How to make a trap for bedbugs? - briefly
Prepare a shallow container with a solution of water, a few drops of dish‑soap, and a small amount of essential oil, then lay a piece of white paper beneath it to lure the insects; position the assembly close to suspected hiding places. Check the trap regularly and replace the mixture as needed to maintain effectiveness.
How to make a trap for bedbugs? - in detail
Creating an effective capture device for Cimex lectularius requires precise materials and systematic assembly.
A typical trap consists of a shallow container, a sticky surface, a heat source, and a shelter that mimics a host environment.
Materials
- Plastic or glass tray, diameter 15–20 cm, depth 2–3 cm.
- Adhesive-coated paper or commercially available insect glue.
- Warm water bottle or low‑power heating pad set to 30–35 °C.
- Fabric or cardboard piece folded into a tent‑like structure.
- Tape, scissors, and a marker for labeling.
Assembly steps
- Place the adhesive sheet at the bottom of the tray, ensuring full coverage without wrinkles.
- Position the heating element centrally, securing it with tape so that the surface temperature remains constant.
- Arrange the shelter on one side of the tray, leaving an open entrance facing the heat source.
- Seal the tray with a clear lid that includes ventilation holes covered by fine mesh to prevent escape.
Placement and monitoring
- Locate the trap near suspected infestation sites: mattress seams, headboards, or cracks in flooring.
- Keep the device on a flat surface, away from direct sunlight or drafts that could alter temperature.
- Inspect the adhesive surface daily; record the number of captured insects using a marker.
Maintenance and safety
- Replace the sticky sheet after it becomes saturated or every 7 days, whichever occurs first.
- Clean the heating element with a damp cloth before installing a new adhesive layer.
- Dispose of captured specimens in a sealed bag and discard according to local pest‑control regulations.
Following these procedures yields a reliable monitoring tool that assists in assessing bedbug activity and informs subsequent eradication measures.