How can I catch bed bugs? - briefly
Place intercept traps that emit carbon dioxide or heat near the mattress and install bed‑bug interceptors under each leg of the bed. Inspect seams, folds, and crevices daily and replace traps when they become full.
How can I catch bed bugs? - in detail
Capturing bed‑bug specimens requires a systematic approach that combines thorough inspection, appropriate trapping devices, and careful handling. Begin by isolating the infested area; remove bedding, curtains, and clothing, and place each item in sealed plastic bags to prevent accidental escape. Use a bright flashlight and a magnifying lens to examine seams, mattress tufts, and cracks in furniture, looking for live insects, shed skins, or dark‑colored fecal spots.
Select traps that attract or intercept the insects. Effective options include:
- Interceptors: flat containers with a smooth inner surface and a rough outer rim; insects climb up, fall into a collection chamber, and cannot escape.
- Passive glue traps: adhesive sheets placed under bed legs, along baseboards, or behind headboards; insects become stuck when they walk across.
- CO₂ bait stations: devices that release carbon dioxide at a low rate, mimicking human breath; bed bugs move toward the source and become trapped in a surrounding net or sticky surface.
- Heat‑based traps: portable units that raise ambient temperature to 35‑38 °C, prompting bugs to become active and congregate on a trapping surface.
When deploying traps, position them close to suspected harborages: within 12 inches of mattress edges, behind nightstands, and at the junction of walls and floor. Replace adhesive surfaces every 5–7 days, and inspect interceptors weekly, recording any captures to assess infestation severity.
After collection, transfer specimens using a soft brush or tweezers into a sealed vial containing 70 % ethanol for preservation. Label each vial with date, location, and trap type. Proper storage facilitates later identification and, if needed, consultation with a professional pest‑management service.