title: Bed Bugs: The Australian Response.
abstract: Australia has experienced a sudden and unexpected resurgence in bed bug infestations from both Cimex lectularius L. and Cimex hemipterus F. A survey in 2006 revealed that infestations had increased across the nation by an average of 4,500% since the start of the decade. In response, a multi-disciplinary approach to combat the rise of this public health pest was implemented and involved the coordinated efforts of several organizations. The key components of the strategy included the introduction of a pest management standard 'A Code of Practice for the Control of Bed Bug Infestations in Australia' that defines and promotes 'best practice' in bed bug eradication, the development of a policy and procedural guide for accommodation providers, education of stakeholders in best management practices, and research. These strategies continue to evolve with developments that lead to improvements in 'best practice' while bed bugs remain problematic in Australia.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Entomology, ICPMR, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia. stephen.doggett@swahs.health.nsw.gov.au.
authors.forename: Stephen L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Doggett
authors.affiliation: School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia. c.orton@unsw.edu.au.
authors.forename: Christopher J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Orton
authors.affiliation: Ecolab Pty Ltd, Pest Elimination Division, 6 Hudson Ave, Castle Hill, NSW, 2154, Australia. david.lilly@ecolab.com.
authors.forename: David G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Lilly
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Entomology, University of Sydney at Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia. richard.russell@sydney.edu.au.
authors.forename: Richard C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Russell
keywords: Australia; Cimex; bed bugs; management
  
   