How can I make a homemade bedbug trap? - briefly
Cut a piece of cardboard, coat it with double‑sided adhesive, and place it near a heat source or night‑light where bed bugs are active; check the trap regularly and discard captured insects. Replace the sticky surface weekly to maintain efficacy.
How can I make a homemade bedbug trap? - in detail
To construct an effective DIY bed‑bug catcher, gather the following items: a shallow plastic container (e.g., a disposable cup), clear adhesive tape, a piece of white paper, a small LED light or a 15‑watt incandescent bulb, a rubber band, and a few drops of a synthetic pheromone lure or a mild attractant such as a mixture of sugar and water.
Begin by covering the interior walls of the container with the adhesive tape, leaving the bottom uncovered. Place the white paper at the base; the contrast makes insects more visible. Secure the light source above the trap using the rubber band, ensuring the bulb shines directly into the container without overheating the tape.
Prepare the attractant by dissolving one tablespoon of sugar in 50 ml of warm water, adding a few drops of a commercial bed‑bug pheromone if available. Soak a small piece of cotton in the solution and position it near the light inside the trap. The heat and light draw the insects toward the container, while the scent lures them onto the sticky surface.
Set the trap in a dark corner near suspected infestation sites—bed frames, headboards, or furniture seams. Allow it to operate for 24–48 hours before inspecting. Replace the adhesive tape and attractant regularly; a saturated surface loses efficacy within a day.
For larger areas, replicate the design using multiple containers spaced 1–2 feet apart. Combine this method with regular laundering of bedding at 60 °C and vacuuming of seams to maximize control.