Bed bug traps are a great way to identify bed bugs or monitor the effectiveness of your treatment without having to hire outside help. These traps aren’t used for extermination, but they can help you track down an infestation and tell you whether or not a particular treatment is working. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different types of bed bug traps, how to make them at home, and how to set them up in your house.
If you think you might have a bed bug problem, these traps are a great way to find out. It’s easy to make them, and they’re cheap. These traps can give you a good idea if you have bed bugs in your home. They also help monitor the situation over time, so with any luck, if the traps come up positive for signs of bed bugs then hopefully there won’t be too many hiding out in places like beds or mattresses.
It’s important to note that even though these are great at detecting whether or not there are little guys hiding out in your home (and could possibly be giving everyone some itchy bites), they won’t tell you exactly where all the critters are hiding. For example: if one trap comes up positive but another doesn’t show any signs of activity (or very few), then where did all these pesky insects go? This means that this method is best used alongside other methods such as looking around at night with lights while wearing protective gear like gloves and masks (if possible).
So now that we’ve talked about how useful these DIY bed bug traps can be when trying to spot an infestation early on (and hopefully nip it quickly before things get worse), let’s take a look at what materials need to go into making one.
How to Make Bed Bug Traps
Bed bugs are small, brown insects about the size of an apple seed. They are flat with a reddish-brown color and have long legs. Bedbugs spread through physical contact from one person or animal to another. The most common way bedbugs enter your home is by hitchhiking in bags, suitcases, clothing and furniture from other locations that have bedbugs.
Bed bug traps should be placed on all floors except the basement where they usually do not live or travel because it is too cold for them to survive for long periods of time. You can use several different types of bait (smelly food) such as:
- Peanut butter
- Chocolate syrup (use sparingly)
- Bacon grease
DIY bed bug trap materials
You will need the following materials to make your trap:
- PVC pipe (wide diameter)
- Glue (cyanoacrylate glue)
- Wire mesh, at least 1/8 inch thick. If you can’t find wire mesh of this thickness, use aluminum window screen instead. You want it to be sturdy enough that it won’t easily tear or bend when you place objects on top.
Cut the PVC pipe
- Cut the PVC pipe into two pieces.
A. The first piece should be 2 inches long, and can be cut with a hacksaw or a pipe cutter.
B. The second piece should be 6 inches long, and can also be cut with a hacksaw or a pipe cutter (the cuts made in step A won’t affect its size).
- Cut the 2 inch piece in half lengthwise (this will make it easier for you to insert into your trap).
- Cut the 6 inch third of this section into thirds lengthwise (again, just for convenience).
Build the base of the trap
To begin, place the PVC pipe in the middle of your base. Next, place the cap on one end of your pipe to finish it off. Place another piece of PVC pipe at an angle on one end and glue this together with the rest of your trap.
Now you’re ready to add bed bug lure.
Prepare the collection unit
- Cut out a paper funnel that will fit inside the pipe end, and then tape it to the open end of the pipe.
- Place cardboard squares or small pieces of fabric on top of the funnel in order to cover up any gaps in between them so that bugs can’t fall through when you’re trying to trap them.
- If your container has a lid, tape a piece of cardboard around its perimeter so that you can use it as an enclosure for your collection unit.
Attach the collection unit to the base
- Attach the collection unit to the base
- Use glue or screws to attach the unit to the base
Put it all together
Now that you’ve got your trap components, it’s time to put them together. The first step is to make sure that the PVC pipe and collection unit are in the right place for each other:
- Put some glue on both sides of the PVC pipe, then add a small amount of glue on top of your collection unit (the side with holes).
- Place your collection unit inside the open end of your pipe—it should slide in easily. If there isn’t enough room for it to be completely inside without touching either side of the pipe, trim away some plastic so that they fit snugly together.
- Once they’re lined up correctly, use another piece of duct tape to secure them together while they dry overnight (or longer).
What Liquid Attracts Bed Bugs?
Bed bug attractants are liquids that act as a type of lure for bed bugs. These attractants are commonly used in the extermination of bed bugs, and can be found in many different forms. The most common liquid attractant is peppermint oil.
Peppermint oil is a common bed bug attractant used to kill bed bugs. It is also used to repel fleas from pets, so it can be used in your home to prevent other pests from coming in. Peppermint oil is made up of menthol, which has been shown to increase the activity of several different receptors in the body, including those that respond to pain or heat sensation. By increasing the activity of these receptors, peppermint oil can make people feel like they have been bitten by a bed bug when they have not been bitten at all. This makes people think they have bed bugs when they don’t have them at all.
Another common liquid attractant is alcohol-based hand sanitizers or rubbing alcohols. These products contain ingredients such as alcohol and water, but they also contain essential oils such as eucalyptus or tea tree oil which can attract bed bugs because these essential oils smell similar to their natural scent when they’re alive on humans (or other hosts).
What Is the Best Homemade Bed Bug Killer?
The best homemade bed bug killer is one that is effective, safe, and affordable.
The first thing to consider when looking for the best homemade bed bug killer is whether or not you want it to be effective. If you don’t mind the idea of killing insects in your home but don’t want to deal with a mess or potential health issues, then a spray-on solution might be what you need. This type of solution usually contains a pyrethrin-based extract and will kill adult bed bugs as well as eggs. You can apply it directly on the surface of your mattress or box spring, or use it in conjunction with other treatments such as hot water or steam baths.
Another option is an aerosol spray that uses a pyrethrin-based solution combined with insecticidal soap. This type of product may be less effective than those that use a liquid formula but it could still help kill off any bugs that are currently infesting your home. It’s important to note that this type of product should only be used by professionals when treating larger areas like whole apartments; if you only have a few small bedrooms then using an aerosol spray would be overkill for just one room!
What Attracts Bed Bugs to Traps?
Bed bugs are attracted to materials that are similar to their host organism. Because they are attracted to carbon dioxide, they will be attracted to the traps that have a carbon dioxide generator. This is why bed bugs can be found in the same areas as humans and other mammals, as well as in places where there is carbon dioxide generation.
Bed bugs are attracted to certain colors typically associated with food sources for their hosts. Bed bugs are more likely to be attracted to red than any other color, including orange or yellow colors. Bed bugs cannot see colors quite as well as humans can, so they must rely on other cues such as odors and textures to find their hosts.
What Is a Homemade Solution to Get Rid of Bed Bugs?
The best homemade solution to get rid of bed bugs is to use diatomaceous earth, a type of rock composed of fossilized remains of seaweeds and algae that are encrusted with tiny sharp-edged crystals.
Diatomaceous earth is a safe and effective way to kill bed bugs, but it has to be completely dry before you apply it. You can either sprinkle it over the affected area or mix some into a paste and apply it directly to the affected areas. You should let this sit for at least an hour before rinsing your skin with soap and water.
If you have pets like dogs or cats, be sure to keep them away from your bed for at least three days after you’ve applied diatomaceous earth to make sure no more pests escape from their hiding places.
List Of Commercial Bedbug Traps
Bedbug traps are a great way to catch bedbugs and prevent infestation in your home. There are many commercial options on the market, but they can be expensive and not always easy to find. Here is a list of some of the best commercial bedbug traps available today:
TERRO T2502 Ready-to-Use Indoor Fruit Fly Trap with Built in Window – 2 Traps + 90 day Lure Supply
Price : $5.88
Features :
- Works Fast – This fast-acting traps eliminate fruit fly infestations. You should notice a dramatic decrease in fruit fly populations within a few days
- Long-Lasting Lure – The ready-to-use, non-staining lure attracts adult fruit flies. Each trap lasts up to 45 days, giving you up to 90 days of protection!
- Discreet Design – The attractive, apple-shaped trap design will look at home in any kitchen. It also blends in with the fruit these pests love
- Monitor Catches – Each fruit fly trap has a built-in window, allowing you to easily keep an eye on catches and lure levels
- Locate Breeding Areas – These traps are most effective when placed near fruit fly breeding areas, including near fruit bowls, trash cans, on kitchen counters and sinks, and other locations where fruit is stored
Additional Info :
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 8.38 Inches |
| Width | 10.25 Inches |
| Length | 12.25 Inches |
| Weight | 0.2 Pounds |
Catchmaster 72MAX Pest Trap, 36Count, White
Price : $14.99
Features :
- Glue, Peanutbutter scent
- Mouse glue boards come with Catchmaster signature high quality
- Boards can lay flat
Additional Info :
| Color | White |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 0.05 Inches |
| Width | 5.25 Inches |
| Length | 8.5 Inches |
| Weight | 0.7 Pounds |
DIY How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs Yourself Like a Pro: A Step-By-Step Extermination Guide for Getting Rid of Bed Bugs
Price : $12.99
Features :
Additional Info :
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 8 Inches |
| Width | 0.25 Inches |
| Length | 5 Inches |
| Weight | 0.26 Pounds |
Glad ForceFlex Tall Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags, 13 Gal, Fresh Clean Scent with Febreze, 110 Ct
Price : $19.23 ($0.17 / Count)
Features :
- 13 GALLON PLASTIC TRASH BAGS: Glad Tall Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags with stretchable strength, traps, locks and neutralizes odors to keep your kitchen smelling fresh with a Fresh Clean scent; Package may vary
- LONG LASTING ODOR CONTROL: Be the champion of trash with these durable bags that keep your kitchen free of noxious trash odors with a steady release Fresh Clean scent with Febreze Freshness
- FORCEFLEX TECHNOLOGY: Glad’s patented dual-layer protection is designed to give extra flex as it expands around sharp edges and heavy loads while resisting punctures, rips and tears
- RIPGUARD AND LEAKGUARD PROTECTION: Designed with double side seals and a reinforced bottom to uniquely trap liquids and prevent leaks, and is strong enough to handle the heaviest load
- Multi-use fit: Comparable to simple human H, Q, K, M, N, J liners and fit simple human trash cans. The durable drawstring ensures that the bag stays in place
Additional Info :
| Color | Gray |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 9.56 Inches |
| Width | 5 Inches |
| Length | 9 Inches |
| Weight | 4.5 Pounds |
| Release Date | 2014-05-08T00:00:01Z |
RESCUE! Outdoor Disposable Fly Trap, Green, 2 Pack
Price : $11.46
Features :
- Easy Fly Control – This disposable outdoor hanging fly trap gets rid of common flies, including hundreds of the most prevalent species. Once the trap is full, simply discard—no mess!
- Fast Acting — This trap uses an attractant bait that flies can’t resist. Lured by the scent, flies enter the trap through the cap and drown in the water.
- Easy to Use — Follow the easy directions on the bag to expose the trap entrance. Add water to activate bait and hang the trap outside, at least 20 feet away from any living spaces.
- Outdoor Use Only – Once activated, these traps have a strong odor. Only use this trap outdoors, and at least 20 feet away from any living areas.
- Made in the USA – At RESCUE!, our goal is to design and manufacture the safest and most effective pest control solutions available. We proudly manufacture our products in the USA!
Additional Info :
| Color | Green |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 3.5 Inches |
| Width | 4.25 Inches |
| Length | 9.5 Inches |
| Weight | 0.288 Pounds |
In Conclusion,
As you can see, bed bugs are a very serious problem. If you catch an infestation early on, it is much easier to deal with. If you suspect bed bugs in your home it’s important that you contact your local pest control company right away. The longer you wait the harder they become to get rid of and the more time they have to spread throughout your home. Pest control companies will be able to eradicate the infestation and provide preventative solutions for your home so that the problem doesn’t come back again.