Xenointoxication

Xenointoxication is a form of pest control in which an ectoparasite's host animal is dosed with a substance that is poisonous to the parasite. When the parasite feeds on its host, it is poisoned, and eventually dies.

An example of this strategy is the experimental use of oral ivermectin in humans to kill bed bugs and parasitic worms.<ref> Donald G. McNeil Jr.. Pill Could Join Arsenal Against Bedbugs(link). {{{website}}}.

December 31, 2012.

</ref><ref> Donald G. McNeil Jr.. Pet pill could join arsenal against bedbugs(link). {{{website}}}.

February 16, 2013.

</ref> This technique has also been used to combat other ectoparasites.<ref> Tonya W. Padron. How To Protect from Bed Bugs(link). Bed Bug Guide.

May 16, 2013.

</ref><ref>Mark K. Huntington,

 When bed bugs bite, 
 Journal of Family Practice, 
 
 Vol. 61(Issue: 7),
 pp. 384–388,
 
 
 
 
 Full text,</ref>

This method was unsuccessful in a 1969 study attempting to control Triatoma infestans in chicken houses because even though some bugs that fed on the treated birds did die, so did the birds, and the birds that survived produced fewer eggs.<ref>,

 Xeno-intoxication in the control of Triatomidae, 
 Arch. Fac. Hig. Saude Publ. Univ. S. Paulo, 
 
 Vol. 34(Issue: 119/120),
 pp. 25–42,
 
 
 
 
 Full text,</ref>

References

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