Do you have a bed bug problem? If so, you're not alone. Bed bugs are becoming increasingly common and can be difficult to get rid of. In this comprehensive guide, we will teach you how to attract, catch, and kill bed bugs.
We'll cover everything from identifying bed bugs to using the right extermination methods. So whether you're a business owner dealing with an infestation or just someone trying to protect your home, read on for all the information you need!
Can You Set A Trap For Bed Bugs?
One of the most common questions we get asked is whether or not bed bugs can be trapped. The answer is yes! There are a few different ways to trap bed bugs. You can use a traditional mouse trap, glue traps, or even specialty bed bug traps.
The best way to attract bed bugs into your trap is to use an attractant. You can either purchase a commercial attractant or make your own attractant using items like sweetened condensed milk, honey, or even overripe fruit. Once you’ve placed your traps, check them regularly and dispose of any bed bugs that you find.
When Should You Use A Trap?
There are a few different scenarios where you might want to use a trap for catching bed bugs. One scenario is if you have a small infestation and want to get rid of the bugs without using chemicals.
Another scenario is if you think you might have bed bugs but are not sure. You can set out traps and see if you catch any bugs. This can help you confirm whether or not you have an infestation.
The third scenario is if you have a large infestation and are using traps as part of your overall extermination plan. In this case, you would set out traps and also use other methods, such as chemical sprays or heat treatments.
Best Traps For Catching Bed Bugs
While there are a variety of traps that you can use to catch bed bugs, some traps are more effective than others. Glue traps are one of the most popular types of traps for catching bed bugs. These traps work by adhesive glue that captures the bug when it attempts to cross the trap.
Another type of trap that is effective for catching bed bugs is a heat trap. These traps work by using heat to attract and kill bed bugs. Heat traps are often used in conjunction with other methods of extermination, such as chemical sprays.
Passive Traps (Interceptors) For Bed Bugs
In addition to active traps, there are also passive traps that can be used to catch bed bugs. These traps, also known as interceptors, work by preventing bed bugs from getting to their host (i.e., you!).
One of the most popular types of interceptors is a monitor trap. These traps are placed under the legs of furniture and bed frames. They work by capturing bed bugs that are trying to climb up to their host.
Another type of interceptor is a pitfall trap. These traps are placed around the perimeter of a room. They work by trapping bed bugs that are trying to cross the barrier.
Double-Sided Tape
Another type of passive trap that can be used to catch bed bugs is double-sided tape. This type of tape is placed around the perimeter of a room or on furniture. It works by trapping bed bugs that come into contact with it.
People will often surround the legs of their bed frame with double-sided tape in order to prevent bed bugs from reaching the bed when it’s feeding time. You can also place it in between the seams of your mattress, where bed bugs like to hide.
Trapper Max Glue Boards
If you’re looking for an effective way to catch bed bugs, consider using Trapper Max glue boards. These boards are placed around the perimeter of a room or on furniture. They work by trapping bed bugs that come into contact with them.
It’s similar to using the double-sided tape method, but with the added peace of mind in knowing that the bed bugs are actually trapped and will not be able to escape.
Vaseline Trap
Vaseline can also be used as a passive trap for bed bugs. This substance is placed around the perimeter of a room or on furniture. It works by trapping bed bugs that come into contact with it.
You can choose to apply vaseline directly to surfaces or create a barrier by placing it in a shallow dish. Either way, the bed bugs will be trapped and will not be able to escape.
Trap Them Inside A Mattress Cover
If you’re concerned about bed bugs, consider using a mattress cover. This type of cover is placed over the mattress and works by trapping bed bugs that come into contact with it.
Pitfall Trap
A pitfall trap is another type of trap that can be used to catch bed bugs. This trap is placed around the perimeter of a room. It works by trapping bed bugs that are trying to cross the barrier.
Volcano Trap
The volcano trap is another type of trap that can be used to catch bed bugs. This trap is made by placing a piece of paper or cardboard over the top of a bottle. The bugs crawl into the bottle in search of their host and become trapped.
Flea Trap
Flea traps can also be used. Even though they’re intended for fleas, they can also trap bed bugs. This type of trap is placed around the perimeter of a room or on furniture. It works by emitting a light that attracts bed bugs. The bugs then crawl into the trap and become trapped.
Kidney Bean Leaf Trap
One of the more creative styles of trapping bed bugs is with a leaf from a kidney bean plant. Because bed bugs’ legs aren’t built to walk over kidney bean leaves, they will get stuck if they try to cross one.
To make this trap, simply place a kidney bean leaf in an area where you think bed bugs might be present. Check the leaf periodically and dispose of any bed bugs that you find.
Heat Trap
A heat trap works by attracting bed bugs with heat. This trap is placed in an area where you think bed bugs might be present. It works by emitting a light that attracts bed bugs. The bugs then crawl into the trap and become trapped.
Cold Trap
A cold trap works by attracting bed bugs with cold temperatures. This trap is placed in an area where you think. You might be wondering why we recommend a cold trap AND a heat trap. Well, bed bugs are attracted to both warm and cold temperatures.
So, if you have a cold trap AND a heat trap, you’re more likely to catch bed bugs.
To make a cold trap, simply place a container of ice in an area where you think bed bugs might be present. Check the ice periodically and dispose of any bed bugs that you find.
Pheromone Trap
A pheromone trap is an advanced trapping technique, but it’s worth mentioning. This type of trap uses a synthetic pheromone to attract bed bugs. The pheromone is released into the air and attracts bed bugs from a distance.
Co2 / Carbon Dioxide Traps
Carbon Dioxide works by attracting bed bugs. This gas is odorless and invisible, but it’s deadly to bed bugs. Carbon Dioxide traps work by releasing the gas into the air. The gas then attracts bed bugs from a distance, which can then be trapped and killed.
The best way to attract bed bugs is by using a combination of traps. By using multiple traps, you’re more likely to catch bed bugs. If you’re only using one type of trap, you’re more likely to miss some bed bugs.
Below, we mentioned a few ways to utilize CO2 to attract and kill bed bugs:
Yeast and Sugar Trap
One way to attract bed bugs with CO² is by using a yeast and sugar trap. This trap works by creating a reaction that emits CO².
To make this trap, mix one tablespoon of yeast and one tablespoon of sugar in a jar. Then, add warm water and stir. The mixture will start to emit CO².
Place the mixture in an area where you think bed bugs might be present. The CO² will attract the bed bugs and they will become trapped.
Dry Ice Bottle Trap
Another way to attract bed bugs with CO² is by using dry ice. This trap works by sublimating the dry ice into CO² gas. Making a dry ice trap means you first need to order some dry ice.
Then, place it in a bottle and add a hose or straw to allow a slow release of CO2 gas from the bottle. The end of the hose should emit gas into a trap that contains any chemical you would use to kill bed bugs, such as Temprid FX.
Diatomaceous Earth
If you’re looking for a natural way to kill bed bugs, consider using diatomaceous earth. This substance is made from the fossilized remains of algae. It works by cutting through the exoskeleton of bed bugs, causing them to dehydrate and die.
Diatomaceous earth emits carbon dioxide, attracting bed bugs from a distance.
To use diatomaceous earth, simply sprinkle it in an area where you think bed bugs might be present. Check the area periodically and dispose of any bed bugs that you find.
Conclusion
In this guide, we’ve taught you how to attract, catch, and kill bed bugs. We’ve covered everything from setting traps to using interceptors and double-sided tape. So whether you’re dealing with an infestation or just want to prevent one, you now have all the information you need!