Due to the rising bed bug infestations, different pesticide manufacturers had come up with unique solutions to trick the pest to their death. One these are the bed bug interceptors used to trap the pest in a slippery solution that will foil their planned attack on the host. These are just simple devices placed at the foot of the bedding that contains an outer moat to ensure that no bed bugs would escape the trap once they’re in. But the question is this: do bed bug interceptors work?
Based on consumer reviews and results of different experiments, these products work its purpose. It serves as pitfall traps to the bugs without exposing the household to abrasive chemicals. What you need is the special dish where you’ll add a thin amount of talcum powder. The amount of the powder should be contained in a film-thin level so you can still see the bugs in the trap.
Basically, these are the purpose of interceptors:
-Protect the host from further bites.
-Control the population of the pest
-Serve as an alternative to chemical traps and baits
-An early detection device during the onset of a bed bug infestation
If you’re thinking of setting up an interceptor, it might be a good choice to purchase commercially available options. These are usually laboratory tested and contain structures that will retain the bugs once it’s trapped on the dish or slippery surface. Here are some options:
ClimbUp Bed Bug Interceptors Pack of 12
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ClmibUp is so far the most popular household choice for bed bug interceptors. It uses a pesticide-free dish and it can fit almost any furniture posts with a maximum of 3.75 inches in diameter. The trap is basically a specially designed plastic dishes with a slippery surface so the bugs can’t escape once they are in. However, keep in mind that this won’t kill the bugs and it will only trap them effectively. So do bed bug interceptors work? Yes, it does.
If you’re worried about cracking the interceptor due to the weight of the furniture, the ClimbUp trap is made of crack-resistant polypro plastics that are also used for kitchen wares.
About the question whether or not this works, I can say that the ClimbUp trap does what it supposed to be doing. It can actually help in tracing the direction from where the bugs are coming from. It’s optional if you want to add talcum powder for added ‘trapping’ effect.
LightOut Pitfall Trap and Bed Bug Detector
Another option is the LightOut Pitfall Trap and Bed Bug Detector. This is also pesticide-free and utilizes a powderless trap that the bed bugs would find impossible to escape from. It has the same size with that of the ClimbUp but it comes in a black dish that may somehow help in luring the pest when the lights are out. So do bed bug interceptors work? The outer walls of the trap are textured so the bugs can easily climb into it only to fall on a slippery slope.
Like most of the interceptors, this LightsOut product doesn’t kill any bugs and it will only contain the pest inside the plate. The dish itself is durable and there’s added stability if ever you’re going to place it in the open.
This interceptor may not catch many but it will work on detecting bugs and catching a handful of critters that will surely give you rashes by morning if not stopped.
PestHawk Bed Bug Trap
If you’re not satisfied with one dish like the LightsOut product, you can choose the ClimbUp trap or the PestHawk Bed Bug Trap. This has on an oval shape with ribbed outer walls to make it a friendly object for the bugs to climb. The inner part will have a very slippery surface to avoid the bugs from climbing away.
The PestHawk set is made of quality plastic that is thicker than the other traps here. This will last longer and it won’t break easily when used on heavy furniture. You can also add a small amount of talc if you want added assurance that the bugs won’t escape your trap. So do bed bug interceptors work? Try it yourself and see the results!
Remember that if you have an advancing infestation before you get these, the bed bugs might already be on your bed’s frame. This trap would only catch those that hide in other spots and would have to climb up to feed on you. Basically, this is how every interceptor works.
Aspectek Bed Bug Trap
If your problem is cracking interceptors, then you might want to purchase Aspectek Bed Bug Traps for a change. These have unique bumps on the inner part of the dish to distribute the weight of the furniture and prevent the plastic from breaking. Also, this has grooved outer layers to allows the bugs to effortlessly climb into the trap.
This product comes with eight traps so you can place one in multiple places. The good thing is that this is chemical free and I don’t think you’ll need to use additional talcum powder just to prevent the bugs from escaping.
As a tip, avoid placing this on soft carpets, as there are cases when the plastic would break off if placed in a less sturdy surface. Other than that, this interceptor can do its job. Just don’t expect that the whole infestation would be eliminated using this. Use interceptor traps as a complementing method on your pest control.
What To Remember When Using These Interceptors
Do bed bug interceptors work? Sure thing, bed bug interceptors could catch a few bugs that will serve its purpose of detecting or controlling the infestation as well as the bites. But keep in mind that there are some factors that may hinder the efficacy of these products like the following:
Remove any spider webs or dust
Spider webs can cover the interceptor after a long time when you fail to check it. Dust would also be another thing since it will make the surface rougher and conducive for crawling. If you want to make these traps work for you, take time to scour those webs.
Clean the trap every night
Bed bug interceptors don’t kill the pest. It only contains it inside the slippery surface. With this, make sure to dispose of the bugs every morning to prevent it from escaping. Dangling sheets could easily touch the trap and allow the bugs a rescue path to finally harbor on your bed.
Don’t just empty the dish in the trash can as the bugs are surely alive. This pest doesn’t die in just one night of turning cold turkey from your juice.
Install at least 12 interceptors
If your plan is to detect a bed bug infestation, install at least 12 traps around the house where the bugs might be harboring. Do this in every bed in the household as well as the chairs and sofas if possible. Using many interceptors would also help in controlling the population of the bugs if paired with potent treatments. Do bed bug interceptors work? It’s a yes on the detection and prevention part.
Add an attractant like pheromones
Bugs are attracted to the human body heat and carbon dioxide. But if you want to yield higher results, you can use pheromones on the dish or your bed. A few drops would do to lure these pesky insects. There are commercially available bed bug pheromones that you can purchase. These are chemicals extracted from the exoskeleton of the bugs that are proven to lure them.
So do bed bug interceptors work? The answer is yes. Still, remember that this won’t eradicate an entire infestation, instead, it will only help in detection and prevention. Many users had proven the efficacy of these products while others have varying results. If you’re keen on dealing with the bug pest, you can buy some for your house and see how it will turn out.
