even though such an increase was not in their contract.
The public transport operator said it pays competitive market wages.
It added that its remuneration packages for service leaders from China and Malaysia are equitable, with the foreign worker levy, as well as transport, accommodation and utilities covered.
Turning to concerns over dormitory conditions, SMRT acknowledged that swifter actions could have been taken.
It has decided to provide alternative accommodation when the leases for the dormitories expire from early 2013.
SMRT noted that the drivers had concerns over issues such as bed bugs at the dormitories provided by private operators.
Fumigation works, which were scheduled at the Woodlands dormitory, will be carried out as soon as possible.
Measures such as remedial works on fittings are already underway.
SMRT's management had assured the drivers, or Service Leaders (SLs), during the discussion on November 26 that it will review and address their concerns.
It will share its decision with them next week.
Mr Teo said: "There are lessons from this episode, including how we can better engage our SLs and we will improve in this area. In the meantime, we are doing our utmost to make immediate improvements to their living conditions. For majority of our Chinese SLs who are putting their best in their duties, I would like to reassure them that we continue to value their services."
SMRT said the attendance of drivers is back to normal and that all its bus services are running as scheduled.
It added that the six drivers who did not turn for work on Wednesday morning had valid reasons for being absent.
- CNA/fa
- wong chee tat :)
By Kimberly Spykerman, Vimita Mohandas | Posted: 28 November 2012 1745 hrs
SINGAPORE: Most of the bus drivers involved in an illegal strike over a pay dispute have returned to work except for six who had valid medical reasons.
Providing an update at a media conference, transport operator SMRT said that 20 bus drivers from China and SMRT personnel are assisting the police in their investigations.
SMRT added that disciplinary action will be taken against those who didn't turn up for work and didn't have valid reasons but did not disclose what the disciplinary action would include.
At the conference, SMRT also clarified the pay of their bus drivers which was at the heart of illegal strikes this week.
It said drivers from China are hired on two-year contracts unlike those from Malaysia who are employed on a permanent basis.
SMRT said while the starting pay for drivers from China is lower, the company provides them with accommodation and utilities, as well as transport to the workplace.
In July, bus drivers on permanent employment received an increment in their starting pay while a special increment of S$75 was given to China nationals out of goodwill.
Another round of salary adjustments for those on permanent employment was made in October and a similar adjustment of S$25 per month for China nationals was finalised last week.
Unfortunately, the illegal strike took place even before the bus drivers knew about their salary adjustments.
In a statement, labour movement NTUC said management should recognise the positive role the union can play.
NTUC added that the majority of foreign bus drivers in SMRT have not joined the union.
SMRT's executive vice president for roads & commercial, Mr Teo Chew Hoon, said: "We encourage our drivers to join the unions so that they can be represented. Perhaps we didn't do enough to encourage them.
SMRT pointed out that drivers had been given a special increment before this even though such an increase was not in their contract.
The public transport operator said it pays competitive market wages.
It added that its remuneration packages for service leaders from China and Malaysia are equitable, with the foreign worker levy, as well as transport, accommodation and utilities covered.
Turning to concerns over dormitory conditions, SMRT acknowledged that swifter actions could have been taken.
It has decided to provide alternative accommodation when the leases for the dormitories expire from early 2013.
SMRT noted that the drivers had concerns over issues such as bed bugs at the dormitories provided by private operators.
Fumigation works, which were scheduled at the Woodlands dormitory, will be carried out as soon as possible.
Measures such as remedial works on fittings are already underway.
SMRT's management had assured the drivers, or Service Leaders (SLs), during the discussion on November 26 that it will review and address their concerns.
It will share its decision with them next week.
Mr Teo said: "There are lessons from this episode, including how we can better engage our SLs and we will improve in this area. In the meantime, we are doing our utmost to make immediate improvements to their living conditions. For majority of our Chinese SLs who are putting their best in their duties, I would like to reassure them that we continue to value their services."
SMRT said the attendance of drivers is back to normal and that all its bus services are running as scheduled.
It added that the six drivers who did not turn for work on Wednesday morning had valid reasons for being absent.
- CNA/fa
- wong chee tat :)
Sunday, January 11, 2009
How Bed Bugs Outsmart Poisons Designed To Control Them
How Bed Bugs Outsmart Poisons Designed To Control Them
ScienceDaily (Jan. 10, 2009) — Bed bugs, once nearly eradicated in the built environment, have made a big comeback recently, especially in urban centers such as New York City. In the first study to explain the failure to control certain bed bug populations, toxicologists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Korea’s Seoul National University show that some of these nocturnal blood suckers have developed resistance to pyrethroid insecticides, in particular deltamethrin, that attack their nervous systems.
The study by senior researcher John Clark and colleagues in the current issue of the Journal of Medical Entomology reveals that these pests have evolved to outsmart the latest generation of chemicals used to control them since DDT was banned. In providing this first look at a mechanism, the researchers summarize that diagnostic tools to detect the relevant mutation in bed bug populations have been “urgently needed for effective control and resistance management.”
Specifically, Clark and colleagues found that bed bugs in New York City have acquired mutations in their nerve cells, which blunt the neurotoxic effect of the pyrethroid toxins used against them. The mutations affect sodium channels (resembling pores) in the neurons’ outer membrane, where electrical nerve impulses are produced. In the past, these nervous system poisons could effectively paralyze and kill the bugs, but this is no longer always the case.
Resistance means mutations are acquired over time by selection with pyrethroids, so the neuronal pores no longer respond to their toxic effects. Clark and colleagues found that these pores in New York City bed bugs are now as much as 264 times more resistant to deltamethrin (Deltamethrin is toxic to humans). This means that even if treated, New York City bed bugs go on to suck blood from unsuspecting sleepers for many more nights.
The researchers are not sure how widely this resistance has spread, that is, whether the bugs that infest hotels, apartment buildings and homes in places other than New York City have developed the same type of immunity to chemical control. But as Clark states, “This type of pyrethroid resistance is common in many pest insects and the failure of the pyrethroids to control bed bug populations across the United States and elsewhere indicates that resistance is already widespread.”
For this study, the researchers collected hard-to-control bed bugs from New York City, plus easy-to-control bed bugs from an untreated colony in Florida, Clark explains. The New York population was determined to be highly resistant (264 times more resistant) to deltamethrin compared to the Florida population by contact exposure. Further, they found that resistance was not due to the increased breakdown of deltamethrin (enzymatic metabolism) by the resistant bed bugs but appeared to be due to an insensitive nervous system.
Using molecular techniques, they sequenced genes related to the sodium ion channel’s operation in both groups and identified two mutations found only in the resistant population. Similar mutations have been found in other pyrethroid-resistant insects and are likely the cause of the resistance in bed bugs, Clark and colleagues note. This helps to narrow the focus of the next set of experiments designed to reveal more about the acquired resistance.
There are several kinds of bed bugs but the one best adapted to the human environment is known in Latin as Cimex (“a bug”) lectularius (“lying down at home”), which shows how long they’ve been with us. Bed bugs arrived here with the earliest European visitors. These nocturnal pests feed about once every five to 10 days but are not thought to spread disease. They use two tubes, one to inject an anticoagulant and mild anesthetic, the other to suck blood.
- wong chee tat :)
ScienceDaily (Jan. 10, 2009) — Bed bugs, once nearly eradicated in the built environment, have made a big comeback recently, especially in urban centers such as New York City. In the first study to explain the failure to control certain bed bug populations, toxicologists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Korea’s Seoul National University show that some of these nocturnal blood suckers have developed resistance to pyrethroid insecticides, in particular deltamethrin, that attack their nervous systems.
The study by senior researcher John Clark and colleagues in the current issue of the Journal of Medical Entomology reveals that these pests have evolved to outsmart the latest generation of chemicals used to control them since DDT was banned. In providing this first look at a mechanism, the researchers summarize that diagnostic tools to detect the relevant mutation in bed bug populations have been “urgently needed for effective control and resistance management.”
Specifically, Clark and colleagues found that bed bugs in New York City have acquired mutations in their nerve cells, which blunt the neurotoxic effect of the pyrethroid toxins used against them. The mutations affect sodium channels (resembling pores) in the neurons’ outer membrane, where electrical nerve impulses are produced. In the past, these nervous system poisons could effectively paralyze and kill the bugs, but this is no longer always the case.
Resistance means mutations are acquired over time by selection with pyrethroids, so the neuronal pores no longer respond to their toxic effects. Clark and colleagues found that these pores in New York City bed bugs are now as much as 264 times more resistant to deltamethrin (Deltamethrin is toxic to humans). This means that even if treated, New York City bed bugs go on to suck blood from unsuspecting sleepers for many more nights.
The researchers are not sure how widely this resistance has spread, that is, whether the bugs that infest hotels, apartment buildings and homes in places other than New York City have developed the same type of immunity to chemical control. But as Clark states, “This type of pyrethroid resistance is common in many pest insects and the failure of the pyrethroids to control bed bug populations across the United States and elsewhere indicates that resistance is already widespread.”
For this study, the researchers collected hard-to-control bed bugs from New York City, plus easy-to-control bed bugs from an untreated colony in Florida, Clark explains. The New York population was determined to be highly resistant (264 times more resistant) to deltamethrin compared to the Florida population by contact exposure. Further, they found that resistance was not due to the increased breakdown of deltamethrin (enzymatic metabolism) by the resistant bed bugs but appeared to be due to an insensitive nervous system.
Using molecular techniques, they sequenced genes related to the sodium ion channel’s operation in both groups and identified two mutations found only in the resistant population. Similar mutations have been found in other pyrethroid-resistant insects and are likely the cause of the resistance in bed bugs, Clark and colleagues note. This helps to narrow the focus of the next set of experiments designed to reveal more about the acquired resistance.
There are several kinds of bed bugs but the one best adapted to the human environment is known in Latin as Cimex (“a bug”) lectularius (“lying down at home”), which shows how long they’ve been with us. Bed bugs arrived here with the earliest European visitors. These nocturnal pests feed about once every five to 10 days but are not thought to spread disease. They use two tubes, one to inject an anticoagulant and mild anesthetic, the other to suck blood.
- wong chee tat :)
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