Do you think bed bugs may be in your home? This tool can you help you identify a bed bug infestation and we'll tell you all about it.
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“Good night. Sleep tight. Don’t let the bed bugs bite."
There’s a good reason this familiar saying exists. Bed bug bites are an itchy, uncomfortable nuisance. But why are bedbugs here?
Bed bugs need the blood of warm-blooded mammals to survive, and they prefer people to animals. They target people while they’re sleeping and harbor close to the host in places like mattresses, box springs and bed frames (including headboards). Bed bugs detect body heat, carbon dioxide from exhaled breath and other biological markers to locate their snoozing prey.
If you experience bed bug bites or see signs of these irksome pests, you need to know how to verify that there is an infestation. A bed bug interceptor is an effective tool for pest management that you can use to protect yourself from bed bugs and bed bug bites.
WHAT IS A BED BUG INTERCEPTOR?
A bug interceptor is a simple device used to verify and monitor a bed bug infestation. Bug interceptors take advantage of the fact that bed bugs are not good at climbing slippery, vertical surfaces. The device consists of a plastic dish that's big enough to set under a bedpost. In addition, an outer “moat” device can be used to capture the bed bugs. The interceptor moat has vertical or almost vertical sides, making it difficult or impossible for the bed bugs to climb. These bed bug traps are sometimes called bed bug pitfall traps.
HOW DO YOU USE A BED BUG INTERCEPTOR?
Place bed bug interceptor cups under your bed posts. Be sure your bed isn’t touching the wall or any furniture. If dust ruffles or bedspreads touch the floor, the bed bugs will climb up those non-slippery linens, making your bed bug interceptor traps less effective.
You can also place bed bug interceptor cups under sofas and upholstered or wicker furniture where bed bugs hide. Bed bugs are very mobile and may be living in other areas of your home besides your bedroom.
WHERE CAN YOU BUY A BED BUG INTERCEPTOR?
Bed bug interceptors can be purchased online and may be available in home improvement stores.
Bed bugs are good at hiding, and they are resistant to most over-the-counter pesticides, so they’re tricky to control. Don’t want the hassle and mess of trapping bed bugs yourself? Contact your Terminix® pest management professional today to eliminate bed bugs and prevent those itchy bites.
