Interceptor Bed Bug Trap

In an emergency situation, a bed bug trap can be the best way to safely contain and control a bed bug infestation. A bed bug trap is also a convenient way of capturing bed bugs, luring them into a single area where they can’t hide and wait for you to leave the room before they return. It is also easy to use, it sits right under your mattress and utilizes one of the most attractive features of bed bugs: their smell.

Interceptor Bed Bug Trap

One of the most useful devices that has been invented for bed bug monitoring and management is the bed bug interceptor.  These are simple devices based on the principle that bed bugs are not very good at climbing slippery, vertical surfaces.  Interceptor cups usually consist of a plastic dish large enough to contain a bed post, with an outer “moat” designed to catch and retain bed bugs. Sometimes these traps are referred to as pitfall traps for bed bugs.

The moat on an interceptor cup will have vertical, or near vertical, sides. Sometimes a light coating of talcum powder is added to the inside of the cup to make it more difficult for the bed bug to escape the moat (Note that talc itself is not toxic for bed bugs, and only a very fine film is needed–too much will make it difficult to see bed bugs in the trap).

Uses for interceptor cups include:

• Protecting bed occupants from bed bugs not already on the bed.
• To see whether bed bugs are present, and in what numbers.
• To assess the effectiveness of bed bug treatments.
• As an early detection system for bed bugs in hotels, apartments, homes.
• As part of a do-it-yourself bed bug management effort.

How to Use

Interceptor cups should be placed under the posts of beds needing protection from bed bugs.  To maximize protection it is important that beds not touch walls or any nearby furniture.  Dust ruffles or any bedding that touches the floor will also keep the interceptors from serving as protection from bed bugs. For monitoring purposes, interceptors can be placed under bed posts, or anywhere under the bed.  Interceptor cups will be most effective when used on bed where someone is sleeping, with the person serving as an attraction for the bugs. Interceptors can also be placed under sofas or upholstered or wicker furniture where bed bugs may hide.  Recent research shows that bed bugs are highly mobile and may be found throughout homes, even in areas where you might not expect to find them.  Interceptors may be placed in bathrooms, kitchens, hallways, or anywhere desired.

To fully monitor a typical two bedroom apartment, a minimum of 12 interceptors is best (assuming four cups per bed, and two cups per sofa and recliner chair). If protection of the beds is less important than early detection or monitoring, two cups per bed is OK. Dust and debris will accumulate in traps and must be cleaned periodically, usually at least once a month.  When checking interceptor cups, it may be easiest to dump them in a smooth-sided plastic tub to help you inspect the contents of the trap.  By using a tub with vertical sides, you can minimize the chance of bed bugs escaping before they can be dispensed with.  Dump live bugs into soapy water or place in a plastic bag and dispose in an outdoor trash receptacle.

The effectiveness of an interceptor trap for bed bugs can be enhanced if coupled with a carbon dioxide source or pheromone attractant. This can be especially useful for pest management companies or building managers who wish to determine whether bed bugs might be present in empty apartments, empty school classrooms, work places or other locations where bed bugs may be difficult to detect.  It is best to use CO2 traps over weekends or holidays in school or work sites.  Take caution when using dry ice in areas where children might be present.  In small rooms, CO2 can be toxic; and dry ice may cause burns if handled without gloves.  In occupied rooms, or locations children might encounter the traps with dry ice, traps should be used with lure only, or without additional attractant. Traps without a lure can still serve as effective bed bug detectors.

Interceptor Bed Bug Trap

The Interceptor Bed Bug Trap is a product designed to help you control bed bugs. It is made of a fabric that has been treated with insecticides and it is also impregnated with an attractant that entices the bugs to enter the trap. The trap can be used for both monitoring and control of bed bugs, which are small insects that feed on human blood.

The Interceptor Bed Bug Trap comes in a single package and contains the following items:

– a flat cardboard box

– a plastic tray

– 1 flat sheet (measuring 18 by 24 inches) and 4 disks (measuring 2 by 2 inches)

– an instruction manual

The flat sheet has been treated with insecticides and impregnated with an attractant that attracts bed bugs. The disks are used as anchors to hold down the sheet when placed on a flat surface such as a mattress or box spring. The plastic tray is used to collect any captured insects.

List Of Interceptor Bed Bug Trap