| 2022-MOHA-69793 | |
| Researchers at Purdue University have developed a device loaded with an app that can detect and distinguish bedbugs and eventually aid in their eradication. A survey conducted in 2016 found that > 80% of hotels were treated for bed bugs yearly, with an average cost of $6,383 per event. Current methods to detect bedbugs include Wi-Fi-enabled capacitance measurement. The Purdue researchers' technology accomplishes more than simply detecting bedbugs. It uses the strength of the detected signal (indicates bug size), signal variation with time (indicates bug movement), and presence of histamine (indicates bedbug fecal matter) to distinguish bedbugs from other bugs. Deployment of this device allows early detection of bedbugs, allowing the use of spot heating to kill them instead of toxic chemicals. Technology Validation: The researchers tested the signal detection capabilities of the device by exposing it to bedbugs; it showed a noticeable difference in the signal variation when more bedbugs were exposed to it. Advantages: - Highly sensitive - Low-cost prototypes Applications: - Detection of bedbugs and other urban pests |
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May 26, 2022
Provisional-Patent
United States
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Purdue Office of Technology Commercialization The Convergence Center 101 Foundry Drive, Suite 2500 West Lafayette, IN 47906 Phone: (765) 588-3475 Fax: (765) 463-3486 Email: otcip@prf.org |
