Eucalyptol Detected by Aeration from the Eggs of the Common Bed Bug (Hemiptera: Cimicidae)

To determine whether volatiles from bed bug eggs were similar to the defensive secretions from nymphs and adults, headspace volatiles from eggs of the common bed bug (Cimex lectularius L.) were collected by aeration, daily until hatch, and subsequently analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. We now report that eucalyptol (1,8-epoxy-p-menthane) was identified from all egg samples. Blank control samples containing no eggs had no evidence of eucalyptol. Positive controls, containing nymphs, adults, and fecal deposits, showed the presence of the defensive secretions (E)-2-hexenal and (E)-2-octenal, but no eucalyptol. The lack of detectable (E)-2-hexenal and (E)-2-octenal in viable egg samples and the detection of eucalyptol are discussed in relation to canine detection of bed bugs.