Bed Bug Bites



Bed Bug Bites

Can you recognize a bed bug bite?  Do you see a series of bites that tend to be in a row?  Photographs of bed bug bites can be found here.  For more information, visit An Introduction to Bed Bug Traps.

 

 

Bed Bug Removal

Bed Bug Traps Review

Bed bug traps, when used as bed bug monitors or detectors, can be a useful component of a bed bug removal effort.  The first step, of course, is to ascertain that bed bugs are indeed a problem.  Usually the first sign of bed bugs is bed bug bites.  Also, a visual inspection of furniture and other bed bug hiding spaces will often reveal either bed bugs or their feces.  We also recommend the use of BuggyBeds glue traps or ClimbUp traps to determine if there is a serious bed bug problem.

The next step in “bed bug removal” is to remove or isolate any material that may provide hiding places for bed bugs.  Bed bugs are not a sign of filth; however, a thorough vacuuming can remove bed bug eggs from carpets and rugs.  Loose papers, toys, assorted clutter - all provide refuge for bed bugs and should be picked up.  Clothing is a favorite hiding place for bed bugs.  Fortunately, a washing machine and dryer are very effective in killing bed bugs.  Frequently, bed bugs are found in the mattress or box springs of a bed.  Box spring and mattress encasements are commercially available and will permanently trap any bed bugs that are hiding in your bed.

In the case of a severe bed bug infestation, the homeowner or landlord will need to retain the services of an exterminator, also known as a pest management professional (PMP).  Such a person or company should be able to provide evidence of licensing and professional certification.  Consult your local county extension office for information.  Typically, a PMP will perform a visual assessment as the first step in an eradication program.  Some professionals will use bed bug traps as detectors to assess the severity of the problem.  In large cities, a PMP may even use trained dogs to find bed bug hiding places.  Once the problem is assessed, a PMP will propose a bed bug removal program that will utilize either chemicals or heat.  Both are effective.  If chemical pesticides are utilized, at least one repeat application may be required. 

Bed Bug Removal – DIY Programs

Residents are well-advised not to attempt a do-it-yourself bed bug removal program.  Many of the bed bug sprays offered at your local hardware store are not effective and some are actually hazardous.  In particular, be aware of the dispersion problem that is created by some sprays.  That is, many chemical sprays, particularly organic sprays, do not actually kill bed bugs.  Instead the bed bugs are dispersed into walls or adjoining rooms or apartments, only to return later once the chemical has evaporated or lost its effectiveness.  Another do-it-yourself remedy is diatomaceous earth.  Diatomaceous earth is definitely a potent insect killer; however, some formulations are heat treated and thus contain large amounts of toxic crystalline silica.  (See State of Oregon Department of Environmental Quality Report.)  Of particular concern is the use of applicators that create airborne respirable crystalline silica.  Silicosis is normally considered an occupational hazard rather than a hazard to homeowners, but caution is advised nonetheless. 

Homeowners and apartment-dwellers can benefit from the use of bed bug traps.  Often described as bed bug monitors or bed bug detectors, traps are a great way of preventing bed bugs from re-establishing themselves after the initial infestation has been eliminated.  Bed bug traps provide peace of mind.  Should bed bugs ever invade your home again, bed bug monitors will alert you to the problem before the infestation becomes severe.  Learn more about bed bug traps at Bed Bug Traps Review.




 

Getting Rid of Bed Bugs

Bed Bug Traps Review

The challenge of “getting rid of bed bugs” is being faced by individuals, private businesses, and governmental agencies everywhere.  Most everyone has either had bed bugs or knows someone who has had problems with bed bugs.  Hotels, nursing homes, and other businesses worry that a bed bug scandal will ruin their reputation.  The Centers for Disease Control, the EPA, and state as well as local health departments have all confronted the problem of bed bug control.  A great example is a publication by the New York City Department of Health entitled Preventing and Getting Rid of Bed Bugs Safely which outlines the procedures that a homeowner should follow to control bed bugs.

One of the highlights of the New York City publication is a pictorial illustration of the many bed bug hiding places that a typical home or apartment has.  Often the first sign of a bed bug infestation is bed bug bites.  However, it is better to be more proactive and to inspect the obvious hiding places.   Another way of detecting bugs is to use bed bug traps and we recommend ClimbUp Interceptors and BuggyBeds.  If bed bugs are found be aware that New York City officials do not recommend the use of insect foggers or bug bombs.  Besides the inherent danger to the homeowner, foggers and bed bug bombs are simply not an effective means of bed bug control.

Getting Rid of Bed Bugs – New York City

A whole section of the NYC advisory is devoted to the subject of getting rid of bed bugs and includes very useful information on choosing a pest management professional or PMP.   New York City has very stringent bed bug control regulations.  Tenants should not hesitate to insist that bed bug infestations be eliminated.  Once an eradication program has been completed, bed bug traps are a cheap and effective way of insuring that bed bugs do not return.  The NYC Department of Health does not make any recommendations regarding bed bug monitors.  To learn more about bed monitors (sometimes referred to as detectors) consult Bed Bug Traps Review.

Bed bugs are an unfortunate reality, especially in big cities and particularly in places where large masses of people congregate.  Bed bugs are everywhere and they are expert hitchhikers.  All kinds of places may harbor bed bugs and they can easily travel home with you.  Having bed bugs in your home is not a source of shame.  A bed bug infestation has nothing to do with cleanliness – anybody can get bed bugs.  Fortunately, as stated in the New York City publication, “It is hard, but not impossible to get rid of bed bugs.”  Get some peace of mind – use bed bug traps and you will rest easy each and every night!



 

ClimbUp Bed Bug Traps

ClimbUp Bed Bug Traps work as interceptors and as bed bug monitors.  Like any effective bed bug trap, it relies on a lure to entice the insect.  Guess what serves as the lure for a ClimbUp Trap?  You! 

ClimbUp Bed Bug Traps – ClimbUp Interceptors



ClimbUp Bed Bug Traps

ClimbUp bed bug traps, also known as ClimbUp Interceptors, work on the principle that to reach its food source, a bed bug will “climb up” and in doing so will fall into the well of the trap.   In practice, an interceptor trap is placed under each leg of the bed.  It is critical to make sure that the head board does not touch the wall and that bed covers do not touch the floor.  (If you suspect that bed bugs might already be in your mattress or box springs, you can use BuggyBeds to find out for sure.  See Bed Bug Traps Review.)  Each ClimbUp trap has two wells.  A bed bug trapped in the interior well is another sign that bed bugs are hiding in your bed.  If you find bed bugs in the exterior well, that means that the insects are hiding elsewhere in your home.  Bed bugs will travel several yards, usually in the early morning hours, to reach their food source.  ClimbUp traps intercept bed bugs before they can reach you.

ClimbUp Bed Bug Traps – Bed Bug Monitors

Bed Bug Traps Review

ClimbUp traps are also used as bed bug monitors and can provide great peace of mind.  People who travel are legitimately concerned about the possibility of bringing bed bugs home with them.  Even if you are not bitten, bed bugs are notorious for climbing into luggage or clothing and hitchhiking home with you.  Any place that has large numbers of people either visiting or living in close proximity to one another is likely to have bed bug problems, sooner or later.  In fact, the Bed Bug Registry was created to alert people to potential problems.  Check out this resource before you travel or move, but be aware that not all infestations are reported.  Dormitories, nursing homes, gyms, movie theatres - almost any public space might harbor bed bugs.  ClimbUp bed bug traps work very well as bed bug monitors just in case you bring bed bugs home. 

We also recommend using either ClimbUp traps or BuggyBeds as a follow up to a professional eradication program.  Even the best professional exterminator will not kill every bed bug in your house or apartment.  Bed bugs are very good at hiding in walls and other places where they are relatively safe.   All it takes is a single egg-carrying female and soon you will have a new infestation.  Bed bug traps should be used to monitor and intercept any stray bed bugs.  Bed bug traps are not expensive.  Be safe!  Be sure!  Order ClimbUp Traps. 

 

Bed Bug Glue Traps



Bed Bug Traps Review

Do you remember the Roach Motel?  “Roaches check in, but they don’t check out!”  The concept of bed bug glue traps is exactly the same.  Basically, the idea is to lure insects into a trap with either a food lure or a pheromone.  Once inside, the insect is immobilized with a sticky (glue) substance.  In the case of bed bugs, a food lure would be something that mimics the human body by producing either carbon dioxide or heat.  Although very cumbersome and a bit dangerous to handle, dry ice (frozen carbon dioxide) is often used to lure bed bugs.  Less bulky is yeast – yes, plain old baker’s or brewer’s yeast.  Commercial traps are actually sold that are essentially bread dough with yeast producing the carbon dioxide.  Unfortunately, as you might imagine, this type of trap does not have a very long service life.  And why would one pay top dollar for bread dough and glue in a box?  The other way to mimic the human body is with heat.  A heat source can be either very sophisticated or something as simple as a heating pad.  The problem is that a heat source makes this type of trap very bulky.

Bed bug glue traps, also known as bed bug sticky traps, sometimes contain pheromones as an attractant.  By definition, a pheromone is a volatile substance produced by one or more individuals to influence the social behavior of other individuals.  (Read more about pheromones here.)  The effect of pheromones is well-documented in insects.  Some species, bees and ants for example, produce an alarm pheromone when they are disturbed with the result being a nest of very angry and aggressive insects.  Other species produce aggregation pheromones that attract individual insects to one spot.  The bed bug glue trap that we recommend has a pheromone that lures the insects inside. 

Bed Bug Glue Traps – BuggyBeds

The patent-pending BuggyBeds product is designed for long-term use (up to six months).  Highly-rated by customers, BuggyBeds are sold in packs that are designated for a particular situation (dormitories, child bed, auto, for example).  Because they are small, BuggyBeds are really great for travelers.  Typically, these bed bug glue traps are inserted between the mattress and box springs of each corner of a bed.  Time permitting, one can do this shortly after checking into a hotel room and then leave for a period of time.  Upon returning, one can check the traps and then ask for a different room if the room is infested.  If no bed bugs are detected, leave the traps in place, just in case, and then remove them the next morning.  This approach will reduce the possibility of getting bed bug bites while staying in a hotel.  Also, the likelihood of bringing bed bugs home with you is minimized. 

Order BuggyBeds

BuggyBeds can be used at home where they can function both as a monitor and as a method of killing bed bugs.  That is, if one is concerned about the possibility of a bed bug infestation, BuggyBeds provide a convenient and inexpensive method of detecting bed bugs and trapping the insects before an infestation becomes serious.  BuggyBeds can be placed in beds, on the floor, in closets or any other place where bed bugs may be hiding. 

BuggyBeds, compared to other brands of bed bug glue traps, are by far the best choice.  In cases of severe infestations, BuggyBeds can be a component of integrated pest management (IPM).  For more information on BuggyBeds and other bed bug traps see Bed Bug Traps Review.





 

Do Bed Bug Traps Work?

Bed Bug Traps Review

Good question.  “Do bed bug traps work?”  As monitoring devices, it is well established that bed bug traps are very effective.  (See the publication from the Illinois Department of Public Health.)  Ideally, traps should be used either to detect/combat low-level infestations before they become severe or, as a way to monitor for bed bugs after a pest management professional (PMP) has conducted an extermination campaign.  Typically, a PMP would use either heat or chemical eradication; however, it is difficult if not impossible to kill every single bug or bed bug egg.  Perfect 100% eradication is probably never achieved and that is why traps are so useful.  In other words, do bed bug traps work – depends your expectation.  At the very least, bed bug traps provide peace of mind by keeping the insects out of your bed. 

Note:  Occasionally, there are reports of bed bugs going up a bedroom wall, across the ceiling, and then dropping down on the people sleeping below.  This scenario is unlikely for the simple reason that bed bugs are incapable of thinking.  A bed bug is governed by instinct and its instinct dictates that it move towards a source of heat and carbon dioxide.  Travelling up a wall would take the insect farther away from the heat/carbon dioxide source.  The only way a bed bug would drop on someone is if the room above had bed bugs and the insects were trying to move down, for example through a light fixture in the ceiling.   

Do Bed Bug Traps Work – Eradication

Using bed bug traps for eradication purposes becomes a question of time.  Bed bugs can survive a year without a blood meal so it is unlikely that all the bed bugs in a home will venture out and be trapped in a short time frame.  Moreover, in the case of a severe infestation, retaining the services of a PMP is essential to reduce the bed bug population to a manageable level.  Thereafter, bed bug traps can be used to measure the effectiveness of the eradication effort and to guard against any survivors.  Long-term monitoring is a good practice, especially considering the fact that bed bug traps are not expensive and are easy to use. 

Unfortunately, the do bed bug traps work question is confounded by the marketing of ineffective traps, including traps that are actually designed for other insects such as ants or cockroaches.  Do not attempt to use these “general purpose” traps.  Bed bug traps are especially designed for bed bugs.  The two most highly-recommended traps are ClimbUp traps and BuggyBeds.  ClimbUp traps are great for trapping insects that are attempting to climb up (hence, the name) into your bed.  BuggyBeds have the advantage of convenience and portability.  BuggyBeds traps are normally placed between the mattress and box springs, but they can also be placed on the floor or next to an area that might harbor bed bugs.  BuggyBeds can also be used where ClimbUp traps are not practical, such as furniture with over-sized legs.  Travelers appreciate BuggyBeds because they can be used to determine if a hotel room is infested and as a way to avoid bringing bed bugs home with you in your luggage or clothing. 

Integrated pest management (IPM) is the best way to combat the plague of bed bugs that is afflicting the country.  Bed bug traps, used either as a preventive or as a monitor can be an important part of IPM.  For more information on bed bug traps, see Bed Bug Traps Review.  



 

Bed Bugs! Help!

Bed Bug Traps Review

Bed bugs drive us crazy!  The cry “Bed bugs!  Help!” means that bed bugs have probably invaded yet another home.  In the case of a severe infestation, you may need to call an exterminator (also known as a pest management professional or PMP), but you should first buy bed bug traps, either online or at the local hardware store.  We recommend two types – ClimbUp traps and BeddyBugs traps.  The two traps work differently and it is important to understand why and how each one should be used.

Help!  I think I have bed bugs!

The first step is to determine if the bed bugs are actually living in your bed. (Visit this post for general bed bug information.)  Check the crevices of your mattress and box springs.  You may not see any actual bugs, but the dark spots that are feces are easy to observe.  Once you have finished your visual inspection, take the next step and set traps, either to confirm the presence/absence of bed bugs or to assess the severity of the infestation.

Help!  I need a bed bug cure!

If you suspect that you have bed bugs, but they are not actually in your bed, then you should use ClimbUp traps.  Bed bugs will often hide several feet from your bed and then make the journey to your bed in the early morning hours.  People sometimes talk of waking up at 3:00 a.m. to check for traveling bed bugs.  This is entirely unnecessary, because ClimbUp traps will catch any invaders.  Just make sure that your bed is not against the wall and that your bed covers do not touch the floor.  If you should find bed bugs in the inner well of a ClimbUp trap then you know that the bed bugs are in your bed.  If the bed bugs are in the outer well, then you know that they are coming from some other place in the room. 

Help me escape my bed bugs hell!

BuggyBeds glue traps can be placed between a mattress and box springs to combat bed bugs that may be hiding in your bed.  They are especially good for furniture that has large feet which make it impossible to use ClimbUp traps.  Because of their small size, BuggyBeds are also great to use when you travel.  Hotels are a common source of bed bugs; in fact, some hotels use BuggyBeds as a precaution in case bed bugs are brought into their establishment.  (Bed bugs like to hitchhike from place to place in luggage.)   BuggyBeds contain a non-toxic chemical lure which draws the bugs into the glue trap.  To be extra safe, people will often place BuggyBeds in all four corners of the bed (between the mattress and box springs) and then place a trap or two on the floor.  BuggyBeds will last for up to six months so if you are traveling, you can simply collect them and take them with you.  BuggyBeds is an Approved Pest Control Device that is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Bed bugs!  Help! is likely to be heard more and more as the bed bug plague spreads across the country.  Bed bug traps are part of an integrated pest management approach that minimizes the use of insecticides.  For truly severe infestations, the homeowner should retain the services of a PMP.  For more information, see Bed Bug Traps Review.

Order ClimbUp Traps                   Order BuggyBeds



 

How to Kill Bed Bugs?

Bed Bug Traps Review

In our previous posts, “how to kill bed bugs” was the central question.  Major outbreaks of bed bugs are occurring everywhere – New York, Detroit, and Cincinnati – to name just a few places.  Cities with a high number of multi-family residences are especially vulnerable.  In large tenement buildings, dormitories, and apartments - all it takes is for one resident to inadvertently bring bed bugs home and eventually the bugs will spread through the walls and infest every dwelling.  Cornell University has published an especially helpful guide to the overall problem.  (See Bed bugs are back!  An IPM answer)   Integrated pest management (IPM) is the key to bed bug control.  Some of the ideas described in the article include trying to avoid bringing the insects home, keeping clutter at a minimum to reduce hiding places, and if necessary, spraying with insecticides.  Remarkably, the article even describes crude bed bug barriers that work on the same principle as the bed bug traps that we recommend.  (See Bed Bug Traps Review.)  Bed bug traps are safe.  Traps also provide an easy means for detecting an infestation and for monitoring the effectiveness of other control measures.  

Kill bed bugs - use ClimbUp traps!

Pest control professionals really like ClimbUp traps.  These traps are an effective way of detecting and monitoring the presence of bed bugs.  Moreover, from a customer’s viewpoint, ClimbUp traps are reassuring.  Not only are bed bug bites itchy, but the very thought of being bitten while you sleep is mortifying, especially to people who dislike insects to begin with.  ClimbUp traps really work.  The only complaint is the plastic construction will not support the weight of a bed when there is carpeting.  However, this problem is easily addressed by simply putting a thin board or metal plate (electrical plate works well) under each bed post.  It is critical to keep the bed away from the wall and to not let bed covers touch the floor.

Kill bed bugs - use BuggyBeds!

The amazing feature of BuggyBeds is their versatility.  Essentially a bed bug glue trap, BuggyBeds are small and easily portable.  BuggyBeds are sold in a Travelers Pack, a Dorm Bed Pack, a Child Bed Buggy Pack, an Auto Bed Pack, and a Detector and Monitor Pack – it is all the same product!  Typically, BuggyBeds are inserted between the mattress and box springs, but many people will also place BeggyBeds on the floor.   The price of BuggyBeds makes them very affordable, they are great for travelers, and they can be used almost anywhere.

The how to kill bed bugs issue can thus be addressed with either ClimbUp bed bug traps or BuggyBeds traps.  Has anyone ever tried using ClimbUp and BuggyBeds traps together?  Now that is a question!



 

Bed Bug Traps Review

Bed Bug

Why are bed bug traps important?  The Centers for Disease Control and the Environmental Protection Agency have issued a Joint Statement addressing the growing number of bed bug infestations in the United States.  A key recommendation was for an integrated pest management (IPM) approach that would not rely too heavily on chemical sprays and fumigants.  Although not stated as such, it is obvious that bed bug traps should be an integral part of this approach.  The bed bug traps approach also has the advantage of providing a monitoring capability.  For example, in the case of a severe infestation that necessitates the use of pesticides, it is likely that a small number of bed bugs will survive and will eventually reproduce. According to the Joint Statement, some populations of bed bugs are resistant to insecticides – even to DDT!  Nonetheless, if bed bug traps are implemented as a follow-up to chemical application, then any surviving insects can not only be monitored, but trapped.  Thus, the use of bed bug traps will not only reassure the homeowner, but in the end will be the final solution.  The purpose of this bed bug traps review is to give the homeowner clear, up-to-date information concerning bed bug traps.

Note:  Many homeowners prefer to use organic insecticides that are offered as a safer alternative to synthetic bed bug killers.  These commercial products are usually a mixture of natural compounds such as eucalyptus or cedar oil among other things.  However, these compounds are more accurately described as repellants rather than insecticides.  More than one homeowner has reported finding a live bed bug and spraying it directly with a very expensive and smelly organic insecticide, only to watch the bug continue merrily on.  Nonetheless, organic insecticides, if used frequently and at a fairly high dosage will drive bed bugs away or at least into a deep crevice or corner.

Bed Bug Traps Review 

The homeowner has essentially two choices for bed bug traps:  Homemade devices and commercial traps.  Homemade bed bug traps in many cases are very effective.  In fact, commercial traps sometimes use the same methodology as commercial traps.  For example, homemade traps often utilize a source of carbon dioxide or heat or sometimes both.  Bed bugs are drawn into the trap, just as if it was a human that was producing the carbon dioxide and heat.  Once inside, the bed bugs are captured, immobilized, or killed.  Capture typically occurs by allowing the insect to fall into a well that has a slick surface that prevents them from escaping.  Immobilization usually involves a sticky surface that truly immobilizes the insect.  Killing is often done by the use of diatomaceous earth which penetrates the exoskeleton of the insect and kills it.  The problem with homemade traps is not efficacy – they actually work - it is more a question of convenience and cost.  If one uses dry ice as a carbon dioxide source or a heating pad as a heat source, then the cost of a homemade trap can easily exceed the cost of a several commercial traps.  From the “bed bug traps review” standpoint, we advise the homemade approach only if you simply prefer to build things for yourself.



Order ClimbUp Traps

In a previous post, we discussed a new method for trapping bed bugs, specifically the use of scents that mimic the smell of bed bug feces.  Unfortunately, a commercial product based on the British research is not yet available.  There are, however, two products that have been proven effective.  Like the homemade traps described above, both products work on the principle of a lure combined with a trap. 

The first product, ClimbUp, as the name suggests, traps bed bugs as they climb up to the lure, which is guess what?  You!  The traps are set under each bed post and the bed bugs fall into the trap as they attempt to reach the source of the carbon dioxide and heat.  As scary as that sounds, the ClimbUp traps are very effective.  It is impossible for the bed bugs to reach you although care must be taken to keep bed covers from touching the floor and the headboard must be placed away from the wall.  The only complaint is that the plastic cups will crack if you have carpeting.  However, users report that by placing a thin board (some use metal electrical plating) under each bed post, the plastic cups do not have to bear the entire weight of the bed and the problem of cracking is solved.  ClimbUp XL Bed Bug Traps are available for beds with large feet.  Users are ecstatic when they awake in the morning with no bed bug bites and a quick inspection reveals either no bed bugs in the traps or they find an individual bug or two, desperately trying to escape.  One of the main purposes of bed bug traps is to provide peace of mind and the ClimbUp traps do exactly that.



Order BuggyBeds

Bed bug traps review also recommends BuggyBeds.  Buggy Beds are glue traps that contain a substance that supposedly mimics human hormones.  The actual ingredient is not disclosed, but users rave about their experience with BuggyBeds.  These traps are perfect for traveling.  Small and easy to install, you simply place them between the mattress and the box springs of the bed.  As you may know, many bed bug infestations actually originate in a hotel.  Stay in an infested hotel (even upscale hotels have bed bugs) and not only do you get bitten, but there is a good chance that you will bring bed bugs home with you.  A good tip for travelers: Never put your suitcase or clothing on a hotel bed – you could easily get stowaway bed bugs.  Many travelers will install BuggyBeds immediately after they check into their hotel room and then leave for a while.  (Turn the lights off before your leave.)  When you return to your room, immediately check the BuggyBeds and if there are any bugs, take your BuggyBeds to the hotel desk and insist on a new room.  Management is usually embarrassed and very accommodating, especially when you present them with the evidence!

Advisory note:  BuggyBeds and ClimbUps have received positive reviews by users.  Be aware that if there is a severe infestation, even the best product may not trap every bed bug.  In future posts, we will discuss the experiences of users of these products as well as some other products.  Good luck!


 

Bed Bug Control – CDC and EPA Announcement

Scanning Electron Micrograph of Bed Bug

The subject of Bed Bug Control has been addressed in a joint statement by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the Environmental Protection Agency.  Here is a direct quote - “the United States is one of many countries now experiencing an alarming resurgence in the population of bed bugs.”   In this article, the CDC and the EPA state that many city and county health care agencies are being overwhelmed with complaints about bed bugs.  Apparently, local agencies have neither the funding nor the expertise to handle insect outbreaks. Furthermore, because the biology of bed bugs is so unique, private pest control companies are also having difficulty.

Bed bugs are expert hitch hikers that often hide in luggage and clothing and are then spread from one infested hotel to another or to individual homes.  A bed bug can go without a blood meal for months.  They are very secretive and typically do not venture out of hiding except at night.  Although visible to the human eye, they can easily be overlooked or miss-identified as some other insect.  Most of the time, the first sign of a bed bug infestation is a telltale pattern of bites.  Generally, bed bug bites are in a line; however, this is not always the case and sometimes bed bug bites are mistaken for flea or mosquito bites.  Bed bugs can hide in crevices or between walls and partitions thus making the application of insecticides very difficult.  Moreover, some populations of bed bugs are resistant to many of the chemicals that private pesticide applicators use. 

One of the concerns of the EPA is that homeowners might try to use higher rates of application in order to control an infestation.  Another possibility is that a homeowner might be tempted to use pesticides that are not registered for in-home use.  The Centers for Disease Control and the Environmental Protection Agency are advocating an IPM (Integrated Pest Management) approach that does not rely strictly on pesticides.  When you consider the poor effectiveness and potential toxicity of pesticides, it is obvious that bed bug traps will be a major part of the effort to get rid of bed bugs.

It is particularly noteworthy that “bed bug control” is described as a national problem that must be addressed by a coordinated effort on the part of federal, state, tribal, and local agencies.  The CDC is working with experts in various fields of biological research including medicine and entomology.  The EPA will concentrate on the proper use of pesticides.  Other federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) are also involved in the bed bug control effort.  (Visit http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/ehs/publications/bed_bugs_cdc-epa_statement.htm for more information.)

Bed Bug Control – An International Effort

In our previous post, we reported that researchers in Britain are working on a new method of bed bugs control and have had some promising results.  Hopefully, the British bed bug trap will arrive on the market soon.  For now, we can use ClimbUp Bed Bug Control along with bed bug glue traps, specifically BuggyBeds.  We would advise everyone to pay close attention to the customer reviews when purchasing bed bug control products.  There are a lot of products out there and some work better than others.  See bed bug traps review for details.  



 

A New Method of Bed Bugs Control



Bed Bug Traps Review

Scientists at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and Rothamsted Research have developed an entirely new method of bed bugs control.  In short, James Logan, Emma Weeks and their colleagues have used the natural instinct of the insect against itself.  (See article.)  Their invention utilizes the insect’s natural desire to return to its hiding place when it has finished a meal.  Bed bugs are well known for leaving feces as a telltale sign of their whereabouts.  Most importantly, bed bug feces contain compounds that the bed bug uses as a directional beacon to guide it back to its hideout.  The researchers have successfully identified the specific compounds that a bed bug smells and have used those compounds to develop a sticky trap that is reportedly about the size of a common mousetrap.  The new bed bug trap is not yet commercially available, but it is anticipated that it could be used for both detection and control.  In other words, this new method of bed bugs control could be used to determine if bed bugs are present and, if so, could then be used to reduce or eliminate the insect population.  Details of the invention are not publicly available, but it is assumed that it will eventually become a commercial product.  See Bed Bug Traps Review for more information.



 

Introduction to Bed Bug Traps

Bed bug traps!  We live in an age of modern technology where millions upon millions of dollars are spent annually to protect and enhance our daily health and yet this very old pest has once again become a serious problem.  The ancient Greeks knew about bed bugs and this miniature creature has been a problem throughout history.  For a brief period beginning around WWII, bed bugs were nothing more than a cute childhood rhyme.  “Don’t let the bed bugs bite!”  But the bugs are back and bed bug traps are being sold in many places.   See bed bug photos here.

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Climbup Insect Interceptor XL Bed Bug Trap

Why are bed bugs back?  A couple of theories have been suggested.  First, the common use of DDT and other insecticides in the mid-20^th century no doubt had an effect on the populations of household insects.  In the process of eliminating cockroaches and ants, we probably eliminated bed bugs as well.  Nowadays of course, DDT is banned and other insecticides are probably used less as well, at least in the home.  Another possibility is increased international travel.  Bed bugs are superb hitch hikers and can easily attach themselves to luggage and clothing, not to mention people.  And a single female may carry many dozens of fertilized eggs, all waiting to be hatched in the comfy confines of your bedroom. Find more bed bug information here. 

Climbup Insect Interceptor Bed Bug Trap

Bed Bug Detector and Monitor for Home

And what do you do once you have bed bugs?  Three approaches can be followed:  First, fumigation and/or spraying with all the hazards inherent in that approach.  Fumigants and sprays are usually not 100% effective so there is always a danger that the bugs will re-populate.   The second option is to use “bed bug traps.”  And a third approach, especially when infestations are severe, is to fumigate/spray and then use traps to catch the bugs that escape the fumigant or insecticide.  The advantage of traps is that you can maintain constant protection.  You also have the advantage of monitoring.  No need to worry if the critters are coming back – just check your traps and if there are no bugs then all is well.  And even if there are a few then it is likely that over time, you will see fewer and fewer insects as the remaining stragglers fall victim to your bed bug traps. 

Our bed bug traps review covers both new and old remedies.  Some measures are homemade and some can be purchased.  None are expensive, but some are easier and more effective than others.  Probably the most popular and effective are interceptor traps such as the ClimbUp.  Learn more.  Another promising development is the use of pheromones and other chemical attractants to bring the insects to the traps.  We will be monitoring those developments and will post all the latest advances as we learn about them.  (Note:  We have just posted information on a new advance in bed bugs control.)