One of the more popular devices used to battle bed bugs is bed bug interceptors or post traps. When it comes to using these traps, there are both advantages and disadvantages. Bed Bug interceptors do actually work. Below we will be explaining how interceptors work. On the other hand, once the trap is placed under the bed legs, you will have to wait for the bed bug to crawl down or up the bed leg and end up inside the trap. As you are waiting to catch the bed bug, more of them are coming regularly to feed on you and go back to lay more legs which increases the population and the odds of catching bed bugs inside the interceptor.
If you decide you would like to attempt to trap some bed bugs, it will not be sufficient to use the interceptor alone. Other things will be needed such as diatomaceous earth for sprinkling around the frame of the bed as well as the crevasses and cracks of your sofa. Another essential is bed bug mattress protectors for sealing any eggs and live bugs inside the protector. Over the course of the year, it will result in starving the bugs to death.
Many people buy sprays or make their own homemade sprays with scented oils or alcohol or a steamer is used to heat treat parts of the mattress and bed. These things can help you reduce the population. However, it can be very hard to completely get rid of every bed bug since they are very adept at hiding in small areas and also laying their eggs there as well. Unless every last egg and bed bug is killed, the infestation is going to persist despite having spent countless hours and several hundred dollars.
First, let’s discuss how a bed bug interceptor works. All you need to do is pop the dish. It is made out of plastic and is sturdy and large enough to fit and hold onto a bedpost. The outer well has been designed to capture and trap all bed bugs that are attempting to climb onto your bed.
The dish’s outer edge is rough and either near-vertical or vertical. That allows the bed bugs to easily climb in and get stuck inside the dish. Diatomaceous earth can also be added to the dish. This will help to kill the bed bugs that are trapped inside the bed bug interceptor. Interceptors in the past used talcum powder for trapping bed bugs.
The bed bug interceptor’s rough surface allows the bed bugs to easily crawl in. However, since there is no gripping action on bed bug legs, it is harder for them to climb the slippery surface that is inside the interceptor. This makes it impossible for the bed bugs to climb out of the trap after they are stuck.
Although bed bug interceptors can be quite effective in battle, our recommendation is that renting a bed bug heater is your first and best line of defense. When bed bugs are seen inside the dish that indicates the trap is working effectively.
DIY Bed Bug Interceptors Can Be Created
You can either purchase interceptors that are ready to be used or household items can be used for creating similar traps. Researchers at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences say you just need the following;
- Masking tape
- Glue
- Two disposable plastic containers – one of them needs to fit inside of the other and have some space.
The smaller container just needs to be glued inside of the bigger plastic container and then wrap the bigger container’s outer wall with masking tape. Your finished item should work and look similar to the commercial interceptors that you buy.
This DIY bed bug trap mainly relies on bed bugs having poor climbing abilities. Most people try store-bought sprays and DIY treatments during a bed bug infestation’s initial stages. You might not want to have to find 8 plastic containers for making a bed bug trap. It might be more practical to go to a local hardware store and buy a box of interceptors.
DIY Tips On Getting Rid Of Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are definitely both frustrating and stressful. However, if you ever discover this type of situation during its early stages, there is a very good chance that you will be able to manage the infestation. Implementing pest control properly is critical for ensuring a bed bug infestation does not get worse.
The tips below can make your interceptors even more effective:
When using these traps, isolate your bed. That will prevent bed bugs from being able to get to you by climbing on nearby furniture or a wall. Before doing this process just make sure the bed does not have a bed bug infestation any longer.
Instead of throwing away your box springs or mattress, use box spring covers and bed bug mattress encasement. These encasements and covers are made out of a special stretchy, breathable, and waterproof fabric. Once the encasement has been placed on your mattress, no matter what, do not remove it for one year at least. It makes more than a year for bed bugs to starve to death.
Diatomaceous earth can be sprinkled around the frame of your bed where it touches the box spring or mattress to help kill bed bugs hiding within the bed frame.
Wash all of your bedding or put it in the dryer and tumble dry for 30 to 60 minutes on high heat. When putting it back on make sure that nothing hangs on the floor. If possible, tuck some of the sides in before you get into bed.
Hopefully, a ton of bed bugs don’t end up inside your interceptors. They are a tool to help monitor the infestation level inside your room or home. If you keep seeing bed bugs inside the trap, this is a sign that you have a much bigger infestation that will continue to get worse over time. Take action today to save your mattress, save money, and save your sanity!
